March 03--Oh, to be a kid again ... to play in a tepee (in your own bedroom!), nap in a flower field (or cozy floral bedding), cuddle a cactus (throw pillow, that is) ...
These flights of fancy are possible with Pillowfort, Target's new kid-centric line of linens, furniture, lighting and decor that makes us want to Benjamin Button ourselves back to elementary school age. It's that cute. Featuring more than 1,200 pieces in a variety of thematic patterns and prints -- "Ocean Oasis," "Tropical Treehouse," "Camp Kiddo" -- the collection includes everything from felted animal head wall accessories to pom-pom-adorned sheets to fun, modern lighting. (A gold Polynesian-style pineapple lamp? Yes, please.)
The line is more reasonably priced than most boutique brands -- decor and bedding ranges from $4.99 to $59.99, and furniture from $39.99 to $599.99 -- but perhaps the biggest draw is Pillowfort's balance of kid-pleasing and practical. "The challenge for moms and dads is building a room that feels like an extension of their house and incorporating the personality of their kids," says Target's senior vice president of product design and development, Julie Guggemos, in a promo video. If you've ever seen an episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," you know the interior designer's impulse is often to play up the latter (Your kid loves NASCAR? How about an all-NASCAR room replete with race-car bed!), while more or less ignoring the former (Whoops! Your child's bedroom is completely off-track, design-wise, from the rest of the house.)
What makes the Pillowfort pieces integrate so well? We chalk it up to clean lines, modern shapes and subtle sophistication, as well as a handcrafted look that's on-trend. That cactus throw pillow? It appears hand-stitched, while the "Adventure Awaits" wall decor seems hand-lettered (and so on). It's like a Pinterest board come to life -- without having to expend all the effort.
Laura Pearson is a freelance writer.
