Meet Our New Collection with the Coolest Design Mom Around

No baby could ask for a better jumpstart on style than the adorably-named Ever, the toddler daughter of design star Leanne Ford. Until now, that is. As we launch Leanne Ford for Crate and Kids—a collection of playfully high-design furniture and accessories for the mini set—we asked Ford to weigh in on her creative process and philosophies as a new(ish) parent.

Who did you design this collection for—little ones or grownups?

The reality with baby things is that we the adults are the ones who have to pick it and live with it, so I made a line that adults would love and be proud to have in their homes, too. But it’s still kid-friendly, joyful, comfy and cozy. And cool!

What’s the palette like?

It’s all neutral tones, warm whites, woods and blacks, with layering pieces in a beautiful dusty suntan pink and a true indigo blue.

Which pieces are your favorites?

I’m in love with the Snoozer glider. After having a newborn I changed my whole perspective on a rocking chair. It has to have the right pitch, fabric, arm height, the right swing, and it can’t move when you stand up with a (finally) sleeping baby. All this and it needs to look beautiful as it’s a focal point in the home. I think we really accomplished that! And the crib is a stunner. I wanted to create something simple and classic that would stand the test of time, and also look modern and cool.

What’s your style when it comes to kids’ decor?

I have never been accused of being “practical” in design, so that was a learning curve. After I had a baby I realized with kids, function needs to outweigh form. But if you can find a way to combine both worlds then you have a real win! I made a better rocking chair and footrest from my experience as a mother, and I also realized you need tons of easy and pretty storage to throw everything in.

What are Ever’s favorite pieces in the collection?

She loves to go for rides on the rocking chair, and now that she’s older, she rocks herself and we pretend like we are out on a ship at sea. And I drew the heart that we use for the mirror, so she better like that one! Plus, she loves the footrest/storage/drum.

Tell us your thoughts on gender-specific vs. neutral decor for babies and kids.

This was also a learning curve for me as a designer and as a mother. Before, I always thought everything should be totally neutral, but as I prepared my daughter’s room and as I started buying her clothes I realized I wanted hints of sweet and girly in there to tie it all together. She wears plenty of blue but with a headband or something like that. I think the mix of neutral with some touches of color feels right.

What were you like as a kid, and what are the great things about childhood that you wanted to capture in this collection?

Oh I loved my room, I redecorated it all the time, moving furniture and playing with it. In 8th grade my mom and I did a full decoration—pink-and-white striped wallpaper, wicker furniture. I was really living! To me, childhood is about freedom of expression and creativity, safety and joy and lightness. I hope my line reflects that.

What role does music play in your life as a mom to Ever?

Music is always on in our home, and it’s one of my favorite art forms, so I really wanted to represent that in this line. Ever’s current album favorite is “There Goes Rhymin’ Simon” by Paul Simon. She starts bobbing along as soon as it comes on. That and all things Bob Dylan. Teach ’em young, right? She also loves country. So, proud Mom over here!

How do you want kids and their grownups to feel about the collection?

I want them to feel excited to find it! Like, “Yea! Kids’ stuff that grownups will enjoy staring at!” I want the line to inspire kids and adults alike to have fun, because design is not precious but it sure can be cute.