Modern Melamine

Melamine is a great idea for kids. Virtually indestructible, the material is lightweight and can be made in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Japanese minimalist designer Naoto Fukasawa (head of his own firm, the amazing +/-0 in Tokyo) has created his own take on a set of children's dinner ware.

True to Fukasawa's pared-down design ethos, there's nothing filly about these dishes. At the same time, it's not cold or sterile; the dishes all have pleasingly curved edges and the utensils look easy to grab.

The set includes a tray, plate, soup plate, glass and utensils. Available in orange or light blue, it's formal enough to join in the table at an adult dinner party, but colorful enough to look like a kid's setting. Unica Home sells the set for $63.

Comments (5)

The only problem with melamine is that it isn't microwavable. I know I shouldn't be put off by that because I should never be microwaving leftover take out Chinese food.

But I do.

posted by sciencegeek on 2007-02-09 18:33:27

Also fun, but less minimalist...
http://loftparty.com/index.php?cPath=1_52

The French Bull monsters/robots/superheroes series.

posted by rebecca on 2007-02-09 18:41:57

microwave the foot in a glass container + serve it in these cute dishes or just use them for unheated food sciencegeek

posted by mod*mom on 2007-02-12 03:39:44

I'm always on the look out for nice melamine pieces for my boy. This summer, I bought a set of 4 little white, square condiment dishes for next to nothing (like $12?). They're PERFECT for serving snacks in... and they don't offend my decor! (o:

posted by Melissa on 2007-02-12 11:50:33

Yeah, I know I should just use them for serving dishes not for reheating. I just love the look of melamine and am merely bemoaning that it has one flaw. I don't own a dishwasher and am supremely lazy when it comes to doing dishes. If I reheat in glass and then move it to plastic, I'm going to be washing twice as much. I could use them only for cold foods, but on a limited budget, I want dual use items.

I'm the same way about clothing - I try to keep everything machine washable, tumble dryable except for super-special occasion clothing. And heaven forbid I have to attempt to iron anything.

Okay, now that I've admitted that I'm lazy and dress poorly, back to your regular programming.

posted by sciencegeek on 2007-02-13 08:59:41