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The 21st Annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair - A Children's Furnishings Report Children's manufacturers were not as well represented at this International Contemporary Furniture Fair (May 16-19, 2009) than in previous years (blame the economy), but those present put forth collections that were multi-functional, true to the designers' modern aesthetic, and eco-friendly. Many of the products were designed to segue effortlessly from the childhood nursery into a teen's room - and beyond.
HIGHCHAIRS & CRIBS: LEANDER Homebase: Princeville, QC, Canada DESIGNERS of Leander's Tulip division: Antonio and Michele DeBonis Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer Leander modern infant and children's pieces have curved lines and multi-functionality. The DeBonis' Tulip group brings a playful note to the collection.
Outstanding pieces: In addition to this crib's good looks, it can be moved from room to room easily thanks to large wheels. One other perk: If you look at the left side of the crib you'll see embossed shapes. Separate flower forms in bright colors can be snapped on so a buyer has the option of customizing the piece to match the nursery's décor. Tel: 514-494-6786 E-mail: Dom@natartfurniture.com
FURNITURE: DUCDUC Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: The ducduc design team Wholesale prices: Contact manufacturer The MasonGray collection, produced in the company's Connecticut factory, brings a new look to this manufacturer's clean, modern designs. Employing environmentally friendly manufacturing and old world techniques, the ducduc team reaches back in time to familiar, classic shapes and freshens the pieces with unexpected finishes and color combinations.
Outstanding pieces: The chest and daybed's tactile surfaces and refreshing colors make them ideal in a children's room - or any room for that matter. Tel: 212-226-1868 ext. 1 E-mail: Info@masongrayco.com
IGLOOPLAY LISA ALBIN DESIGN Homebase: Brooklyn, NY DESIGNER: Lisa Albin Wholesale price for Toy/Chaise: $425 You can't call yourself green if you're purchasing kids' furniture that ends up in the garbage. That won't happen with Albin's pieces. Not only are they attractive and multi-functional, but they're constructed maintaining sustained yield forestry practices. All the veneers, stains and adhesives are less than 50 percent of the OSHA allowances and are low HAPS compliant.
Outstanding piece: Who doesn't need more storage? This Toy/chaise made of birch ply, offers space to stow toys and whatever, as well as a seating surface that comes with a comfortable sculptural backrest for sitting up or lounging. Tel: 718-228-9647 E-mail: Info@iglooplay.com
OFFI & COMPANY Homebase: Corning, NY DESIGNERS: The Offi design collective Wholesale price for Doodle Drawer Desk: $125 The design collective at Offi shares a similar goal: to create "simple, beautiful, and practical furnishings that address the modern urban lifestyle."
Outstanding piece: The Doodle Drawer Desk resembles an old fashioned school desk, but it's comfortable, has a pull-out drawer under the seat, and it looks great too. Tel: 800 958-6334
WALLPAPER: LIZZIE ALLEN Homebase: London DESIGNER: Lizzie Allen Size: 21.5" wide by 11 yards long; Wholesale prices: approximately $470 per roll Surface designer Lizzie Allen launched her first international collection of hand screened wallpaper at ICFF. Allen's patterns depict life in England with charming illustrated scenes such as "Changing Guards at Buckingham Palace," "Red Buses and Black Cabs," and "Telephone Box." The designer is a fan of 1950's textiles and the spaced motifs and vibrant colors of that period are evident in her witty collection.
Outstanding product: "Red Buses and Black Cabs" travel the streets of London in this whimsical, freshly colored design. The print is great for one "feature" wall in a kid's room. Tel: +44 (0) 7947 474928 E-mail: Lizzie@lizzieallen.co.uk
Originally published June 18, 2009
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