The Lewis Teddy Storage bed: A story of Love, Motherhood, and Practicality

In the bustling Toronto city, life took on a beautiful, transformative turn with the arrival of my first baby. As a business owner and a designer, my world was already filled with creativity and chaos (well, beautiful chaos), but nothing could have prepared me for the profound inspiration that my little one would bring into my life. This is the story of how the Lewis bed was born, a design that encapsulates the nurturing warm embrace of a mother, while addressing the practical realities of motherhood and growing with my child.

The Spark of Inspiration

One quiet evening, as I sat in the nursery, surrounded by baby clothes, toys, and the softest blankets I could find, I held a small teddy bear. This teddy bear had belonged to my baby's father, a cherished gift from his grandmother when he was a baby. He had kept it all these years, intending to pass it down to our child. The teddy bear’s softness, its round, welcoming shape, and the sense of security it provided sparked an idea. What if I could create a bed that embodied these qualities? A bed that would make our baby feel as safe and loved as this teddy bear had made him feel?

The Concept: Embracing Baby Softness and Practicality

The concept of the Teddy Bear Dream Bed began to take shape in my mind. I envisioned a bed that was not just a piece of furniture, but a haven of comfort, a sanctuary where my baby could rest peacefully. The design needed to be soft, round, and inviting, much like the teddy bear that inspired it. Every element would be carefully considered to ensure it conveyed warmth, safety, and the gentle touch that only a mother’s love can provide.

However, I didn’t want a traditional crib, toddler bed, or single bed. I wanted something that could grow with my baby—a bed that would adapt as my child grew from infancy through childhood. The bed needed to be practical for everyday life, with ample storage and easy access, while also being aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, I wanted the bed to be low enough to serve as a Montessori bed, encouraging independence and a sense of exploration from an early age.

Motherhood and the Need for Practicality

As my baby grew, so did the number of items that seemed to occupy every corner of our home. Burp cloths, diapers, onesies, and baby clothes were everywhere, creating a charming, if chaotic, atmosphere. I used to love my home tidy, a space that looked as if it were straight out of a design magazine. But now, motherhood had made my world—and my home—wonderfully cluttered.

It became clear that the Teddy bear Bed needed to address this new reality. I wanted it to be more than just a beautiful piece of furniture; it needed to be practical and functional for everyday life with a baby. This meant incorporating ample storage that was easy to access and didn’t compromise the bed’s aesthetic appeal.

Designing the Dream: Form Meets Function

With a clear vision in mind, I began sketching the bed. The base would be round, echoing the shape of a teddy bear’s belly, creating a sense of enclosure and security. The edges would be padded and covered with the softest fabrics, ensuring that every touch was gentle and soothing. I decided to incorporate a plush headboard, reminiscent of the teddy bear’s face, complete with embroidered eyes and a nose to add a touch of whimsy and charm.

To address the storage needs, I integrated spacious, easily accessible drawers into the bed’s base. These drawers are designed to slide out smoothly without the need for lifting the mattress or disturbing the bedding. This feature makes it effortless to store and retrieve diapers, onesies, burp cloths, and other essentials, keeping them within arm’s reach and maintaining a clutter-free nursery. 

The bed was designed in a Queen size, ensuring it could grow with my baby and serve as a cozy space for years to come. The low profile of the bed made it perfect for a Montessori-inspired environment, encouraging my child to climb in and out independently, fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence.

The color palette was another crucial aspect. I chose soft, neutral tones inspired by nature—creamy whites. The color not only promote a sense of calm but also blend seamlessly with any nursery décor. The materials were selected with utmost care, prioritizing hypoallergenic and eco-friendly options to ensure the highest safety standards for my baby and others who would eventually enjoy the bed.

The Craftsmanship: Bringing the Vision to Life

Creating the Lewis Teddy Bed was a labor of love. I collaborated with skilled artisans who shared my passion for quality and attention to detail. The frame was crafted from sustainably sourced wood, ensuring durability while being gentle on the environment. The padding was made from organic cotton, providing a soft yet supportive surface.

The Testing: Ensuring Perfection

As a mother, my priority was to ensure that the Teddy Bear Dream Bed was not only beautiful but also perfectly safe and comfortable. I spent countless hours testing different materials, ensuring that every component met the highest safety standards. The bed went through rigorous testing, from the stability of the frame to the softness of the fabrics and the safety of the plush elements.

The Moment of Truth: Seeing My Baby in the Teddy Dream Bed

The most rewarding moment of this entire journey was placing my baby in the Teddy Bear Bed for the first time. Watching my little one snuggle into the soft, round bed, surrounded by the gentle embrace of the plush headboard, filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment. My baby’s contented coos and peaceful sleep were the ultimate validation of the love and effort poured into this design.

A Story of Love and Comfort

Designing the Teddy Bed was more than just a professional achievement; it was a deeply personal journey that transformed my approach to design. It taught me the power of love and inspiration and how the simplest things—a teddy bear, a baby’s smile—can spark creativity and innovation. This bed stands as a testament to the love I have for my child and my passion for creating beautiful, meaningful designs that make a difference in people’s lives.

As I continue to design and create, the Teddy Dream Bed will always hold a special place in my heart. It represents the beginning of a new chapter, not just as a designer, but as a mother. And as my baby grows, so too will my desire to create pieces that embody the warmth, comfort, and love that only a parent can provide.