Split-Level Modern Dollhouse on Ebay

Have you seen this 1960's one-of-a-kind split-level dollhouse? The exterior is much more interesting than the interior, but somebody crafty could probably take it to the next level. Starting bid is $60...

Sold for $97.99

Reading Glasses

All of the cats in this miniature scene are by Leslie Frick. The cat condo is a run-of-the-mill dollhouse store buy. The living room sofa, chair, table and lamp table are by AG Minis. The bed and dresser are marked T.E. (Brownawell?) and the old school TV is a candy toy from Bandai. All of the accessories are from Re-Ment, MegaHouse and AG Minis. The pictures on the wall are from the Kaleidoscope House art accessories.

Sunny Side Up

I almost lost the egg stool (actually a small scale table from Re-Ment) to the play kitchen, but I guess I was somewhat convincing when I said that eggs with legs are not something people want to eat. The response I got was "What about chicken?"..., but they relented and let me keep the stool for myself. I'm not sure if it was an act of kindness or if they just took pity on me.

Briefly Eluding The Play Kitchen

My oldest child has a new play kitchen so I haven't had much time to do anything other than eat pretend meals made up of various Haba, Plan Toys, and Erzi foods. To be honest, I think I've had the most exotic meals of my life from wooden and felt foods.

This miniature scene is a very quick assembly. As with most little scenes I put together, there's no rhyme or reason. I'm just playing in the sandbox. You can see in the pictures that I switched the table and rug around a bit. I put this together in about fifteen minutes while holding a plate of felt ravioli and pickles...sprinkled with cinnamon. Hey, don't knock it until you try it!

Liliane Doll’s Villa LIGHT for 1:6 or Larger

I have written about Liliane’s 1:6 creations before, but I wanted to let 1:6 modern enthusiasts know that she has created a smaller version of her Doll’s Villa to be released at the end of October. This birch plywood structure with a perforated stainless steel roof is about half the size of the original Villa and is also on casters for easy mobility. I’m unsure of the pricing of this house. The original was about $2,000 so this smaller one may cost roughly half of that.

The Doll’s Villa Light comes complete with 4 chairs, a dining table, multi-use bookcase, kitchen, swing, bed, desk/table, shower, toilet and bench. Oh, how I wish she would make 1:12 furnishings because I totally dig on the 1:6 kitchen.

Images: www.liliane.nl

MadiganHouse Contemporary Dollhouse on Ebay

This is a nice looking dollhouse that reminds me of the Brookwood by Greenleaf. The opening bid for this dollhouse starts at $200 with a reserve….

Sold for $876.00

The Sun Lounge

I have retired the Kaleidoscope House piano that was in the sun lounge. In its place I have put some Voila Toys and Momoll furniture. You can recognize the pieces in this miniature scene from earlier posts. Contrary to popular belief, I really don't have a big collection of dollhouse furnishings. It's just the same stuff arranged and then rearranged and then rearranged and then...You totally get it.

House Industries Dollhouse

I don't know much about this dollhouse other than it is a prototype to showcase a new House Industries typeface (Do not call it a "font", ladies and gentlemen. I've seem some abusive verbal and physical fights break out at my job over such. I still make the common mistake though. I just run and hide immediately after.)
I think it comes as no surprise to anyone that I totally dig on this little structure. Anyone know if this item is actually going to be produced??

Images: Dwell.com

A New IKEA Dollhouse?

This morning, I was contacted by a woman who wanted to know if I thought IKEA should make a new modern dollhouse with 1:12 replicas of their furniture designs. I'm not sure if she works for IKEA or not...however, I actually do think it would be cool--especially if they made some replicas of their modern kitchens!

I also think my opinion is irrelevant, but I was curious to know if others thought it would be a good idea (See poll top right). Thoughts?

UPDATE: 9/11/08
I'm surprised that there were more than 2 votes for the poll. Of course, it could have been the same 2 people voting 63+/- times. In total, there were127 votes with 99% saying "Yes!, build that IKEA dollhouse...IKEA!" and 1% saying "NAH, don't think it's necessary." I also received a few dozen emails that were positive about the possibility. Overall, I think it would be something that people would like to see (if done well) and buy.

Philippe Starck Wants My Money…And Probably Yours Too

I was browsing through Unica Home and came across these. I always knew there were some great Starck miniature reproductions in 1:6, but never knew that now some of his furniture designs are available in a smaller "dollhouse" scale. I casually mentioned this to a friend and she said, “Oh yeah! That’s what I meant to tell you”. Maybe she is faking the absent-mindedness and has purchased them for me as a Christmas gift! Mmm…not likely.

My absolute favorite mini item is the “This is not a wheelbarrow” chair (pictured top left). And, of course, this tiny masterpiece is the most expensive item at roughly $500. These miniature replicas are priced about $80 - $500.

Images: Unica Home and Philippe-Starck.com

Ocean Drive Dollhouse

The Dolls House Emporium has released a new range of dollhouses and included is this modern beauty from their children's collection. The Ocean Drive dollhouse is 1:12, features sliding panels and a versatile open floor plan design. It looks good. It does remind me of the Lundby Stockholm 2005 dollhouse with the stairs and the pool/garden component. The Dolls House Emporium offers some colorful children's dollhouse furniture called "Funky Furniture" to use in this house, but I think this structure looks best decorated in more realistic decor.

In addition, the new Dolls House Emporium catalogue is available for download on the company website. They have a few new modern items, such as a new red and black kitchen, some modern bar stools, swivel chairs, black shelving and mirrored furniture, etc., etc.

UPDATE 09/06/08:
The official news is that this dollhouse has not been approved for sale in the U.S. I will let you know if it ever becomes legal goods. I know, I know---wipe the tears, tip a 40 oz. or whatever you need to do to alleviate the grief and disappointment. Hopefully this will change. To all of my friends in the U.K and Europe, "Lucky ducks!"

Images: The Dolls House Emporium

Retro Kitchen 3

This is a vintage Bodo Hennig kitchen. The accessories on the counter are a mixture of Bodo Hennig, Re-Ment, Lil Bratz and Irwin. The art above the sink is from the Kaleidoscope House accessories. The chairs are Reac, the table is AG Minis and the shelving unit is a mixture of Plan Toys and Re-Ment.

It just occurred to me while putting this mini scene together that I have had the red Bodo Hennig kettle and pot (on the stove) since I was about 10 years old. On the route to where I attended school, there was a German butcher who's wife sold Bodo Hennig dollhouse items in the corner of the shop. Yeah, those two things don't really go together but they made it work at least for a little while because they are no longer there. I remember the woman was very very suspicious of me and watched me like a hawk because I would come by almost every day to look at the miniatures and never buy anything. Some days I was alone and other days I would bring friends. Eventually she learned that I was no threat and warmed up to me. When I bought the kettle, she gave me the pot for free. I wonder where she is now.