In mid-March, 2024, we introduced our latest addition to the Wigiwama collection – the Moon Chair.  With its elegant lines and soft texture, the Moon Chair is a cosy place to curl up with a book, to daydream or just unwind after a busy day. It comes in two signature Wigi fabrics (GRS® certified corduroy produced from recycled PET bottles and OEKO-TEX® certified teddy fabric) and consists of 3 separate modules. The seat is easily adjustable so that everyone in the family can enjoy it as a chair or a lounger. Curious about the creative minds behind Wigiwama's new products? Meet Mark Litvyakov, our product designer, who shared some insights and philosophy behind designing children's furniture.

Mark, how did you start your journey with Wigiwama?

Initially I joined Wigiwama as a photographer, shooting its very first collection. Some time later I took on a role as a product designer, where my education and experience in design came in handy. And I'm still the one behind the camera when we need new images for our collection.

How do you come up with new products?

For me, generating ideas is a mixture of observation and research. Personally, I am inspired by architecture and design. I am a fan of mid-century modern, and I love the classic Italian villa interiors of the 60s. At the same time, I value Scandinavian minimalism and the Bauhaus concept. I'm also a parent myself, and spending time with my family and watching my child grow up also gives me a burst of creativity, as well as a good understanding of children's needs. Sometimes new ideas come based on our existing products, and sometimes I come up with completely new concepts, like the Moon Chair.

What is the general idea behind the products you design? 

I believe that children's furniture should not only be functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. I mean, if your child takes a Wigiwama item from the playroom into the living room, it won't look out of place in the overall interior. I think you have noticed that most of our products can also be used by adults. So I would sum up the idea in three words: functionality, aesthetics and versatility.

What is the process between the idea and the final product? 

The whole creative and production process is always a team effort. We research, brainstorm and sketch a lot until the idea becomes a tangible concept. Then comes the prototyping phase, where we test each prototype for functionality, safety and durability until we're satisfied with the result. Choosing the right materials used to be one of the most challenging steps of the whole process for me, as they had to be aesthetic, practical and durable. But this is no longer an issue as we source high quality, non-allergenic and certified fabrics for the covers. We do our best to consider every detail and every aspect of use – most of our products have a zip opening, so the cover can be easily removed and washed to keep the furniture fresh.

 Do you think kids' furniture always has to have a playful design? 

Not necessarily, if you mean stereotypical design with mainstream cartoon characters and loud colour combinations. While this design also has its place, I prefer a more minimalist and timeless approach where the colours are vibrant yet calm, the lines are simple and clean, and the fabric is pleasant to the touch. By opting for aesthetic design, we are still stimulating children's creativity and imagination without visually overwhelming them and our homes. And I believe that good taste is something that can be cultivated from a very young age.

What is your favourite part of designing new products? 

I love the initial phase, but once the product is finished it is truly rewarding to see the collection grow and all the elements complement each other. Say, you can combine the Moon Chair with the Cloud Pouffe to create the cosiest lounge in the house, or add it to a Wigiwama Playset so your little one can use more modules to build the castle of their dreams. As well, I love seeing pictures of our products in real homes, the joy and excitement it brings to children and families – that's when I feel our mission as a brand is fulfilled.