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.
Naturwall by Turkish design agency Designnobis is a clever way to reuse disposable plastic cups by turning them into planters. To illustrate their vision, designers collected about ten used plastic disposable coffee cups, washed them off, then created a simple flexible metal holder system to hang the cups, transforming them into a vertical garden. By adding these metal holders together you can create a garden of any size. Simple, pragmatic and graceful project! No wonder it has already scored a Green Dot Build Award.
(via Urban Gardens)
It has never been so rewarding to be a klutz! Underful Tablecloth by young Norwegian designer Kristine Bjaadal turns your spills into beautiful textile patterns, so instead of embarrassment at the dinner table – you will be filled with delight and ease. At first glance this innovative tablecloth appears to be a traditional white floral damask. But as another oopsy happens, a hidden design gets activated by moisture, and the pattern emerges. The idea is not only visually pleasing and fun, it allows to reuse the cloth even if the stains persist after washing (because they don’t look like stains, you see). I really like this concept and hope it catches up with other industries. Would be nice to have a few shirts made from this fabric too…
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.
When it comes to organizing your workspace, the smallest things can make you either happy or miserable. And we all know which emotion cables and USBs can be ascribed to. Luckily there are companies like Bluelounge, who turn dealing with cordage clutter into a mission. Their latest invention, called Sumo, is a little tool designed to be placed on a desk, tabletop or workstation to prevent cables from dropping off the edge. Not a very commonly addressed issue! Sumo acts like a paperweight for your cables and features high-tech Japanese micro-suction pads underneath for even further grip. There are two grooves for cables to be placed underneath Sumo. Run the cables along the grooves, place Sumo on the desktop surface, and voila. One less annoyance that can temper with your temper.
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.
This beautiful shelving system, called Ladder Rack, was created by Japanese designer Naoya Matsuo. The components of the piece are interchangeable and able to accomodate various storing needs. The assembly process is simplified and intuitive. Position shelves according to your preferences, secure them with the red rope, and voila. No wall mount is needed. The shelving unit comes in two sizes and can be folded and put away when not in use (although, I am yet to see storage furniture resting in the closet).
Ukrainian design couple Valeriy Kuznetsov and Ekaterina Kuznetsova of Decorkuznetsov studio created a series of fun and functional side tables that can double as seating. Made of ash and birch wood, these unusual creations are compact in size, contain storage and offer a lot in a way of character. Each seating table features a decorative backrest, which can also be used as a hook for clothes and other items. Side table on a daily basis, an extra seat in a party situation, and a strong statement at all times…
The Kai table was custom-designed by Naoki Hirakoso in collaboration with Takamitsu Kitahara. A seamlessly rectangular object from even a short distance, the table unfolds to reveal many hidden storage compartments. The craftsmanship of the designers is truly impressive, they have incorporated as many hinged cupboards, slide-out panels, pull-out cubbyholes and drawers as the 900 centimeter wooden box could possibly allow. Beautiful idea and inspiring execution!
