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Italian furniture designer Silvia Marlia has always been fascinated by how easily a child adapts and learns. However, it was only after moving to Hong Kong in 2009 that the mother of two – her children are aged three and eight – decided to learn more about child development by enrolling in a Montessori course.
Sand Furniture Italy
After completing the course in 2012, Silvia started Sand Furniture, where she could apply her newfound knowledge to contemporary furniture design.
“As children, our minds are still forming, almost like sand,” Silvia says, explaining the name of her brand. ”Unfortunately, as we age, we tend to lose this exceptional capacity to absorb information from our environment!” she laughs.
Italian kids furniture designer, Silvia Marlia, founder of Sand Furniture
More furniture options for children
She also started the company to provide more furniture options for kids, as “there are plenty of choices for adults in the market, but not for children,” she laments.
Allowing children to develop
Designed for little ones aged three and up, her pieces help kids in refining their motor skills through touch. “The brand is about letting children develop within their own capacity through the freedom of exploring their environment,” she explains.
For example, her stackable toolbox – an organiser made of stackable trays – can store art supplies, crayons and little trinkets.
Simple, useful home accessories for children's learning
“Walking while holding a tray with two hands at the same time is quite a complex operation for a child,” Silvia points out. She believes that the simple, yet useful, accessory can encourage a kid to be more independent.
Natural colours only
With their natural wood hues and earthy palette, Sand’s products differ from typical children’s furniture pieces and their bright colours.
“I believe that the pieces do not need too many colours. Kids’ toys are enough to brighten a room,” says Silvia. Each product features rounded edges for safety and a smooth, matte finish – hallmarks of the company’s beautiful and utilitarian pieces.