apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

What exactly are the criteria for "good-looking"?

It's all very subjective, isn't it? I think those wood logs are eyesores. Do you mean "modern with clean lines"? Like Dado cubes? Bilibos? Babals?

Of course its subjective, but we can probably all agree that a Fisher Price schoolbus is not a great centerpiece for your coffeetable. Unless it's a really amazing vintage schoolbus, and you have a true flair for kitsch.

I'm finally getting my living room "put together" after moving in a year ago, and I was thinking how I'd like the decorative items to be things my son and I can both enjoy, like we both enjoy playing with the globe and hourglass that are out there right now. So I'm looking for more ideas along those lines, albeit very subjective. (I still think the twigs are cool, and maybe they would curb my son's compulsion to bring every single twig he finds into the house.)

I found another cool-looking toy, and I'm wondering if someone could pull it off as decoration.

oops meant to include this link: http://www.oliblock.com/

we recently picked up the "bikokabrac" at kiddywampus in minneapolis. my little one adores the detail in the graphics and the colors and shapes look cool and modern just thrown together in a bowl on the table (not tuperware - that's an important distinction)...putting the pieces in our vintage turquoise baking bowl definitely elevates the toy to something more. you can get them online, too, although the picture doesn't really do justice to the details. http://www.kiddywampus.com/product_p/prod.123.htm

Three books we love are: "Old Turtle" by Douglas Wood with phenomenal watercolor illustrations and a great message; "One Red Dot" by David Carter with a red dot hidden in fabulous pop-up artwork on each 2-page spread, and "Friends" by Helme Heine with a fun story and engaging/fun watercolor illustrations. I'm actually buying an extra copy of "Friends" so I can use a couple of the pages to frame and hang in our daughter's room!

"Friends" was a favorite for a long time in our house. Glad you mentioned it--I have to bring it out again.
I love the Cuboro marble runs, which our older boys (and their mom and dad!) play with. http://thewoodenwagon.com/p-CCU111.html
It isn't really a toy, but the Music Orb is stunning to look at and lovely to listen to.
http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Music%20Orb_10451_10001_34401

Oh I see, poopoo on me. Fisher-Price schoolbuses are not valid centerpieces.

The best toys are those that my daughter actually plays with, regardless of what they look like. End of story. For me, at least.