Many aspects of life shift when kids enter the picture. What was once your own – routine, weekends, sleep, personal space and living space – is relinquished to a tiny human. There’s a myriad of products designed to help in raising children, but as a new parent it’s hard to know which pieces are worth the investment. Minimalism is no longer an option, but we’ve tracked down nine stylish family-friendly products that complement a grown-up interior.
This friendly face adds a charming note to any setting. The much-loved modernist design duo Charles and Ray Eames developed a toy elephant made of plywood in 1945, but the piece never went into production. This scaled-down version, made of robust plastic, can be used as a child’s seat, table or toy. Or simply as a decorative object. Available in five bold colours plus black or white, select a hue for your kid’s play zone and keep its potential future use (as a quirky sculptural piece) in mind. Pick one up at Space Furniture.
Jnr Life Boom Boom round playmat – $175
Jnr Life playmats are designed in Melbourne by two mothers who saw a gap in the market for attractive kids’ furnishings. The design-conscious mats offer a cushioned base for tummy time and tumbles in the early years, then transition nicely to a playroom rug or meeting spot for toddlers and pre-schoolers. They come in a range of muted colours, and a tote bag is included for easy transportation to and from playdates and playgrounds. You can layer your mat with the equally gorgeous Jnr Play range, a series of upholstered, padded shapes for all your toddler’s rolling and climbing needs. See the full range on the Jnr Life website.
The chair that “grows with the child”, this iconic Scandinavian design has been offering a stylish seat at the table since 1972. The intelligent, adjustable design allows freedom of movement with both depth- and height-adjustable seat and footplates, meaning it accommodates kids from infancy right through school age. Made in Europe from solid beech, oak or ash, and available in numerous colours, this piece is designed to complement your adult-sized dining set-up and help kids participate in family dinners. Order via Stokke’s Australian website.
Ekobo silicon baby meal set – $62
Mealtime looks pretty good with this sleek set, which is appropriate for first-time eaters through to boisterous toddlers. A hearty suction system on the base of the bowl and plate is genius – keeping dishes firmly stuck to almost any surface. Then there’s a two-handle training cup to help transition from the bottle, and an ergonomic soft-tip spoon designed for first foods and baby-led weaning. This four-piece set comes in two modern gender-neutral colourways. Find it alongside other chic kids’ dining utensils at Ekobo.
A piece you can leave out when the guests arrive and after the children go to bed, the Mouse stool is a classic design incorporating a cute animal-inspired touch. With its simple and modern feel, the chair from Danish design brand Nofred will delight miniature users and also complement your home’s interior scheme. It’s available in a lovely grown-up palette – natural oak, white, grey or black – and Australians can pick it up via Smallable.
Liewood Samson night light – $63.90
Illuminate your child’s room with the warm glow of this adorable night light. Bright enough to help your little one see around their space, but dim enough to avoid disturbing their (and your) precious slumber, the light has a friendly teddy-bear feel that encourages night-time calm. The playful and compact design is available in rose, oat, golden caramel or whale blue, ensuring the Samson night light will suit a range of bedroom palettes and styles. Design Stuff supplies this little guy.
Kid’s Concept baby ride-on car – $25
Provide hours of fun and hone your child’s motor skills, strength and balance with this handsome ride-on car. Designed by sustainable Swedish company Kid’s Concept, which specialises in chic wooden toys and furniture, the simple Scandinavian lines and natural birch finish work with any interior. This stylish mini automobile will make the perfect gift for a special little person in your life. Stocked through Target.
Himiku blocks 10-piece set – around AU$38
Inspired by Japanese minimalism, this brilliant invention could easily double as a mini sculpture for your shelves. Thoughtfully handcrafted to stimulate creative thinking and open-ended play, these beautiful wooden blocks will look great anywhere in your home – scattered across the floor, in piles on a play surface or stacked neatly along a shelf. Available in a number of stunning colour combos, find one to suit your interior at the Himiku website.
Ecobirdy Kiwi container – around AU$615
Taking inspiration from New Zealand’s endangered native bird, this playful container subtly mirrors the kiwi’s silhouette for a toy box that also serves as a unique and modern design object for your home. Remove the magnetic beak to reveal a cavernous interior that provides plenty of space for toys and smaller items. Crafted from Ecobirdy’s exclusive ecothylene material – a recycled and recyclable plastic – the Kiwi’s sturdy design and durability makes for an excellent storage piece that can be used indoors or out. Find the Kiwi in two colours at the Ecobirdy website, which offers worldwide shipping.
“The Fit-Out” is a regular series written by interior designer Alice Freer. Each edition she brings you a curated selection of furniture and design pieces in a range of materials, colours, shapes and budgets. Think of it as a buyer’s guide for your home.
The prices in this article are correct as of September 21, 2023.
