Our parents told us how keeping pets is a huge responsibility, and many of us probably took that advice for granted. Even as adults, we might sometimes have love-hate relationships with the furry members of our family, especially when they get in the way of work. That seems to be especially true for cats, who have a bewildering knack for sleeping on our desks when we need to get things done, even going as far as sleeping on top of keyboards while we’re still typing. Every feline owner knows there’s really no stopping these masters of flexibility when they put their minds to something, but it also helps to give them something more comfortable to lie on than your hands. That’s what this desk concept aims to offer, giving your cat some space to still be near you when you work but also some privacy to keep to itself, like what most cats often to do.
This wooden desk is minimalist almost in the extreme sense. It’s pretty much just a bent plank of wood standing U-shaped bent metal for legs. There are no compartments, hidden or otherwise; just a flat and open surface to put your things on. It forces you to be extra neat, or at least creative in how you decorate and place accessories to hold your work tools. Or perhaps it’s best to actually leave it bare without anything that your cat might topple over.
Of course, the signature feature of this concept is the small space or “cubby” designed especially for a cat. One side of the table bends inward to create a hook shape that’s probably just big enough for your average cat. That cubby has a pillow for their comfort, though the material for that cushion might be questionable. After all, cats are known to scratch so that pillow might not last that long.
The Cat Cubby Desk tries to offer a comfy place for your cat to lie on without getting in the way of your work. Or at least that’s the goal. Whether or not your furry feline friend prefers to take that spot or, more likely, still lie on your keyboard will be totally up to your training and its mood. Given cats’ inclination to cram themselves in tight spaces, this does look like a very tempting location for them. And if your pet ends up ignoring it, you can always repurpose the cubby for other things, like as a space for books and folders. Hopefully, your cat won’t suddenly decide to jump in and knock all those off.
It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!
1. POD
This minimalist timer lets you enjoy the simple benefits of a Pomodoro timer without relying on a clunky analog timer, especially one that looks like an awkward little tomato on your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
Dubbed POD, this unique tool combines the feeling of an analog timer with the convenience and utility of an electronic device in a simple, minimalist, and appealing form. The only control it has is pushing the puck down like a button, which then starts the countdown.
What we like
Minimally distracting, utilizing only flashing lights to get your attention rather than sounds or vibrations
What we dislike
Replacing the battery seems a bit tedious and annoying
It is quite tiny, so can be easily misplaced
2. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit
Named the Grovemade Note-Taking Kit, this innovative kit helps you effortlessly and efficiently capture down, process, and store notes, hence boosting your daily productivity, and ensuring your process feels simple and free-flowing.
Why is it noteworthy?
The kit includes a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metallic base, alongside a display rail to hold and store your notes and devices, while also offering a vertical organizer that stores your notes until you need to use them.
What we like
Provides a neat workdesk, that helps you complete the important tasks at hand, and elevate productivity
What we dislike
Occupies a substantial amount of real estate on your desk, not well-suited for smaller desks
3. Quick-Access Organizer
Dubbed the Quick-Access Organizer, this minimal and compact organizer is designed to ensure you never lose all your essentials. It is a well-designed organizer that helps you perfectly organize your essentials so you’re never in fear of losing them, allowing you to have a tidy desk that boosts productivity.
Why is it noteworthy?
This smart organizer isn’t simply a storage solution, it revolutionizes your desk, using magnetic wizardry to keep your essentials organized and easily available. It perfectly combines form and functionality, offering an excellent 21st-century design philosophy.
Equipped with a rotating mechanism that will take all the annoying guesswork out of storage
It is a lid and tray, making it a dual-functional product
What we dislike
Those who possess a larger array of items will find this organizer limiting and may need a bigger one
It can be concerning having magnets around certain electronic devices or cards, hence you need to be selective about what you store
4. Nemonic Gen 2
Dubbed the Nemonic Gen 2, this inkless, thermal, and wireless printer lets you effectively and efficiently print your notes and even images on Ultra Sticky Notes, and they won’t easily fall off!
Why is it noteworthy?
The tiny printer can be connected to your desktop and mobile devices allowing you to print out any notes that you may have written, drawn, or typed on the connected app. You can even integrate it with the Microsoft Office apps, and Slack and Zapier too, allowing you to maintain smooth productivity.
What we like
It lets you print out your notes directly and has a de-curl feature too
What we dislike
They don’t sell refills individually at this point, which is inconvenient if you run out of the notes
5. Fold
Designed by Ganti and Teixeira Design Studio, Fold is a 3D-printed lamp that casts its light downwards and upwards serving as a functional lamp, as well as a source of some good lighting. It’s a unique lamp that helps you work properly, while also letting you relax.
