February 15, 2006

It's a Mod, Mod World

Okay, it's official: modern baby furniture is in, frilly pieces and wicker rockers are out. Style-wise, 21st century parents have been clamoring for gear that complements cool, contemporary living spaces. Luckily, designers have heeded the call.

Witness the latest modern marvel: the Nest bassinet from Ooba, brainchild of designers Scott Wilson and Kathleen Brandenburg, and brand strategist Dan Kraemer. Born out of the desire to create a bedside sleeping option for babies, this room-sharing solution brings peace of mind without marring the minimalist look of a grown-up bedroom.

The Eames-like, bent plywood and crisscross polished chrome bassinet, has clean lines and an uncluttered, sophisticated look. Available in walnut or maple veneers with a white cotton slipcover, it's also sturdy and practical with integrated metal handles for easy carrying. Just the right blend of form and function – mid-century modernist ideas through and through.

Unlike so many of baby's things, you won't be in a hurry to take this one off center stage – especially since it can easily transition to toy storage. And the Nest Collection is growing too, with a crib, rocker and glider coming soon.

It's probably never too early to expose your kids to good design. After all, they'll still be sharing your space when they're old enough to decorate on their own.

Available online at ooba.com.

Still not getting the inside scoop?
Sign up for UrbanBaby Daily, your dose of hip info on where to shop, play, eat, travel and have fun with your kids. It's Free!