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Greenpoint showroom to sell furniture inspired by childhood dreams

Greenpoint showroom to sell furniture inspired by childhood dreams
Photo by Gabriela Arp

A Greenpoint furniture outlet is hoping to lure not-wannabe adults by reminding them of their childhoods with tables that look like Lite-Brites and end tables shaped like Rubik’s Cubes.

Jellio, a company that makes furniture based on vintage toys and snacks that it has been selling on the internet since 2004, is opening a showroom on Java Street between McGuinness Boulevard and Provost Street that will feature the company’s custom made, man-child friendly wares such seats shaped like Valentines Day heart candies and lamps featuring Gummy Bears.

“It plays on nostalgia and all the things you always dreamed to do,” said company co-owner Kevin Champeny.

The company’s first big invention was the Gummy light, and has since expanded with cupcake chairs, and ice cream sandwich benches.

“Everything has a childhood tie-in and shows your sense of humor,” said co-owner Mario Marsicano, who goes by the nickname Jellio.

The company grew out of Marsicano’s hobby of collecting vintage toys from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He would arrange his favorites, including Evil Knievel Stunt Cycles and Rock’Em Sock’Em Robots in elaborate displays around his house. When several guests asked if he could make toy displays for them, he realized he could turn his hobby into a viable company.

“I decided to make unique home furnishings inspired by childhood memories,” said Marsicano.

For Marsicano, running the company is a lot like living a childhood life of whim.

“Since 2004, our to-do list has grown to 20 pages of things that we would love to make,” said Marsicano. “If they get good feedback, they go into the production loop.”

Jellio has several high-profile corporate customers, including Google, the U.S. Army, Marmot and Red Robin restaurants.

But the prices aren’t child’s play. The Rubik’s Cube table sells for $600 and the cupcake chair is $900.

Reach reporter Danielle Furfaro at dfurfaro@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2511. Follow her at twitter.com/DanielleFurfaro.