Lil’Gaea is an unique and innovative collection of children’s furniture from Turkey. Based on the belief that children have imagination without boundaries, the collection futures a range of “Hero” pieces, each inspired by the simplicity of a cardboard box, and the endless possibilities that blank canvas presents to a child’s fantasy.
The pieces feature subtle, clean lines and graphical forms. Designs are adaptable, colours smooth and light. The playful, yet functional shapes are welcoming and create an environment allowing children to explore their creativity.
The careful choice of simple, natural, as well as technologically advanced, materials blend the designs harmoniously.
Website: en.lilgaea.com
Time for an interview!
Would you mind introducing yourself and your brand to our readers?
Yes, of course. My name is Pinar Yar Govsa and I am the founder and the art director / designer of children’s furniture and accessories brand Lil’Gaea from Turkey.
What does the name Lil’Gaea mean?
Lil stands for Little, and Gaea as we all know is the Greek goddess of Mother earth. We get our inspiration and the whole philosophy around it.
What was your background prior to starting Lil’Gaea?
I am a designer. Lived, studies and worked abroad for 10 years including States, Switzerland and Italy. When I moved back to Turkey, I started planning to open my own company.Met my husband who was also a designer and a manufacturer in small scale and with him we started designing and producing our own designs under the brand name GAEA forms.
What got you started working in children’s design?
It became more fun to design and manufacture kids furniture when I had my first daughter Lila. She inspired me a lot to design everything in her room.
Anything you need to bear in mind when designing ‘Furniture’ for children.
Safety standards are important but I also give as much importance having a kid love where they sleep in or play with. I try to make kids desire the furniture and connect with it.
Do you have children?
I have three beautiful girls. My angels are Lila who is 4, Iris 2 and Alin is only 9 months old now.
What has changed in your life since you became a mother?
Now there is a lot of love and happiness, at the same time more concern of course. I feel very lucky having my kids, enjoying a more meaningful life with them.
What is the best thing about being a mother?
Feeling loved by these little ones.
How do you combine motherhood and work?
You have to be more organized to multitask. To make three little kids happy and manage a successful work life, planning every minute is the key I think.
How do you make sure everything is in balance (work, family, friends)?
I can’t say it is balanced at all. My kids come first and I try to spend as much time as possible with them. When they are at school, that’s when I focus mostly on my work. And as in for friends, we really try…
Tell us a bit about your drive and purpose, your vision for your designs.
My drive is my girls using my designs in every way. I love to have them try my new beds designs, and when I see them happy around them, attached to their furniture, sleeping and playing in it, I feel that I succeeded in most of the ways.
What do you feel makes your work unique?
The choice of Pastel colors, having not only a bed line but as a whole collection of beds, and toys and accessories.
What’s your favorite design from your current line?
Well It is hard to choose. Pyramid drawers are one of them of course but I also really like the Fox E and the Milky collection.
What are some essentials that every child should have in their closet and toy room?
Girls should definitely have costumes in their closet. They just love to dress up and pretend play. And of course a lot of crayons and baby dolls as in toy room.
Where do you shop for you children?
Everywhere but mostly internet now a days.
If one of our readers is in your city, which is, for 24 hours. What things would you recommend they do?
In izmir it is nice to take a walk by the seaside in Kordon, visit Kemeralti and velvet castle, and have fish for dinner!