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 sliver of a desk is probably the smallest fully equipped bureau out there. Flatmate, by Michael Hilgers for the German design company Magazin, in only five inches deep. Yet it can hold your laptop, desktop items and writing paraphernalia, along with some filing in the clever cabinet that opens from the sides. Grooves in the backboard can accommodate three metal shelves (included), providing for even more storage. The desk features an integrated power outlet and fluorescent lighting fixture, elegantly hidden from the view.
This unusual desk was envisioned by sisters Anna-Katharina and Isabelle-Franziska Löhn, creators of SÖRdesign. The project, called Woody, is a delight to those who appreciate flexibility and fun in furniture design. The desk can be stretched out when you are working and rolled back into a compact column when not in use. The piece features three levels that not only lead to a better work organization, but also encourage the user to stay in motion. Ingenius.
These technologically advanced furniture pieces were created by Verona based designer Paolo Cappello for Italian brand Miniforms. The collection is comprised of a small desk and an entertainment unit. Both pieces include integrated sound systems – not only a space-saving idea, but an aesthetically pleasing one. The desk, called Torototela, is big enough for a laptop and compatible with any audio source with output jack and playback high-quality stereo sound. The entertainment unit, Caixa, houses two speakers in its side cabinets. It also has an iPod dock and a hi-def amplifier, to which various devices can be connected. The item comes in two sizes and in three colors: white, black or red.
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…
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.
My Writing Desk is a project by Vilnius based design studio etc.etc. The concept of this piece is quite simple – to push all storage away from the tabletop and free the surface for work. For this purpose the wings were added to three sides of the desk, providing easy and visible storage for papers, devices, books, and other work-related items. This way the desktop can be used right up to the edges without worrying that things might fall down, and any unnecessary objects can simply be pushed to the storage sides. The wings are divided for simple construction leaving a path for the wires. There are also two traditional drawers big enough for a laptop. Simple, elegant design of the item allows it to float in the room.
The Insekt kids desk by the Dutch designer label Buisjes En Beugels +++ is a smaller version of the grownup item by the same name. Both pieces are made from MPLX birch, contain lots of storage space, and come in a variety of tender age appropriate colors. And, as the era of technology dictates, Insekt is equipped with cable storage as well (which nowadays is relevant for all users, even the little ones). The desk is flat packed and can be easily assembled at home.
The Watson desk from UK based manufacturer Made.com is small in size and generous on impact and practicality. Made from oak veneer with glossy contrasting details, the piece includes several space-saving solutions. The storage compartment with holes for cables takes care of clutter. The shelf with integrated LED lighting (optional) allows to store and display books and other small items while illuminating the working surface. The manufacturing process itself is an exercise in efficiency. The items are produced in small batches only when backed up by high web approval ratings. The deadline for placing orders is given to the voters, after which all orders are processed together, ensuring that there is no waste of storage space for unsold products. This clever and eco-friendly strategy reminds me of the StyleFactory here, in New York.
This beauty of a desk by Leonhard Pfeifer was shown at the latest Maison et Objet Fair in Paris. The aspiration for the piece was “to look striking from any angle so it could sit in the middle of a room, instead of pushed up against a wall.” And indeed it does. The Ravenscroft desk features a cross-legged design, wide desktop, hidden cable access slots, filing compartments, and a raised rear surface, perfect for monitors, lighting and various odd objects. The piece has a pronounced mid-century modernist feel to it, which makes it work incredibly well floating in the room.
(HT 3 Rings)
