Polichinelle desk has been created by two French designers Yoann Jestin and Benoît Pernet. And just as its namesake it is colorful and fun. The idea of the piece was to free the desktop completely and allow using it solely for paper. You can cover the surface with a pad, write on it, draw on it or tear the used paper off. In order to separate the writing part of the desk from its storage, the series of removable components were created. They include a music stand (for a book or laptop), lamp, and a storage box with lid holding the pad with magnets. The components are made from thin metal and come in various colors.
No matter how well-equipped your desk is, it rarely has enough space for everything that life throws at you. And we all know how ugly and cumbersome most filing systems are. What we often need is something in between – a smallish, manageable piece with decent storage capacity. Smith by Jonathan Olivares could be just the thing to fit the bill. This attractive multi-purpose storage unit was designed for the overlapping interests of the home and office. Its storage area holds folders, books and other useful items. You can use it alone, on the floor, hanging over a table, or combining more elements together by stacking them. The piece has wheels and can be moved around easily and even used as an extra seat. Made out of painted sheet metal, Smith is durable and light at the same time… I really struggle to find a single detail I would change or add. And it looks like I’m not alone: a few months ago Smith has landed the Compasso d’Oro, Italy’s most prestigious design award given to products.
Why should our furniture have four legs if it is put against the wall? The answer to this question came in the series of delightful two-legged pieces, created by French designer Caroline Gomez. The collection, called Contre, is comprised of a shelf, bedside table and console. All pieces are made from solid wood and can be leaned against the wall without any additional tools or mounts. The tention between the surface of the wall and the shape of the objects create an illusion that we are only seeing the half of each piece. If you have a moment, check our Caroline’s blog, where she shares imagery that inspires her and informs the visual language she brings into her designs.
These works of another talented young designer – this time from Slovakia – made me look. Veronika Paluchova is soon graduating from AFAD Bratislava in department of Product Design. Her ideas are not only functional and braced with a strong sense of purpose, they are also attractive and fun. Veronika takes her inspiration in natural materials and creates simple, yet unpredictable shapes. Check out more of her projects over on Designeast.
This trapezoid-like storage, designed by Daniele Luciano Ferrazzano, contains many elements we, small space dwellers, like. It is modular and multifunctional, not to mention – an eye candy. The construction of this shelving system includes three types of elements: shelves (which can have both open and closed display options), wooden panels and metal climps, upon which the system is rested. Thus, the assembly is fast and tool free, and, by varying sizes of the elements, multiple configurations can be achieved. You can even take the modules apart and turn them into extra seating. Brilliant.
Hood by London based design studio Quarterre is a minimal and clever bike rack, ideal for limited spaces. The architecturally inspired form is made from folded sheet steel that will support a bike securely by its top tube and can be mounted easily to any solid wall. The piece is trimmed in leather to protect the bike’s frame. Hood’s beautiful and unobtrusive design blends with any interior, providing a vertical storage for any bike. The piece is also customizable. Different colors and finishes are available for an extra cost.
Bureau by Martin Holzapfel is a handsome, Bauhausy-looking piece indeed. But what is even more attractive is how functional it is. The desk is comprised of two components – the main working area, which is only about 43 inches long and contains a drawer and a file compartment. Another component is a free-standing storage unit that can be attached to the desk from two different sides (depending on your storing needs and space requirements). Here you have two long shelving compartments and one generously sized drawer that can be used for files, papers, immediate working clutter or equipment. Beautiful idea and tremendous execution.
This simple and clever table by Copenhagen based designer Julian Kyhl is a godsend for those in need of versatile furniture. The piece, called Timber, is a thing of stunning woodworking, which you can see with a naked eye. But what delighted me even more is its ingenius assembly principle. It is so easy and intuitive – one person can do it in less than a minute. Not a single screw or indeed any metal tool is required.
Here is how designer describes his vision: ‘Timber consists of 10 massive wood parts. It is held together by its own weight. Design and function is merged to let the observer see and understand the principles of its construction.’
Check out the video below to see this elegant assembly idea in action.
The James side table, created by Oslo based design studio Gridy, made me look. This multifunctional piece can serve as a side table, and its removable top can double as a tray. Furthermore, this tray/tabletop conceals a clever storage compartment sufficient enough for a few books and newspapers, remotes, glasses and other small items. The materials include 3D veneer, MDF, and steel bolt. I like the simplicity of the table, its understated and elegant form. Would really like to see this piece hitting the market.
Boundary Desk is a multifunctional piece, created by British designer Felix de Pass. Aimed at both home and office environments, the desk can be adapted to virtually any space and setting. The part of its appeal for us, space-saving connoisseurs, is the clever system of modular storage components, customizable to a specific user.
Designer explains: ‘The essence of the desk’s construction occurs in the corners where a singular repeated aluminium dovetail extrusion connects all the materials together, allowing for easy assembly / disassembly. The horizontal aluminium extrusion desk frame conceals integrated tracks to which various accessories are attached. Folded sheet aluminium drawers, cable management solutions and privacy screens can all be fitted allowing the elementary desk to adapt and meet the varying needs of the user and situation.’
I like the preemptive nature of this piece, it solves existing problems and also those that might occur during future use. An intuitive product that definitely flairs up my desk envy.
