The biggest names on the international design scene are turning their attention to kids, with sophisticated furniture, toy and equipment designs

After crafting furniture and objects for adults, the biggest names on the international design scene are turning their attention to kids, with sophisticated furniture, toy and equipment designs that stand on their own merits compared to big people's ranges for when it comes to style.


  

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 Photo courtesy of Marcel Wanders

Marcel Wanders

The co-founder of the Moooi design manufacturer has teamed up with Cybex, a baby and child equipment maker, to design a line of colorful accessories and furniture. The collection, called "Parents," includes a high chair decorated with a friendly face, a toy box shaped like a pig, a curved baby bouncer finished in leather, and four monster hand puppets.

Ferruccio Laviani

The "ClipClap" table, designed by Ferruccio Laviani, is a low table with a design inspired by building blocks. The legs are made from stacked blocks of transparent colored plastic and the tabletop is available with clear or "chalkboard" finishes.


 

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Photo courtesy of Nendo

Nendo

The Japanese design studio has created a children's rocking horse for Kartell. Inspired by the shape of "H beams" -- the steel beams used in construction projects such as skyscrapers and bridges -- the designers have deconstructed the beam's H-shaped cross-section, turning its upper and lower bars into the back of the horse and its rocker.

Nendo fans can also treat kids to a series of stools with smiley faces. The "Smile" collection has transparent polycarbonate legs and a top made from a thermoplastic technopolymer.


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Photo courtesy of Kartell

Philippe Starck

Kartell also makes the "Airway" swing, designed by Philippe Starck and made from transparent polycarbonate. Plus, the "Lou Lou Ghost" chair, also designed by Starck, can now be customized with a child's name, a drawing or a personal message.

 

Piero Lissoni

Italian designer Piero Lissoni has made a pair of colorful ride-on toys for Kartell, with a car and a tractor to choose from.


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Photo courtesy of Baby Utrecht

Baby Utrecht

In 1935, the Dutch designer Gerrit Rietveld created the Utrecht armchair, known for its clean minimalist lines and white stitching. A mini version now brings this sophisticated style to children, with an eco-leather finish available in yellow, red or blue. The Utrecht has been manufactured by Cassina since 1988 and is one of the 20th century's design classics.

Up

Created in 1969, the Up armchair, by Gaetano Pesce, is characterized by its generous curves inspired by the female body. With rounded shapes mirroring chest and hips, the chair is linked to a footstool -- evoking a prisoner's ball and chain -- in a stark anti-sexism statement. This iconic chair is today available in a kids' version for children aged three and over.