Why is it noteworthy?
The wall light doesn’t need to be turned on or off, nor do you need to adjust it, as the design itself brings two kinds of light together. It is a space-saving design as it can be mounted on the wall, or placed on a small desk or side table.
What we like
Offers both ambient light and direct light, helping you save up on owning multiple lamps
What we dislike
It looks a bit bulkier when used as a desk lamp, as compared to when it is wall-mounted
6. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
Having an organized desk is quite important, as it helps you work efficiently while boosting your daily productivity. Having the right tool can help you create the ideal organized desk, and one such tool to add to your desk is this unique letter cutter.
Why is it noteworthy?
This innovative letter cutter reimagines a standard office tool, and efficiently slices through paper, while also doubling up as a chic paperweight ensuring there is no unnecessary clutter on your desk. A decluttered desk is the best solution for boosting productivity!
Has a precision cut that ensures that no messy scraps are left behind
Doubles up as a paperweight, ensuring there is less clutter on your desk, making it a dual-functional product
What we dislike
While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail, so you may need a separate letter cutter for those
7. The Note
Called the Note, this small desk whiteboard lets you take notes with the utmost efficiency. Except it’s no ordinary note taker, it has a few tricks up its sleeve and adds some fun and spice to your work.
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique whiteboard can twist or flip over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down effectively and efficiently. One side features a dotted grid surface, while the other side can be plain, or they could have the same design on both sides.
What we like
Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that allows you to view the time, calendar, and appointments synced with your phone
What we dislike
The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that some people may need for their work
8. SCROOM
Dubbed SCROOM, this portable keyboard looks like a wireless mechanical keyboard at first glance, however when you slide down the keyboard or slide up its bottom, it unveils a display that’s almost the same size as the keyboard.
Why is it noteworthy?
This unique display is a touch screen that’s filled with large-sized buttons, sliders, and other controls that can help you multitask on a tablet that has otherwise pretty limited space for multitasking.
What we like
Features a to-do list so that you don’t have to switch back and forth between apps
What we dislike
The sliding mechanism is a risk, especially for devices that get carried around a lot
9. Current Task Light
Called the Current Task Light, UK-based Jones and Partners designed this simple, minimalist, and highly functional lighting design that would make an excellent addition to your work desk. It occupies minimum space while helping you work better and more efficiently.
Why is it noteworthy?
The award-winning task lighting + charging concept is a multifunctional product to aid in your daily multitasking and is perfectly complementary to both residential and commercial spaces.
What we like
Allows coworkers to plug their devices across a large desk while working together
What we dislike
It’s a concept right now, so we don’t know how the final product will turn out
10. Wipe
Dubbed Wipe, this unique and innovative whiteboard notebook features an eraser allowing you to write, erase, and write things over and over again. This helps you note down all your precious ideas and thoughts, letting you work in a streamlined and efficient manner.
Why is it noteworthy?
Wipe has a comfortable personal size that is a tad bit smaller than A4 paper. It is portable, and you can write on it, take a photo that you could save or send to the cloud, erase all of it, and write again. You don’t need any preparation to use it, it is a fast and effective product!
What we like
Equipped with a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber brands, building a handle that also doubles up as a pen holder
What we dislike
You need to specifically use a dry-erase or whiteboard pen, and not a permanent marker
A cluttered desk can really be the worst thing to start your day with! It hampers your productivity and completely bogs down your mind, making it difficult to complete even the simplest of tasks. This is where I find desk organizers and other storage solutions to be ideal. I’ve found that adding a desk organizer to my desk setup can amp up my productivity immensely! An organizer can transform your desk from an utter mess to a neat and tidy space that will essentially boost your productivity. And, we’ve collected a range of functional, practical, and aesthetically pleasing products that will organize your desk completely, while also storing away all your essentials efficiently.
1. Hanging Desk Organizer
Meet the modular and super innovative hanging desk organizer! Workspaces today tend to be ever-evolving, and quite hectic, hence it is important to utilize and organize our precious space in a correct and efficient manner, and this is where the Hanging Desk Organizer comes in!
Why is it noteworthy?
This unique edge-hanging organizer completely destroys the usual organizational norms. It provides a storage and organization solution that is both innovative and effective, allowing users to utilize their desktop real estate in an efficient and effective manner while ensuring all essentials are within arm’s reach.
