These folks have a good eye. In the last five years, we've seen many children's shops pop up online, and some have sold clean, simple design born of a wave of optimism and belief in a "fresh start" that reminds us of Apple Computer in the late 80's. Modernseed is one of the good ones.

"Modernseed A beginning, the sprouting of something fresh, super-cool and hip. The starting point in a lifestyle rich in design knowledge and well-conceived, functional products. The place to find modern stuff for modern kids. This is Modernseed."

We admit that we're a sucker for this sort of can-do optimism.

Modernseed is similar to many of the other modern furniture shops, except that it is aimed at children.

They sell everything you could imagine: beds, bedding, seating, rugs, tables, storage shelves.... but the vibe is bright, cheery and childlike without being cutesy, cutesy. All the best well known designers are here, including Noguchi, Emeco, Eames, Adams, Inhabit, Offi, to name just a few. They have also added furniture for the parents as well.

We like the Dwell crib bedding set ($300), the colorful Blu Dot drawers ($449), and the cool mini drawer desk ($99). They keep things fresh and current, adding new products each season.

(Re-edited from 2004-10-12 - MGR)

Store Mentions

• Modernseed