IMM Cologne 2011: Richard Lampert – Kids Only

Eric Degenhardt presents his new Tur-Tur. In the foreground the new kids In-Out lounger

Eric Degenhardt presents his new Tur-Tur. In the foreground the new kids In-Out lounger

Richard Lampert is no newcomer to the world of kids designer furniture: products such as the Eiermann Children’s desk – a reduced, child friendly version of the Egon Eiermann table frame – or the Turtle kids swivel chair by Peter Horn having become established family favourites.

However, irritated by the general lack of high quality, designer furniture available for children, Richard Lampert decided to initiate his own range – with the help of a wonderful array of young international design talent.

And so it came that to pass that the new Richard Lampert “Kids Only” range was officially launched at IMM Cologne 2011.

Like an indoor tree-house “Tur-Tur” by Eric Degenhardt reminds us a lot of the Bouroullec’s 2000 Lit Clos concept piece.

Just for kids! Which is obviously no bad thing.

In 2010 we threw a huge fit over the seemingly endless stream of “high chair” pieces we were being confronted by at design fairs and student shows.

Tur-Tur however appeals to us because unlike all the other works we’ve seen which are intended for adults looking to re-find their inner child: Tur-Tur is for real kids.

High up above the adult world kids not only have their own space in which to develop – but also that wonderful feeling of being allowed to do something special, something that only you can do.

Which as a kid is unquestionably one of the most liberating feelings.

In addition the steps can be used for hanging things on and over, there is storage space on the back and one can also “camp” under it.

Degenhardt’s fantastic 2008 “In-Out” lounger has also been re-sized for children.

We obviously didn’t test it – but it does look every bit as good as the adult version.

Dutch wunderkind Bertjan Pot, meanwhile,has produced – in our opinion – one of his best works in recent years with the tyre shaped bean bag “Pit Stop”.

Rocker by Doshi Levien - winner of a Best of Best, Interior innovation Award 2011 Best of

Rocker by Doshi Levien - winner of a Best of Best, Interior innovation Award 2011

It might not be the most innovative piece he has created; but it is without question the most functional and most practical piece he has created in recent years.

A real highlight of the collection for us however is Rocker by London design studio Doshi Levien.

Formally reminiscent of Walter Papst’s Rocking Sculpture – Rocker is a much simpler, much more interactive design which we’re certain the average child will not only use for gently rocking forward and backward on.

Rather as a general instrument for exploring and testing.

And for adults, the mix of wood and plastic not only give Rocker the allure of being some forgotten 1970s Danish design classic – but means that it won’t look out of place in any room of a house. Meaning the temporary appearance of kids furniture in your house needn’t interrupt your own styling concept.

All in all the Richard Lampert Kids Only collection is a well-balanced and intelligently compiled range.

And more importantly one that, for us, has set the bar in terms of designer kids furniture just a little higher.

Through the keyhole: Richard Lampert introduces his new Kids Only Collection

Through the keyhole: Richard Lampert introduces his new Kids Only Collection

Richard Lampert and the Kids Only Collection designers

Richard Lampert and the Kids Only Collection designers

For us the highlight of the new Richard Lampert Kids Only collectionRocker by Doshi Levien, a

For us the highlight of the new Richard Lampert Kids Only collection: Rocker by Doshi Levien

Pit Stop by Bertjan Pot

Pit Stop by Bertjan Pot

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