Stylish storage for toys

While shopping for furniture for Aiden's room, we must have checked out the kids section in Ikea a million times in recent years.  Ikea is probably the place where most young parents first come into contact with purpose built kids furniture, and frankly, we didn't know where else to look then!

Actually, Ikea does have beautiful kids furniture but its popularity is also its biggest problem - it takes just one look to know that it is from Ikea and so many people have the same furniture!

Where can we find a storage solution for children's toys which is stylish, flexible and affordable?

The answer for us lies in Kartell, an Italian designer brand specialising in colourful plastic furniture.  We already own several pieces of its iconic designs and are familiar with its product range (we spend quite a lot of time at Space Furniture as well, where Kartell is available locally).  It was one of those days where a light bulb suddenly went off in my head and I found the perfect storage solution in its Panier occasional coffee table! 

With a wide range of eye popping colours, it is so easy to find a colour to suit any room!  We chose the Panier in light blue, which complements the blue/white striped wall, light blue Vitra Eames Elephant, white cot bed and white Kartell Lou Lou Ghost chair in Aiden's room very well.

As the Panier is translucent, you can see what toys are inside clearly, yet keep them neatly stored within its belly.  The cover is wide and round, making it easy for children to keep their toys after play.  It was really easy to encourage Aiden to throw his toys back into it, since there is no way he can miss the humongous opening! The lid also serves as a table for your kid to do some arts and craft on.  It is a coffee table after all!  So even after your kid grows up, you can still use the Panier as a proper coffee table.  Who knew Italian furniture can be value for money!

Make a design statement with the Kartell Panier table - affordable, flexible and very stylish!
 

Aiden (15 months) in his room with the Kartell Panier table.