Hangs off the edge, utilizing a frequently wasted space
Features a modular magnetic system that you can control by yourself
What we dislike
While sturdy, there is a cap to how much weight it can handle before becoming unstable, which could be a bummer
2. Grovemade’s Hardwood Cups and Planters
These cups, planters, and dishes are made the old-school way and are carved from solid maple or walnut. They are quite functional and utilitarian but aesthetically pleasing.
Why is it noteworthy?
The various pieces are hand-sanded and finished with a clear vegetable-based oil that highlights the natural warmth, elegance, and beauty of the wood. The collection includes cups, dishes and planters in a variety of different woods
What we like
Available in a variety of metal and material options, so you can pick and choose the one you want
What we dislike
Aesthetics are a bit unassuming and boring, and could have been worked upon a bit
3. The Hexcal Studio Desktop Organizer
Designed by British company Hexcal, the Hexcal Studio desktop organizer is created to be the ultimate desktop organizer and workspace accessory that you really need.
Why is it noteworthy?
It eliminates clutter, conceals wires, and offers shadowless lighting. It helps create a neat, tidy, and destressing workspace, where wires don’t create clutter, and where multiple screens can be installed to build a cohesive work environment.
What we like
Provides you with a wire-free desk
Equipped with an integrated shadowless light to reduce the strain caused on the eyes due to screen glare and direct lights
What we dislike
Bulky design that will occupy precious real estate on your desk
4. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
When it comes to desk organization, every inch counts and it is essential to organize our desks in the most efficient and effective manner. And one important office tool in the arena of desk organization is a letter cutter, and we’ve found a cool letter cutter for you!
Why is it noteworthy?
This unique letter cutter reimagines a standard office tool. Not only does it efficiently slice through paper, but it also doubles up as a chic paperweight which ensures there is less clutter on your desk and more style. It elevates and declutters your desk aesthetic!
Precision cut ensures that no messy scraps are left behind
Doubles up as a paperweight, ensuring there is less clutter on your desk
What we dislike
While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail, which is inconvenient
5. Miklosi’s Organizer
This conceptual cable organizer is designed to untangle your cords and keep them organized something we deal with almost every day. The designer was inspired to create this product when he noticed that his cords usually get tangled up with lozenges! This inspired him to create a cable organizer that is similar to a pack of lozenges.
Why is it noteworthy?
Besides being inspired by lozenges, at first glance, the organizer looks more like LEGO pieces or bricks! You can place 2 cables on top of each other as if they’re placed in the same row, and there are 3 different types of organizers.
What we like
Three different versions so you can pick the one that suits your cable and space requirements
What we dislike
The organizer seems quite easy to lose and misplace
6. Quick-Access Organizer
In a world where we’re constantly running around, it is easy to lose your essentials, especially your keys. Called the Quick-Access Organizer, this minimal and well-designed organizer is created to perfectly organize all your essentials, without any fear of ever losing them.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Quick-Access Organizer isn’t simply a storage solution, it is a desk revolution. It utilizes magnetic wizardry to ensure that your essentials have an easily accessible space to be stored in. It merges form and functionality, creating an excellent 21st-century design philosophy. Click Here to Buy Now: $69
What we like
Features a rotating mechanism that takes all the guesswork out of storage
It is not just a lid, but also a tray, featuring a unique dual functionality
What we dislike
Those who possess a larger array of items will find this organizer limiting
It can be concerning having magnets around certain electronic devices or cards, hence you need to be selective about what you store
7. Forest Tidy
Dubbed the Forest Tidy, these minimal and solid containers are crafted from rosewood, and they bring a whole new level of organization and neatness to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
It segregates your workspace into different categories, hence giving you space for stationery, tech, EDC, cables, and even a dedicated stand for your monitor along with a stowaway space for your keyboard and mouse.
What we like
Available variety of shapes and sizes, tailor-made to your tabletop belongings
Equipped with a dedicated phone stand that lets you dock your phone either in portrait or landscape
What we dislike
Unfortunately, the phone stand doesn’t feature a channel for a cable pass-through, which means it won’t function as a charging stand
8. Cyl
Using the age-old stacking trick, Cyl is a unique desk organizer that frees up all the horizontal space on your desk and uses the vertical space that is often forgotten and ignored.
Why is it noteworthy?
The desk organizer is versatile, so you can place a variety of items within it. You can easily see what’s inside, and quickly retrieve them without having to unstack the ones above.
What we like
You can easily see what’s inside and quickly get them without unstacking
Organizers come in different sizes
What we dislike
No option to close the organizer when not in use
9. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit
Called the Grovemade Note-Taking Kit, this product is designed to help you effortlessly and efficiently capture, process, and store your notes, while ensuring that your notes are neatly placed and organized.
