Bronto chairs by Modernseed.

MODERNSEED
So, you have the clothes, the accessories, and even the burp cloths. What about furniture? Parents looking for high-quality furniture and décor will get an eyeful without the cutesy products of yesteryear at Modernseed, a fast-growing online retailer out of Oakland, Calif.

According to founder Melissa Pfeiffer, “We believe that children and their spaces have become an integral part of the home, not just a dedicated space in a small percentage of homes, mostly contemporary. These homes are typically more open, shared spaces where everything is apparent.” Despite the conviction about modern furniture, Modernseed began with a dress. Pfeiffer wanted simple, easy, and comfortable dresses to get her daughter through her pre-school phase.

Although not a seamstress, she admits, “I made contrast T-shirt dresses with great fabric on the skirt sections. I made one after the other until I designed an entire set. This wasn’t the first time I’d struggled to find just the right products for my kids. Living in a contemporary home furnished with design classics, I was constantly on the lookout for clothing, furniture, and toys that reflected my family’s aesthetic. What I needed was a single source that specialized in contemporary designs for children, easily accessible to everyone. I decided to take the concept to the web and create a store— not just any store—I wanted to create the resource for All Things Modern for the Mini. The seed was planted.” This summer, Modernseed plans to offer the first of a series of design studio workshops for kids interested in the design arts. The first project will be to design a chair. www.modernseed.com

Cart and stacking boxes by Imadethat.

IMADETHAT
Lastly is a company called imadethat that puts the very creation of the product into the tiny hands of children. With very easy-to-follow instructions, safe and smooth materials, and a promise of fun with Mom or Dad, the small group at imadethat offers kits for budding builders. From a tool box or toy caddy, to a step stool or table, the products are simply and cleverly designed for little fingers. The pieces fit together like a puzzle and are secured with pegs and glue—no screws or nails.

Founder Stephanie Wieber received a set of power tools as a gift one day and decided to put them to use in her kitchen. She was so proud of the window seat and table she created, and wished she had learned those skills at a younger age. Needless to say, imadethat came to life. She and partner Jennifer Humberston appreciated great design, but they were not designers. They enlisted the help of a highend furniture designer out of Minneapolis and put their marketing and advertising background to play to sell their idea. They held focus groups with parents and kids and found they were on the right track. www.imadethat.com

Amongst the many up-and-coming design groups mentioned is a host of others popping up from home and small offices across the country. More people, even those with no formal design training are expanding their tastes and styles into lucrative careers. Are they one-hit wonders? Only time will tell, but for now, the trend towards carving out a balanced aesthetic for both the grown-ups and the little ones alike is on the rise.