Inspired by placards, these unusual storage units, aptly called Sticks, are perfect if you need to break the pattern of unified storage. Designed by Netherlands based studio Castelijn Wonen, these one-legged cabinets come in four different heights, four different widths and a wide variety of colors. So, you can create a huge number of combinations. You can use them separately or put them in groups, mix and match heights and colors and really let your artistic flag fly. And they really do look like placards on sticks, put into harmonious and fun compositions.
These modular shelves by Gabi Malacha might look precarious at first glance, but don’t let this impression fool you. A well thought out shelving construction, comprised of several sets of L-shaped wooden components, is being secured in place by screws and rested upon wooden stands. So, in spite of its weightless looks, the unit can withstand a good load of books, DVDs, CDs, periodic marials and small items. And thanks to its modular stacking principle and intuitive assembly method, many configurations can be created, including beautiful tilted ones.
This simple and clever shelving system by Mehtap Obuz of Demirden Design for Ilio is modular and can perform several tasks. Comprised of light wooden components, Katkat can be stacked as high or as low as you want. And because there are two sets of connecting holes in each segment, you can adjust the height of the shelves – perfect for oversized books of magazines. And if you need extra seating, each unit can serve as a stool. The item is light, intuitive in assembly and visually stimulating. The piece can be made from oak, walnut and/or african padouk, which is another beautiful variable – you can mix and match layers of different 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.
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.
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.
