Since we are on the subject of interesting storage, here is another beautiful piece – 180º shelving unit by Valencia based studio Cuatro Cuatros. This modular storage is part of a collection, called Angles. It is comprised of four pieces, inspired by V’s of different amplitude – two shelves (30º and 180º) , a carpet (0°) and a vase (90°). The line is based on optical illusions and their play in furniture design.
Designers elaborate: ‘The collection s called Angles, given the importance of the point of view from which to observe the products. The effect appears and disappears, provoking an interaction with the viewer. When the effect is created, our perception deceives us and makes us see things as they are not.’
This particular piece is a clever flatpack construction, that can be easily assembled by one person with zero tools required. The shelves have grooves into which the metallic boxes are fitted. You can position the boxes in four different ways, creating various visual effects and alternating between open and closed storage. You can even make your components accessible from both sides of the shelf and use the piece as a room divider. The hight of the unit can vary depending on how many rows you stack. Brilliant!
See the entire Angles collection here.
This beautiful modular line is the creation of Netherlands based studio Pastoe. Simply called Boxes, the collection is comprised of individual open elements that vary in size and color. Fully combinable, these units can form multiple configurations depending on your space preferences and nature of the items you are trying to store. The openness and subtle hue combinations make this storage look almost ethereal. However, closed elements are also available, if you so choose. The separators and rear panels can be selected in a different color. Because there is not a single reason in the world for having boring storage…
This valet designed by Linda Altmann for German brand STADTNOMADEN, is not only minimal and slick – it can be a truly multifunctional item around the house. The piece, appropriately called Kammerdiener, comes apart to create two leaning valets that can be used anywhere you need mobile storage. It can also serve as a single unit with the optional tray for smaller things. Made from solid ash, Kammerdiener does not need any tools for assembly – the parts simply interlock. Lightweight and easily movable, the piece can be taken in any room and put to work. Lovely idea!
Primi tray table by Phase Design made me look. The piece is not only a clever example of dual function, but also a very elegant one. The table is comprised of two parts – solid steel bar base and removable tray, which comes with an inset color plate or bronze mirror top. Base available in flat and gloss black or white powder-coat finish. Color plate available in various powder coat colors. Beautiful addition to a room of any size.
Here is another example of a smart expandable table. This unusual item, called TAble, by Elda Bellone Studio hides two tables in the shape of a single one. This design is great if your space only calls for a small dining piece, but you would like to be able to sit more people in a party situation. Whenever an entertaining occasion comes – voila, the table comes apart doubling its capacity. Beautiful idea.
(HT Six Different Ways)
New York based architect Jen Turner created this small but oh so mighty item, aptly called The NewYorker. The piece is a witty workplace/bar combination, that embraces our gotham city sensitivities (and stereotypes) fully. This seemingly minimal box has one side that opens to reveal a desk complete with compartments for work-related storage. Spin the piece around and the other side reveals a bar equipped with a shelf for bottles, a drawer for accoutrements and a pull-out bar surface. Just about everything a true NYer needs to get through 24 hours…
Real Good Chair is a cool and colorful design by Blu Dot. And as you probably guessed from the perforated lines, it is also a flatpack item. Affordable and efficient, the chair comes to you in a little box with a simple assembly instruction. You can just as easily disassemble the piece, if it needs moving or storing. The Real Good Chair is made from powder-coated steel and available in ivory, aqua, and two glossy tone-on tone colors: satin black or glossy red. Nice work! You might also enjoy their silly assembly video.
This multifunctional table by Marco Olgiati, called π, is an example of an exciting dining/workspace hybrid. The tabletop is comprised of three parts with the textile storage compartment in the middle. Thus, after finishing work, you can slide your work-related items into the storage area, close the sides and enjoy your meal. The size of an item allows to create working areas for two people, which earns this design even more space-saving points.
Boxinbox is a storage cabinet by Keiji Ashizawa. The beauty of this design is in the shape of the boxes that fit into each other (hence the name). The metal frame is also easy to disassemble for compact storage. The whole construction, even though it looks rather etherial and fragile, is actually sturdy enough for the boxes to slide, letting you a fast glance over the contents. And when you are done storing stuff (if only!), you can store the piece itself after turning it flat. Thus, Boxinbox creates extra space while taking almost none for itself. I really like that!
Italian design studio HeyTeam created this highly customizable dining table, called Vito. The word ‘table’ is an overestimation, however, because the project consists of two pairs of legs connected with two metal clams. The tabletop is supposed to be provided by the user. This lax approach is perfect for creating temporary dining solutions. If you have a piece of wood or a thick glass (or an old door), you can instantly create enough seating for a gang of guests. And when the festivity is over, the whole construction gets easily disassembled and conveniently stored in parts. The clams can accomodate two widths – 60 or 85cm, and hold tops up to 5cm thick.
