Every aspect of a Picalow play mat and rattle is designed with a baby’s needs in mind, including the choice of fabrics from Hertex.

The Picalow collection began as a labour of love by an expectant mother. When interior designer Kristyl Best fell pregnant with her first child, she immediately began to sketch her dream nursery: a space that would evoke serenity and lightness, where she and her daughter would adore spending time together.

The biggest design challenge proved to be the floor, which is probably the most important creative and developmental space in any child’s room. Unable to find a play mat to complement her muted palette and gorgeous textures, Kristyl decided to make one herself, a process that involved long hours of experimentation.

“It had to be comfortable, so I made it padded. It had to look beautiful for years, so I chose strong luxury fabrics with a high rub-count that would launder well. I wanted it to entertain her, so the character Buster Bunny was born,” she says.

Fabrics from Hertex were lovingly chosen to stimulate sensory development: velvet for the muzzle, satin for the whiskers, vinyl for the nose, and felt-like fabric for the face. Moveable padded ears were designed to add an element of play.

The reaction from friends (and her new daughter) inspired Kristyl to realise her dream of creating a collection of luxury homeware for little ones. For the brand, she chose the nickname her father gave her when she was a child: Picalow.

For more information, visit picalow.co.za.

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The Little Playroom range of furniture, cushions and mats provides kids with a fun space in which to play and dream.

Little Playroom is the brainchild of Joburg-based designer and interior architect Daniela Sanchez. On a mission to develop compact furniture for children that is functional, affordable and cool, Daniela designed a range of tables, chairs, chalkboards and storage pieces, as well as cushions and play mats.

Up Up and Away blackboard, R510.

The furniture comes in four colours, Commando Blue, Blush Pink, Cool Grey and Snowy White; and the fabric motifs are playful and graphic.

Which designs do you find work best for children’s furniture?

The best designs are functional and adaptable, and can grow with a child. It is also important that children’s furniture does not detract from the decor in the rest of the home.

Which materials do you use?

With the current Little Playroom collection we’ve worked with a combination of solid pine and MDF, not only for their strength and durability but also because they make for more affordable products. We only use water-based paints. For the cushions and play mats we use either bull denim or 100% cotton.

What do you have planned for Little Playroom in 2018?

There are some exciting new designs in the pipeline, and we want to grow the brand.

For more information, visit littleplayroom.co.za.

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The Neobio Family Park in Shanghai sees the wildly colourful and boundaryless imagination of children brought to life through enriching playful design.

Designed by Shanghai-based architectural design firm X+Living, Neobio Family Park is an indoor amusement park located within two buildings in the Minhang District. The buildings house exquisitely designed play areas for kids made up of reading, dining and climbing areas, as well as a party room.

The main entrance leads onto the reading space, which is filled with tree- and hill-shaped bookshelves intended for children to play hide-and-seek. Grand shelves shaped like forest trees have holes in them that lead to miniature worlds of wonder. Sim’s City is a replication of a modern-day city in miniature. Kids can fill up with imaginary fuel at the petrol station, shop at a supermarket, play doctor at the hospital and run errands at the post office.

Those who are royal at heart will find their favourite spot at the Princess Cosplay Area. This space allows kids to dress up as princesses with all the accessories. The Big Child Area is a maze-like space filled with climbing racks and slides. When the tummies start to rumble, play time can be continued in the dining area, which can be easily reached by sliding down the gigantic S-shaped slide that leads to the middle of the space.

(h/t) archdaily.com

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From adorable unicorn-themed decor for kids and the Museum of Ice Cream to an architectural shelter for tourists, these are the top VISI Picks of the Week Series – Week 192. 

1. Museum of Ice Cream

“The Museum Of Ice Cream has two locations – one in Los Angeles and one in New York,” says Features Writer Amelia Brown. “I’d love to walk through these magical interiors that are simply a celebration of all things ice cream. It looks like so much fun!”

Image credit: museumoficecream.com

2. Le Haut Perché

“To encourage the exploration of Bordeaux, architects Studio Weave designed this interesting stay-over shelter in Le Parc des Jalles,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “The little abode, which is made from timber and weathering steel, sleeps up to nine people free of charge.”

Image credit: Yvan Detraz via Archdaily.com

3. A Little Lovely Company

“This aptly named company in The Netherlands designs adorable decor and accessories for the little ones in your life. There are even a few things I’d pick out for myself…” says Content Producer Mary Garner.

Image credit: alittlelovelycompany.nl

4. Swop Shop by Studio H

“The Swop Shop by Studio H is a fun event leading up to the Food Studio conference to be held in August,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “For one night on Thursday 3 August, you’ll be able to try out anything from ugly fruit jams to sea bacon popcorn – all you have to do is submit a food memory at the pop-up shop to take your pick. Head to Chandler House on 53 Church Street on First Thursdays to get involved!”

Image credit: studio-h.co.za

5. Snuggle Friends Blankets From HAUS by Hertex

“These Snuggle Friends blankets from Hertex’s range of designs for the home are just too cute,” says Assistant Editor Tracy Greenwood. “I love the classic bunny print. It would make for a welcome, cosy addition to a child’s bedroom.”

Image credit: hertex.co.za

Check out more VISI Picks of the Week Series here.