Why is it noteworthy?
This Note-Taking Kit includes a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, supported by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, creating an organized and well-designed working space.
What we like
Ensures that your workdesk is neat, helping you complete your important tasks first
What we dislike
Will consume a substantial amount of precious real estate on your desk
10. Smol Floppy Disk Organizer for Micro SD Cards
Independent artist Trevor Flowers has designed the “Smol Floppy Disk Organizer for Micro SD Cards”, and it is an adorable and quaint replica of the olden golden days. The little organizer can fit on any desk, owing to its near-microscopic size.
Why is it noteworthy?
This little design is perfect for old-school lovers, who collected a lot of floppy discs and kept their entire disc collection in beige old boxes. This is a fun trip down memory lanes for those who love a blast from the past!
What we like
Small compact design that can easily fit anywhere
What we dislike
Limited in supply, unsure whether we can get our hands on them
The small size may make the product super easy to misplace
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary work environments, the demand for functional, adaptable, and visually appealing workspaces has never been more pronounced. In response to this need, the Portable Compartment Desk Looha emerges as a design revelation—a transformative piece that seamlessly integrates practicality and aesthetics into the modern workspace.
Looha’s standout feature lies in its portable compartments, crafted from wires, designed to reimagine workspace organization. These dividers are not just functional but also customizable, allowing users to curate their workspace effortlessly. The elimination of cable clutter is not just a practicality but a testament to the meticulous attention to detail in the design.
The foldable legs of the desk redefine the concept of mobility and flexibility in a workspace. This design element ensures that the desk can effortlessly transition between locations or be conveniently stored when not in use. The adaptability to changing workspaces is a nod to the dynamic nature of contemporary work lifestyles.
Another noteworthy feature is the inclusion of portable trays within the desk. These trays offer adaptable spaces for stationery, books, and tech devices, contributing to an organized and efficient work environment. The design philosophy here is clear: functionality and practicality are seamlessly intertwined.
The easy-fold seating unit not only adds to the portability but simplifies the setup and dismantling of the desk. This intuitive feature underscores the user-centric approach, making Looha a time-saving solution for those who value efficiency.
Looha transcends the ordinary to become a harmonious blend of functionality and elegance. It doesn’t just organize your space; it transforms it into an aesthetic haven, fostering both organization and productivity.
The choice of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) as the material for the desk showcases a commitment to durability, environmental consciousness, lightweight design, chemical resistance, and ease of maintenance. This intentional selection aligns the design with both longevity and eco-friendliness.
The deliberate use of soft colors in the desk’s design is a testament to the understanding that aesthetics play a vital role in enhancing the user experience. The calming and timeless hues promote focus, ensuring that the desk seamlessly integrates into various design schemes.
Beyond its primary function, the desk’s perforated wire dividers serve a dual purpose by providing pinboard functionality. This innovative feature transforms the workspace into a personalized bulletin board, allowing users to infuse their personality into the environment.
The Portable Compartment Desk Looha stands as more than a piece of furniture; it’s a design statement—a testament to thoughtful innovation, adaptability, and aesthetics. As a design journalist, it is clear that Looha is not just a desk; it’s a narrative, a design journey that elevates the mundane into the extraordinary.
In a world where the environmental impact of consumer choices is becoming increasingly critical, innovative solutions are emerging to address the challenges of over-consumption and waste. One such solution is the Koru WFH Furniture Subscription, a pioneering concept in the realm of home-office furniture that not only meets the needs of modern remote work but also champions the principles of a circular economy.
As of 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency reported a staggering increase in the amount of furniture and furnishings being discarded, reaching a whopping 12 million tons. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives in the furniture industry. Koru is a visionary response to the environmental challenges posed by the disposal of office furniture.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a monumental shift in work culture, giving rise to the widespread adoption of remote work. In this context, Studio Elk seized the opportunity to introduce a circular economy concept for home-office furniture through its subscription service. By leasing modular furniture to businesses instead of selling it outright, the studio has developed a sustainable approach to furnishing home offices.
Koru furniture isn’t just functional; it’s a harmonious blend of professional utility and aesthetic sensitivity to the home environment. Employees subscribing to the services gain the flexibility to configure their home office setups according to their unique needs, spatial constraints, and personal style. This design characteristic ensures that the furniture seamlessly integrates into the home while meeting the demands of a professional workspace.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/184030027/Koru-WFH-Furniture-Subscription/modules/1042109815This subscription model empowers businesses to choose from a variety of flexible monthly plans that can adapt to the evolving size and requirements of their teams. The service encompasses installation, repair, upgrades, and efficient collection when the furniture is no longer needed. This holistic approach eliminates the time and cost burdens typically associated with managing, moving, and storing furniture assets.
