Jasmine: I have a visual treat for you! I caught up with Jennifer Robinson, owner of The Abode Chicago, a newly-opened Montessori playspace and education centre, to get her unique take on Montessori and design.
1. Hi Jennifer! I found your space on Instagram and fell in love with how inviting it is for adults, toddlers and babies. Please tell us more about what you do at The Abode Chicago and how you arrived at this path.
Thank you so much! The overall goal for the abode was to create a comfortable and home-like space, where adults and young children simply want to spend their time. It is great to hear that it comes off as inviting, even through the photos.
My Montessori journey started in 2012 at Countryside Day School. I worked in the Nido and was beyond fascinated by all that transpired each day. I was presented with the incredible opportunity to take the Montessori teacher training at TMI in Denver, CO, as well as the chance to put together and lead a new toddler classroom that coming fall. It was a busy year to say the least!
Being a Montessori guide in a toddler environment was life changing. It sparked a desire within me, to work with more families and educate more people on the endless benefits of implementing Montessori from birth. I created the abode as a way to expose more people to the Montessori Method and to allow more children the opportunity to experience it. Prepared environments at work, is truly one of the most eye-opening things I have ever witnessed.
2. What is your favourite corner of The Abode?
My favorite corner of the abode would have to be the one that houses the practical life workstations. I worked side by side with my Dad to create two custom furniture pieces that are perfect for a variety of practical life activities. We turned an old sideboard into a hand washing stand/cleaning supply storage unit, and refurbished an old hutch to store care of environment activities. I love this area because to me, this is where the real magic happens. Practical life activities create so many more opportunities than the original task at hand. Spilled water, beautiful flowers and hand made bubbles all create a life of their own within the environment. They create work within work within work and I love watching that unfold.
3. Did you work with a designer, and how did you design the place to be welcoming to both young children and their parents?
I have a BFA in Interior Design and worked as a designer before finding my way to Montessori. Needless to say, I happily completed the interior design of the abode on my own. I created the overall design plan and then worked with my Dad to iron out all of the details. He made the space divider and window seat top and we installed everything in-between the floors and the light fixtures that you see in the photos. There was a ridiculous amount of problem solving that went into each project, but we were able to laugh along the way and learned a lot in the process.
4. Favourite moment witnessed at The Abode so far?
There have been many favorite moments so far, but the one that tops them all has to do with the parents. Watching parents resist the urge to offer assistance, makes me incredibly happy. As each week passes I am witnessing more observing and less interrupting and it is just beautiful! Children are learning to work through challenges and gaining confidence with each passing visit.
5. I notice you incorporate gorgeous artwork and vintage furniture so The Abode looks like a really personalised environment rather than a generic page off a furniture catalogue. Why did you choose to design this way/ what vibe were you going for?
What a compliment. Thank you! The abode is designed to look and feel like a home environment. Children notice the smallest details and are drawn to beautiful things so I wanted to create a space that highlighted both of these ideas. Young children deserve the same amount of care, attention to detail and beauty that we put into our own spaces and the abode works to gives them that. Many of the design elements are representative of my personal design preferences and that will most likely always be the case. I work hard to find unique items and beautiful objects which play a big part in the overall look and feel of the abode. The designer in me is excited for all of the new seasons and changes to come!
6. Shopping, designing or curating tips for parents who want to make a Montessori home? As much as it may seem like it does, I really do believe that implementing Montessori within your home does NOT have to be expensive. Baskets, trays and books and so much more, can all be purchased second hand. Table legs can be cut shorter, furniture can be refurbished and many low items can act as a work shelf. You can get creative with the material and may even already own needed objects. Work to create order within your environment, present it to your child, and then stick to it. Also, remember that a Montessori home is so much more than the tangible items you have within it. It is your energy, spirit, expectations, love and care.
Thank you so much Jennifer! What an incredible and one-of-a-kind space that shows you how serene and individualised Montessori can be. See more at The Abode’s website and Instagram. Images courtesy of Nicole Sivek Interiors.
If you enjoyed this, you may also like this interview with a wonderful Montessori/RIE, small-space, loft-dwelling mama.