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We thought it was about time to update our list of stylish baby buys. From furniture pieces and snug blankets to rugs and toys, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite online finds for your little one.

1. Spot Compactum and Desk R5 950, Clever Little Monkey

2. Sheep Knit Blanket R549, Country Road

3. Little Hearts Wall Decal R250, Hello Dolly Designs

4. Ricecracker Plush Toy R449, Noodoll at Collerette

5. Childhome Evolu 2 Chair R2 699, Childwood at Kids Living

6. Happy Face Pillowcase R180, Hello Dolly Designs

7. Knit Owl Toy R329, Country Road

8. Grey Crib R4 200, Combelle at Collerette

9. Leander Cradle R4 350, Clever Little Monkey

10. Tubular Radial Shoes R1 099, Baby Originals at adidas

11. Charcoal Grey Cable Star Blanket R825, Baby Belle

12. Lightbox R449, Little Lovely at Kids Living

13. Grey Clouds Rug R2 999, Lorena Canals at Collerette

14. Anglaise Bookshelf R2 599, Treehouse Children’s Decor Co.

15. Ambrose Pre-Walkers R219, Shooshoos

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Looking for something cute for your little one? From toys to decor, we’ve rounded up a selection of adorable things you can shop online.

1. Toucan Overnighter R449, Country Road

2. House Shelf R299, H&M

3. Balloon Mobile R280, Flenstend at Collerette

4. Finn Fox R320, Cawi Kids & Co. at Prestwich Collection

5. Bus Coat Hanger R299, DJECO at Collerette

6. Kitty Art (A4) R229, Homie

7. Fox Plushie R140, Squiggle and Squeak

8. Hello Bokkie Wall Decal R300, Hello Dolly Designs

9. Sukie Single Quilt Cover R1 099, Country Road

10. Childhood Felt Storage Basket R699, Childwood at Kids Living

11. Lila & Pupi Nightlight R908, DJECO at Clever Little Monkey

12. “Parsley” Cat Night Light R1 350, Nest

13. Soft Sheep Toy R85, KAMERS

14. Owl Study Lamp R179.99, Mr P Home

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This new range of rugs for kids’ rooms by Lorena Canals can be washed in a conventional home washing machine.

These revolutionary machine washable rugs are handmade with natural dyes, zero contaminants, chemical fixings or toxicities. They will add a soft element to your child’s room, facilitating hours of happy and safe playing, reading and relaxation time on the floor with no compromise to comfort and style.

The extensive range of colours and patterns allows for easy combinations, with an array of different decor themes. The rugs are pleasant to the touch and when they are inevitably messed on by little hands they can be easily washed at home to be good as new.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

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Dovetail is a new Johannesburg studio creating sweet and simple furniture and decor accessories for little ones.

Architects and business partners Rochelle Derksen and Shelley James, who are both mothers, realised there was a lack of beautifully designed products for children’s rooms. “We felt there was a gap in the market for playful, well-designed kids’ furniture, which was affordable at the same time,” explains Shelley.

Each piece in the range can feature as a stand-alone design, or work together in creative ways to make a fun kids’ space. Both the furniture and accessories are locally crafted by hand.

For more information, visit their website, like their Facebook page or follow them on Instagram.

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Forget frantic last minute shopping! We’ve got a list of 15 fun gifts for little ones to make the holiday rush a little bit easier.

1. Florence and Watson (by Rob van Vuuren and Danielle Bischoff, illustrated by Lauren Fowler) R160, Lost is a Place Too

2. Bobby The Bird Chalk Board R169, Kids Living

3. Lego Star Wars Storm Trooper Head Lamp R177, Takealot.com

4. Shaun The Sheep 30cm Plush R176, Prima Toys

5. Pull Wagon R129.99, Mr Price Home

6. Animatones Headphones R299, Babarazzi

7. Monopoly Cape Town Edition R499, HASBRO at Superbalist.com

8. Shark Beach Bag R79, H&M

9. Trojan Mini Trampolini R399, Makro

10. Real Guitar R420, Collerette

11. Roald Dahl 15-Book Boxset R599, Takealot.com

12. Burger Inflatable Ball R399, Big Mouth at Superbalist.com

13. Diego Toothbrush Holder R190, Big Blue

14. Bunni Apple Dot Playtent R850, Clever Little Monkey

15. Milo Mouse Plush Toy R199.95, Woolworths

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A designer puzzle teaches kids their ABCs using fonts.

Sure we all learnt that A is for apple and B is for ball, but in the design-driven 21st century, we trust that you know C is for Century Gothic and H is for Helvetica!

Bringing design and education together is the Alphabet Puzzle by Looodus, an Italian toy and furniture company. It was started by parents Denise Bonenti, a journalist and photographer, and Kurt Stapelfeldt, a South African-born interior designer, who were tired of gaudy mass-produced plastic toys.

Made from laser-cut FSC-certified wood and available in blue, red and green, the puzzle aims to teach kids their much-needed ABC while instilling a lifelong appreciation for beautiful typography. Looodus intends to expand its range of artisanal, intelligent and stylish alternatives for kids young and old.

Available from etsy.com/shop/looodus, facebook.com/looodus

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