BY: Simone Borcherding
My December holiday slapped me out of serious mode and really brought out the kid in me. I spent afternoons eating soft serve with a flaky, running through the sprinkler, dancing and just being plain old silly. It was so much fun. I’ve managed to carry this childlike wonder with me into the new year even though deadlines are looming and my schedule fills up (high five to self) but I’ve had help, not only from my crazy friends, but also thanks to exhibitions such as Kartell’s flagship store opening filled with colourful plastic furniture and lighting, and Freeworld Coatings’ Kidults Exhibition where their usual little pods of inspiration surprised the (candy floss and popcorn eating) guests with colouring-in tables, brazenly bright high-top sneakers, and giant toy-like sculptures, showing how design can bridge the gap between young and old.
Playtime at the Freeworld Coatings Kidults exhibition.
Photos: Kim Bougaardt
I may be too scared to let little kids near these designer mini Louis Ghost chairs available at Kartell, but there’s no denying their fun factor.
Mr Price Home has a great children’s section. Look out for items that don’t have to be strictly reserved for the kids’ room, such as this retro car scatter (the pic was taken a while back so it may not be in stock now).
In our November 2011 issue we showed the home of Brian and Tanya Murphy, who use their childhood stuff throughout the home, such as this blind made from cowboy fabric that formed Brian’s play tent as a little boy.
On page 46 of the March 2012 issue I’ve used soft toys, made from pretty fabric offcuts, as scatter cushions to add some playfulness to a lounge setting.
Vogue Living featured an article titled ‘Fun House’, showcasing a home that outright displays toys set against bright backdrops’, instead of hiding them away in boxes.
This book by Sam Scarborough [http://www.kidsdecor.co.za/decor-books] still inspires me. As the intro says: Creative indoor and outdoor spaces for children of all ages. (Emphasis on the ‘of all ages’).
I couldn’t resist taking a photo of someone’s quirky collection of little pigs at a church sale a while back, they sure are fun.
Toy-like sculptures come together perfectly with more mature items such as the old mantle clock, as seen at The Woodlands Eatery
I am fascinated with this video of Cape Town using smallgantics / tilt shift phototgraphy to simulate a miniature scene that reminds me of kids toy world.
In my late teens my best friend introduced me to SARK’s books – filled with frivolity they still get me smiling. CREDIT: Susiesheartpathblog
Me on the swing at Greenpoint Park.
Go play!
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