Good Design from Birth
At Obelisk Home, we love kids and enjoy having them part of our design world–learning from their innate wisdom and watching them grow. Seeing the world through a child’s eyeis one of the greatest joy’s in life, and why we advocate exposing kids to great design from the get-go.
Admittedly, some of our motives benefit the adults in the room, but all of our reasons for getting good design and children acquainted when they are babies are ultimately better for all. Studies show that exposing children to art, museums, theater, dance and well designed products actually make them smarter, better critical thinkers and even nicer, with a heightened sensitivity and greater empathy for others.
We also know that children that experience a higher level of design develop a more discerning appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. They learn to care for and respect their belongings, their environment, and possibly even want less “disposable stuff” as adults.
There are practical ramifications to having well designed kids spaces as well. By avoiding the low quality kids-theme product, bedding, furniture, and décor– you can invest in longer lasting, quality décor. Buy once; buy for life. Children living with well-designed furnishings and décor benefit from the continuity, ease and even a “greater sense of peace.” Imagine no overly stimulating colors and clutter. No kid-zones or adults-only living spaces. With today’s durable fabrics and finishes, down-sizing and tiny house living, there is less reason to segregate the household.
The secret to introducing a higher level of design to children can easily begin with functional items. Bookcases with bins hide disorder and give children independence, as well as access to their things. Cabinets and cubbie holes conceal chaos and contain the inevitable kids gear-backpacks and sports equipment. A neutral swivel rocker with a cute changeable pillow will be in style for years.
It is no secret, taking the design high road benefits design driven adults. Enjoy a life without loud primary colored walls, unnerving amounts of plastic products, scratchy low-thread count sheets and tiresome theme designed décor. Seeing the world through world through a child’s eye is amazing—but it is also a responsibility, like providing a nutritious diet. So let’s feed them the good stuff right from the start.