IMPS&ELFS flagship store in Amsterdam

Last Friday I took a little trip to Amsterdam…the weather was absolutely wonderful, so I walked a lot ( 10km! ) but there is no regret. I always avoid the tourist hustle and go into more quiet parts of the city. This amazing first flagship store of IMPS&ELFS is a perfect example of a hidden diamond for me. Old garage, which is adopted to a boutique and a head office of the brand. The interior itself has all the original industrial elements which make the space so unique. 

The store was opened in 2007 by Fons Cohen who is founder of the brand, together with the creative director Jacqueline Streng . The first collection came in 1997, with a lot of dark grey and even black colours for kids! the name was Angels&Demons…which was very soon changed. The brand has had no success right away, but now they sold at about 500 high quality multi brand boutiques and department stores worldwide. They try to look from a perspective of a child….and like you can see on the pictures it doesn’t look like a kids’ fashion store at all, since IMPS&ELFS offer a wide range of kids’ deco products too. I just couldn’t leave the space….

pictures from  IMPS&ELFS store  in Amsterdam  / Sloterkade 41-44

the Good Design kids products - Actus store - Japan

This was probably one of the longest break in blogging for me, 3 weeks. I’m afraid that it will be here a little quiet time in the coming weeks, since all our energy is going into Rafa-kids at Maison&Object preparations….but I miss blogging a lot! and I hope I can bring you  more inspiration and great content very soon.

Today I would like to show you one of the most beautiful kids' furniture catalogs I have seen since ages. I found it in my post box few days ago. It was sent to us by our Rafa-kids' Japanese stockist Actus store. This little book has a lot of content that I price itself  : simplicity, playfulness and high quality producst for children: a good design. On each page, 2 images next to each other complete the story of the furniture.  Our Rafa-kids' F&R set of beds is shown next to cute, sleeping baby…should I say more? We are very proud to be presented in this unique catalogue in the other part of the world. 

We are glad to announce that RaFa kids has a stockist in Japan. 

Our beds are available at prestigious ACTUS stores in Tokyo. Rafa-kids is thrilled to have this representative partner on the other site of the world.

little break

I hope many of you already enjoy the holiday months …

Rafa-kids was working till now and prepared so many exiting things for you for the coming season. 

One of them will be a launch of a new Rafa-kids’ designs 

and attending the Maison&Object fair 4-8 September 2015 in Paris...

but first a little summer break with family and friends…

See you soon. 

photo © Paulina Arcklin | Zilalila Patch beanbag

Rafa-kids NEW > LOOKBOOK no.1

We are pleased to present our NEW > Rafa-kids > LOOKBOOK NO.1 

made in collaboration with an illustrator an graphic designer Asia Gwis /kawkadesign. 

For a long time we dreamed of having Rafa-kids’ small online book where we can present whole collection,

but we wanted to create something unique ….

I was presenting some of Asia Gwis work on the blog here : Asia Gwis already in 2011

Her playful drawings always appealed to us and that’s why we were so happy when agreed,

to make our First Rafa-kids’ online book! 

Welcome into a magic world of unique little animals playing with Rafa-kids’ furniture. 

We would like to take you into an exited journey  so please Go…and Enjoy ! 

 LOOKBOOK NO.1 

Rafa-kids’ inspiration book will also be available in a PRINT version 

and ready to be taken at Maison & Object Paris fair in September 2015. 

We are preparing much more surprises for you - so Stay tuned!

design : Asia Gwis /kawkadesign

 © Rafa-kids

children room's at thesocialitefamily

A little bicycle in the middle of a living room, collection of tiny shoes in the corridor, a wall display with all the family’s photos….small traces of children’s presence at home.  What a pity I hardly ever see it in the magazines and blogging world. Mostly we have blogs dedicated to interior deco or to kids deco separatelly….I don’t really understand why this two interior styles seem to be separated so often. Thesocialitefamily blog, which I like so much, is a wonderful example that this two worlds belong to each other and can create a real , fascinated modern family houses. Constance Gennari takes us into some unique places : 

“ The Socialite Family offers a new perspective on home design and the lifestyle of contemporary families. Whether in Paris, London, New York or Milan, these families all share their unique vision on how to harmonise family life and interior design.” 

photos credits : Constance Gennari@thesocialitefamily.com

Jane Reiseger drawing for Royal Children’s Hospital

Visiting hospital with our child is one of the experience we wish to avoid. In my architect’s practice, few years ago I was having a chance to work on a transformation of an old children’s hospital into a friendly place for the little patients and their parents. We have had many meetings with the staff, listening their needs and requests. It was very moving experience for me. The final effect wasn’t so spectacular as the Royal Children’s Hospital I’m showing you, but it was simple and colourful too. 

I think it is very important to spread the good examples of how to create such a spaces. Jane Reiseger, an artist from Australia, was working on this project for an entire year! I really adore the world she has created in her drawings, with animals and floral patterns. Children like nature so much and sometimes during a long stay at the hospital, they miss the fresh air and playing outside the most. I wish investors/architects to put effort into creating such a beautiful and children friendly hospital interiors. 

Rafa-kids desk in boy's room - Australia

We were so excited to see this amazing kids’ workspace created by Jacinda Malloy with Rafa-kids’ K desk! Jacinda is an Australian interior designer, sharing her work and inspiration on her website Hidesleep.  This unique room belongs to Benij, who lives with his parents and two twin brothers in Malvern, Victoria. Can you guess what is his favourite color ? of course …Blue. The pin board next to Rafa-kids’ desk gives the space such a fresh splash of colour.  The rug with a strong pattern complets this cosy and modern space. Pin board is custom made by Alandem.  There is more custom made elements in Benij’s room. The hand painted compass on the wall is hand painted by artist Jane Reiseger. Jecinda’s aim was to create a boy’s room with meaningful elements for him. Benij is interested in the world, travel and learning. All the little elements make this space unique and reflect his personality. 

You can read and see all the story of this lovely  room ( and much much more )  in Mintymagazine : 

mintymagazine

photo’s : redrabbitphotography