When I saw the price for this recycled/reinvented children’s chair I had to do a double take. Did it really say £6200.00 GBP ? After looking at the price not once, not twice but three times, I was still in disbelief.  First off, I do appreciate artist made recycled items. This 50s children’s swivel chair has been revitalised by Apyrl Miller Studios with a loud mix of vintage Pucci inspired patterns. The back features hearts from a Queen of Hearts costume found at a flea market and ‘love’ ribbon framing the bottom.

But the big question is – why is something for a child and that is recycled so expensive? Yes, it does look like a whole lot of work was put into it but $US10,000 worth of work? If you do think the price is right, you can pick up this one of a kind chair right here.

What would you pay for this chair?

In some ways, the downside to my job is that I see too many baby products. While others may walk in to a baby superstore and say, “I’ll have that, that and that in the Heritage Teak, thanks”, I’m wondering about whether a $4,000 Dutch designed, polyurethane and walnut baby cot is the ultimate statement piece.

When reality kicks in and I realise that my budget doesn’t stretch to avant-garde concept furniture, it’s time to draw up a good ol’ list of what my requirements are, before finding the right match.

Last time around, I used a borrowed Moses basket for the first four months. It was pretty, light, and portable although my son soon started scratching on the wicker. Not the most pleasant noise at 4am.
Hammocks look fantastic and are apparently great for settling – but installing a suspended version from my ceiling would probably not be welcomed by my landlord. As for the ones on a stand – well, I have a two-year-old who doesn’t know his own strength.

I love the look of the Seed and Cariboo wood and canvas cradles, but they don’t rock and aren’t on wheels. There is something quite lovely about putting your newborn to sleep in whatever room you’re in, especially during the babygaze phase when you’re too worried to take your eyes off them lest they are kidnapped by pixies.

So in the end, I went for a solid, rocking cradle on wheels, a larger size that would give at least 4-6 months use, during which time I could transition my son out of his converted cot and into a Big Boy Bed.

It’s standing forlornly in our sunroom. I will make room for it sometime in the next 10 weeks, just not right now, OK?

Update from last week: after a few goes at standing on my head and a vigorous yoga session, I think baby may have moved 180 degrees, so getting closer to head down, bum up! Never under estimate the power of humiliating body contortions.

If Marilyn Manson ever had a baby, I’m guessing this is what it would sleep in.

Made by artist Shi Jinsong, the Na Zha cradle features sharpened blades for rockers and a gruesome stainless steel mobile.

Don’t worry though, it all appears to be in the name of art. More of Jinsong’s work can be found here.

[Via Gizmodo AU]

The folksy dream-catcher has been given a whimsical makeover by Lulu Carter. Each hoop is embellished with delightfully unique fabrics and embellishments including a little cloth bird.

Available in a range of colours, the dream catchers are $AU90 at Lulu Carter.

Style bible Apartment Therapy have launched a “Smaller, Cooler” competition on their kid’s blog Ohdeedoh.

Parents have been sending in their real-life examples of creating a baby or child’s space within a small area  – from sharing with aprents (above), to building a “capsule” nursery in a hallway or creating a shared bedroom for multiple children.

It’s proof you don’t need a lot of money – or space  – to create a darling environment for your little one.

Check out all the entries here.

Pillows can be boring. Square, plain and not at all inspiring. Pouf Biguette by L’oiseau Bateau is far from any of those things. Colors, dots, and an cute face make this pouf an adorable and alluring addition to any kids room. And this whimsical round cushion opens up for a more lounge like sitting option. Plus it’s from France…oh la la. You can pick up this 100% cotton pouf here for $US104.99.

The Aquadot Personalized Bookends seen above would make an amazing addition to your child’s room. They aren’t just for looks. In fact, they could also be the keeper of bedtime stories. The personalisation is free, and the bookends are available in a variety of colors. Your choice, of course.

Click on over to Bean Bear Creations to check them out.

The English Retro Style Alphabet Cards would be great for learning. However, I think their unique and gorgeous style would also make them wonderful pieces of room decor. You could frame them and make a lovely piece of wall art for your child’s bedroom, nursery or playroom.

Click on over to Bibitty’s Shop to Check them out.

Not only are these pieces stylish, they’re all under $900 and available in Australia.

An obviously essential item for any nursery is a cot. The Ikea Hermelin has two height settings and can also convert to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides. What really makes this cot stand out from the oak-stained pack, however, is the stunning royal blue colour whihc co-ordinates with other items from the Ikea Children’s range. It’s $269 online an in-store at Ikea.

Brighten up a boy’s room with the latest trend in wall decor – removable stickers! These 8 planes by The Wall Sticker Company are simply gorgeous whether flying across the room or in formation. Each plane is 40cm in width and you can choose the colours of the planes. Even better, they are proudly made in Australia by Australian and imported components, using renewable electricity and offsetting the remainder of the carbon emissions in the full product lifecycle.

You can pick them up for $74.95 from bebe.

If your infant has morphed in to a rambunctious toddler, you can keep them safe and save space by transitioning from a cot to a toddler bed. The Oeuf toddler in walnut combines practicality with sleek design. It’s equipped with safety rails that don’t hinder a child’s ability to get in and out, ensuring your child’s new found independence is met with security and confidence. It’s available from Kido Store for $899.

Designed originally for children back in 1953 by legendary design team Charles and Ray Eames, the Eames Hang-it-all by Herman Miller took the everyday coat rack to a new place that was inventive and fun. Now firmly a modern classic, this coat rack is a cheerful addition to any home. You can pick it up for $259.95 from bebe.

We all want to give our babies the best start in life. The Seed Organic Cradle, distributed by baby baby, is a piece of furniture to treasure. From its elegant design, to the breathable organic cotton materials and natural latex breather hole mattress, it creates a wonderfully safe environment for your newborn. You can find it at eco child for $299.95.

A plain room can be completely transformed with an eye-catching rug. The Strib rug by Ikea is handwoven out of pure Woolmark wool to provide a soft, hardwearing cushion for busy infants and their many toys. The size (200cm x 140cm) will provide ample room coverage without the expense of wall-to-wall carpet. It’s available online and in-store at Ikea for $299.

Art meets function with the ingenious blackboard table and chairs by Universal Enterprises. This stylish kid sized table and stool set is just the place for budding young artists, featuring a blackboard top with a central cup for easy storage and access to chalk. It’s $139 from Urban Baby.

If you are seeking a real statement peace for your child’s bedroom or playroom, try this child-sized replica of the 1963 Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio. Play ball is a molded fiberglass shell with a fully cushioned interior, creating a private sanctuary for your little ones. This iconic chair is loved by everyone – big or small. You can pick it up for $699 from Little Nest – make sure to check out their full range of children’s contemporary furniture.

DwellStudio are mainly known for their awesome line of kids’ bed linen, but they know sell these gorgeous canvas storage bins which co-ordinate with other items from their decor range.

Whether it’s a tonne of toys, a pile of dirty laundry or freshly folded towels, these storage cubes make organising effortless and stylish. The heavy duty coated canvas bins not only make a room look great, but make cleaning up fun (well, we can wish!). They are lined with solid uncoated cotton canvas and measure up at 39cm (w) x 44cm (h) x 15cm (d).

Available at Tiny People for $AU136.00.