Habitat Kid

IMAGINE: The Ice Cream Cone

Last week the weather was so incredible that ice cream trucks started popping up all over the city – a welcome sight for little ones. The ice cream cone has an interesting history...it was first introduced at the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri held in 1904. Children attending the fair were the first ones in the world to try them and I'm sure it was an instant hit. According to America's Library, the story goes that when the ice cream vendor ran out of paper cups and spoons, he put the ice cream in a rolled up waffle that the man in the next booth was selling and "the cone" was born, quite by accident. I hope this photo inspires you to indulge in some ice cream this weekend, but please promise me you'll try to look a bit more excited it about than these two...

Photo by Mike Disfarmer – Unidentified woman and child, 1939-46 // via Fans in a Flashbulb

LEARN: England Run Library

I have a sweet spot for teenagers, so I was happy to see a special space designed just for them in this library located in Stafford, Virginia. Designed by The Lukmire Partnership, the space feels private from the rest of the library with the hope that it will encourage teens to stay and read awhile. A cozy reading spot pierces the separating wall and the shelves form an interesting undulating wave design. There is also an adjacent lounge complete with vending machine so that teens can socialize without bothering others.

via American Libraries

PLAY: Mod Play Cottage

Reasons I like this playhouse:

1. It's a playhouse.

2. It's gray.

3. It can be disassembled and stored flat.

4. It is undeniably Scandinavian.

5. It has cool handle type thingys.

6. There's a cute kid inside.

I'm waiting anxiously for designer Minna over at Time of the Aquarius to reveal more details about when and where to buy on her blog! I'll keep you posted...

PLAY: England Makes Space for Play

A recent poll conducted by Natural England found that less than ten percent of children today spend their playtime in nature, down from 40 percent only a generation ago. So where do kids play now? Mostly indoors at home with supervising adults close by, according to this article. This has spurred organizations such as Savlon and Play England, in conjunction with Natural England, to get kids outside by launching an interactive map which helps families find great places to play outdoors where they live. Search by location, or just zoom in on the map to find submitted locations around England where children love to play. Users can find everything from traditional playgrounds to farms to natural playscapes, complete with ratings and the option to submit your own favorite place, post photos and comments. It's so nice to see something practical like this founded by organizations who care about preserving children's rights to play. Now, how about the rest of the world?

Image courtesy of The Telegraph

ENJOY: Lighting from Sonia Verguet

These colorful and unique lights are just the sort of thing that would turn an ordinary kid's room into an incredible one. The lights are made from recycled lamp shades and are made to order by French designer, Sonia Verguet. Customers can request the number of lamp shades and colors - I love the changing colors on this one!

EAT: Napkins from Coral & Tusk

Happy Spring everyone! I thought I'd start off the week with some darling cocktail napkins from Coral & Tusk. I love all of their products for children, but these napkins are so perfect for a spring lunch! Maybe a little picnic? Things like this make even a simple meal seem extra special. And I'm pretty sure these baby animals would charm even the pickiest little eater into staying at the table for a few extra moments. :)

ENJOY: Wallpaper from Abigail Edwards

British designer Abigail Edwards has some amazing wallpaper designs - each was first hand drawn and then printed by one of the few remaining wallpaper printers in the UK. Inks are hand mixed, water based and non-toxic. Great designs for a boy's room or a shared bedroom.

SLEEP: Bunk Bed Ideas

For some reason I've been thinking about bunk beds lately, which is strange seeing as how I only have one child... Bunk beds are by no means a new concept, but I found lots of creative designs that I wanted to share with you. You just can't beat the space saving benefits of having one in a shared room!

#1: Double Up. Got a vacation house with limited space for people to sleep? Grandkids that need beds when they come to visit? Two bunk beds placed next to each other is a great option and looks like a single unit. (I envy whoever gets to sleep in this peaceful room with an incredible ocean view!)

Image courtesy of Scala and Romano Interiors

#2: The modern statement piece. The unique curves and ladder placement of this Wave 2 bed from Mimondo might make you feel like you're sleeping in a futuristic treehouse.

#3: The secret hideout. This bed doesn't show a mattress underneath, but it could easily work with one to make it a bunk bed. The whole thing seems like a cozy place to sleep and a fun place to play.

Image courtesy of mimolimit

#4: The nesting beds. My friend Emily with triplets is in serious need of something like this! With the sliding track system, it looks much easier than trying to stuff away a trundle bed - and there are THREE!

via All-Dreaming

#5: The hideaway bed. This is such a great solution for a shared room with limited play space. The Murphy-bed concept would work so well and the hinged ladder lays flat against the bed making it even more compact.

via All-Dreaming

#6: The loft bed. Yes, I realize it's not technically a bunk bed, but it's so great! A huge sleeping space upstairs and tons of space downstairs for play, storage and studying.

via Every Little Thing Inspired

#7: The hobbit bed. For your own little Frodo and Sam. You know, just in case you have a hobbit house in the woods somewhere.

Found via Pinterest

#8: The modular bed. Cute colors, cabin-like features and the ability to create different configurations make this Aalto + Aalto bed feel fresh and modern.

via Grassroots Modern

#9: The hanging bed. I remember seeing this room in Dwell magazine accompanied by a great article about how the owner made it herself out of simple parts from Ikea and Home Depot, I believe. Looks so awesome.

via woovaa

#10: The bed that looks like a cabinet. Sleek and easy on the eyes! I like how this one doesn't feel heavy and bulky even when the beds are folded out.

via woohome

#11: The quad bed. A custom made set of four - mostly I just love the wood paneling and the bedding. :)

via superkul inc. architect

ENJOY: Pillows from anaïs&I

anaïs&I is fast becoming one of my favorite brands of kid's clothing - I just about died when I saw some of their sweet spring dresses at Koh's Kids in Tribeca today. Just when I thought that Liberty of London prints couldn't get any better... Sigh. I am also loving their new line of home goods. This season is a series of illustrated balloon animals screen printed onto 100% linen pillows. I think my favorite is the purple bunny - how about yours?

PLAY: Barbara Butler Tree Houses

Barbara Butler has been creating one-of-a-kind play houses and tree houses for children all over the country since 1987. Her huge portfolio consists of some celeb clients and many others who recognize a need for children to have a special place to call their own. I love Barbara's philosophy behind her designs: "Create a great backyard play structure that’s an outdoor playroom. Make it beautiful to look at and strong enough for the whole family to play on it. Spark the imagination and encourage kids to turn off the TV and computer, and go outside to play!" Here is only a small sampling of her amazing work (I really mean it when I say she has a HUGE portfolio!)