International Design Excellence Awards 2009

A Los Angeles-based line of children's furniture, which just launched in Canada, has been selected as a finalist for a 2009 International Design Excellence Award.

Created by Muu, the Sam collection is made from new and recycled wood products from environmentally friendly sources. It's already a hit with parents, say the few GTA-area retailers who carry it.

Christian Imler, co-owner of Toronto's Ella + Elliot, says that although the Sam crib has just recently been put on display, he has already had a number of inquiries.

Strong magnets hold the removable panel in place, meaning designs can easily be changed as the child grows or another sibling comes along. Better still, the crib can be converted to a toddler's bed, using a kit purchased separately.

As well as the cribs, dressers, storage units, twin beds and night stands can all be customized from hundreds of designs and personalized with names up to 10 characters long in a choice of fonts. The crib, made of solid maple, poplar and recycled wood fibre MDF, is finished with a non-toxic lacquer finish.

Gina Garcia, who opened Dream a Little Dream Baby Boutique in Markham a few weeks ago, can't say enough about the Sam line.

"I love the line," says Garcia, whose store specializes in organic and eco-friendly baby products.

The crib sells for about $1,400; additional panels are $120 and the toddler kit retails for between $240 and $265.