Who: Areaware – New York, NY

What: Bow Bin Wastebaskets

Where: Areaware – $36 – $48; available for pre-order.

Why We Love It: At first sight we weren’t quite sure what to think of the new Bow Bins by German designer Cordula Kehrer for Areaware featured at the ICFF this year, but sometimes the story and the concept sells it for us.

The waste bins are produced by the indigenous people of the Philippines through the fair trade Preda Foundation. The foundation’s main objective is to help abused women, indigenous people, alleviate poverty and protect the environment by supporting micro-credit and fair trade initiatives. Creating these waste bins is one of those initiatives.

The Bow Bins are available in five different styles and are made of sustainably harvested rattan and reclaimed plastic bins destined for landfills. What is so interesting about about this piece is the juxtaposition of the of man-made brightly colored plastic and the natural rattan, as the rattan wraps in and out of the plastic it seems almost as if the natural environment is being reclaimed in the way an uninhabited city returns to nature.

Who: Argington – Brooklyn, NY
What: Sahara Dresser
Where: All Modern Baby – Limited time offer – Buy One Get One Free!!! 2 for $495!!

Why: So perhaps that is excessive use of exclamation points, but this really is a pretty amazing deal. Two modern, quality crafted, eco-friendly dressers for just $495… pretty, pretty, pretty good.

We deeply appreciate the Argington philosophy to make furniture and bedding conscientiously and to minimize its environmental impact. And would like to add their commitment to making functional and fashionable furniture as evident with these dressers. They have clearly thought out the function and lifecycle of the product starting as perhaps a changing table for baby with three convenient drawers. Or for the nursery that is tight on space, simply stack the dressers for more efficient storage. And the design suits kids from 1 to 92 – would even make for a convenient buffet…

The dressers are made from renewable and sustainably harvested solid birch wood and low VOC FSC certified birch plywood. All glues, stains and finishes are HAP free, 100% non-toxic and are low VOC and formaldehyde free. The production facilities where Argington’s furniture is manufactured employs lean manufacturing systems and techniques that reduce waste and energy, making it an energy efficient environment.

Who: Shimna – New York, NY

What: Liffey Bed

Where: Shimna – $3000 & up

Why: We first discovered Shimna at last year’s ICFF show and were instantly taken in by Liffey Bed. They somehow manage to create rustic pieces that are refined, elegant and modern. The Liffey Bed is a cross between a captains bed and a platform bed – maximizing otherwise lost space beneath the bed by inserted four angled drawers concealed underneath so as not to compromise the sleek spartan profile of the platform bed.

The headboard is made from one gorgeous slab of walnut that exposes all the natural beauty of the wood grain – which is really the focal point of their designs. Click to continue »

Who: Tegu; Norwalk, CT

What: Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks

Where: Tegu.com – $50 – $125

Why We Love ‘Em: The classic wooden block just got a whole lot more fun! These innovative Tegu blocks combine the beauty of the classic wooden block with the ‘magic’ of magnets. So you can completely defy gravity creating Wright-esque cantileversand dynamic forms from the wheels of a racecar to the petals of a flower.

The blocks come in cubes, long planks and short planks. Each is made from FSC-Certified tropical hardwoods including huesito (an abundant species native to Honduras), beech and a limited edition set made of mahogany. Click to continue »

Who: VersAudio; Wayland, MA
What: iPod Nano & iPhone Cases

Where: Vers Audio – $39.99 & on black friday they are offering a 50% off special with coupon code vers50!

Why: You were the first to get and iPod, the first to get an iPhone and the first to clumsily chuck them on the sidewalk…oops. But have no fear, now you can get a ‘beautiful, tough and very renewable’ case to protect your ‘precious.’

The Vers cases are handcrafted from your choice of sustainably sourced hardwoods or mature bamboo. Steel pins in the corners and a UV and moisture resistant finish provide added strength and protection.

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Who: Bloom

What:
Bloom Coco Baby Lounger

Where:
Modern Nursery – $199

Why: Perfect lounger for design savvy parents who want a mod rocker for their little one.The rocker has a cut-out in the seat area where the bamboo fabric seat pad is suspended to cradle your child while the self-rocking motion gently lulls them to sleep. Available in a myriad of contemporary colors and two finishes (espresso or natural) to match your contemporary style. Safe for use for children up to 26 pounds. Click to continue »

Who: Svan; Sweden

What: Svan Toddler Scooter

Where: Amazon; $99

Why We Love ‘Em: It is impossible to avoid having your home overrun with toys once the little ones arrive, but at least with the Svan Scooter you can maintain your modern sensibilities. The sleek bent birch wood scooter will satisfy your design aesthetic while captivating your child’s imagination.

Intended as a ride along scooter, the simple design allows for creative play as the scooter becomes a horse, a race car, a truck, a pull toy or a basic tri-cycle with room on the back for their favorite stuffed toy.

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Who: MasonGray; SOHO, NY

What: Regency Bed

Where: MasonGray – $4375-$6225  (Youth Bed – $1850)

Why: This statement piece would add instant glam to the dullest of bedrooms. The bold geometries with the heavy trim add great visual appeal. Opt for high contrast with a high gloss laquered finish as with this red against white or go for a more subdued look with a matte more weathered finish. There are dozens of color pairings and finishes offered by MasonGray. Love the idea of the worn laquer look for a completely unexpected finish. Click to continue »

Who: Argington, Brooklyn NY

What: Uffizi Bunk Beds

Where: Simply Bunk Beds, $1850,  free shipping & $100 off with code: XA-8875; available in ebony, birch & white; orange is out of stock.

Why: These bunk beds will make you wish were a kid again, climbing onto your Frank Lloyd Wright inspired bunk, fighting over who gets to sleep on the top bunk, acting out dazzling puppet shows and steering your “ship” into port……

The Uffizi bunk bed works as a creative playspace and a cozy sleep space. The bottom twin bed can be arranged parallel or perpendicular to the cantilevered top bunk or removed completely for a desk space serving your kids through their formative years on into their college dorm years. And yes, $1850 may seem a bit steep, but consider it a 20 year investment piece.

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