The other day, my sister and I were wandering aimlessly around Forest Park (IL), and spied something cute in a window, so we followed the cuteness and found ourselves in the most wonderful place I had seen in a while.
Binth. It’s fun to say, and it’s chock full of design goodness.
I was particularly drawn to their stunning graphics on products that ranged from framed family trees to wall art to baby books- oh! The baby books. Do you know how hard it is to find a good baby book? These are beautiful.
And look at this little buddy – no, not Beckett. The dachsund. Created by Sarah Steedman of Scrappy Nation. He’s indicative of the other products they carry – that round out the Binth products beautifully in the shop. (These other products aren’t available on their website.)
Binth began in 2005, a collaboration between Creative Director Suzanna Bierwirth, and some other folks who have since moved on. Suzanna is from Germany with a background in photography and design, and has continued her vision with different creative partners over the past 7 years.
They opened their studio and storefront on Dec. 1, 2011 in a beautiful old Masonic meeting hall on Madison Street in Forest Park. If you’re not familiar with the area, this strip might very well be the coolest place in the suburbs.
Binth matching game
She’s cool. She’s passionate about the items in her shop, and takes care to explain each piece, and talk up the other artists’ work. Her love for these items is infectious. Check out this mobile – she had just put a couple of these up and they are fragilely beautiful and playful simultaneously.
Whirligigs by Jess Panza of Verre
I love the sophisticated, modern style of their products that appeals to both children and adults, which is something Suzanna mentioned to me that influences her.
Their one-of-a-kind prints are layers of their artwork combined to make original pieces that are perfect for kids’ rooms. Can’t you picture three of these in a line over your kid’s desk?
Jijibut – wooden Japanese toy
And then look at this genius: family tree prints that can either be calligraphied or left blank and enjoyed as is.
How could your kids not be positively influenced by being surrounded by all this amazing design?
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You find the best stuff! Love the baby book too!
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SO cool! Love it all. I like the natural wood shelf too!
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