The durability of the Koru furniture is a key factor in its sustainability. Crafted from hard-wearing materials and finishes, the furniture is designed for longevity. Moreover, its easy disassembly and reassembly enable a closed-loop system, promoting reuse and enhancing repairability.
Koru’s innovative subscription concept facilitates a continuous revenue stream throughout the entire lifespan of its products. Operating on a Product-as-a-Service model, the company aligns profitability with product longevity. The longer the furniture remains in use, the more sustainable and profitable the model becomes.
Koru’s subscription concept and circular supply chain model provide a blueprint for furniture brands seeking to diversify and future-proof their business. By integrating environmental responsibility with business goals, Koru offers a pathway for brands to thrive while minimizing their environmental footprint. In essence, the Koru WFH Furniture Subscription is not just a service; it’s a sustainable business model that envisions a greener and more responsible future for the furniture industry.
If you’re living in a small space, you’d want to have furniture that can serve multiple purposes. Modular and multi-functional designs have been dominating the scene the past few years especially during the pandemic when the line between work and private life blurred all the more. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and start working from my bed, thinking maybe I should have a desk built in there or have my desk nearer to my bed for a smooth transition.
Designer: Expand Furniture
This wish comes true with the Compatto Rotating Office Murphy Bed with Desk which is literally a bed that can be turned into a working area and even a multimedia space. And when you’re ready to pack it all up at the end of the day (or the middle), you just have to fold it away, turn it all around (literally) and rest in your Murphy bed with the Queen Italian memory foam mattress.
Of course the highlight of this piece of furniture is the fact that you can quickly turn it into a workspace with a few rotations and push and pulls. The wide desk can fit in things like dual monitors, a TV screen, all-in-one iMacs, and small computers. There is also space for file storage, decorations, books, and other knick knacks. There is also adequate places and openings for all kinds of power cords and wires to power your devices.
You will have to assemble everything yourself though as this is a DIY install. But this seems to be a pretty interesting piece of furniture to have if you can manage to put everything together. I will probably have some anxious moments thinking that I will be displacing my office stuff when I’m sleeping but at least I will have a really cool bed and work station in one.
A lot of people feel that there aren’t enough hours in a day without realizing how much time they might be spending or even wasting on unimportant activities. Keeping track of how you spend your time is often one of the first pieces of advice that productivity gurus give because they often reveal how much free time we actually have if we schedule our actions wisely. There is no shortage of time-tracking and logging apps today, but these digital tools are sometimes easily dismissed or ignored because they’re too convenient. This rather unusual table, however, makes the passage of time a bit more visible and tangible, allowing people to have a more personal relationship with the time they invest in work, projects, and other activities.
Designer: Yunseo Jung
Right off the bat, the Time Table already strikes an interesting visual. Unlike the majority of desks and tables, it’s made almost completely out of circles, from the tabletop to the built-in lamp to the rods that make for its legs and structure. One side of the table shows that leg, but the other side has an arc that functions like a privacy shield. There is also a matching circular tool to complete the set, though such a design isn’t actually novel to this kind of furniture.
While a circular table isn’t exactly rare, the attached “sub table” is. It’s a smaller circular tray affixed to the exposed leg of the table, but that’s not what makes it unique. This sub-table actually moves up and down, changing its elevation as time passes before returning to its base state at the lowest point. Think of it as a time, like a reverse hourglass, that slowly demonstrates the movement of time in a very visual manner.
The basic idea of the Time Table is to let the person sitting in front of it measure, log, and be aware of how much time they’re spending there. You might place some tools related to your work there or anything else that you’ll be able to notice in the corner of your eye. It offers a visual and tangible experience in counting down time without being monotonous like watching seconds tick by. Admittedly, it might also be a bit distracting, which could also be the point of instilling awareness of your time.
Novel as the concept might be, there are also a few issues with the Time Table’s design. The position of the elements, for example, might not be ergonomic or comfortable, with the lamp at a fixed spot and the privacy shield at the side potentially blocking leg movement. Given its design, there seems to also be little room for changing the height of the table, which could be too low or too high for some people. The moving sub-table as a time tracker is definitely an interesting idea, but it could probably be implemented in a different way that doesn’t negatively affect the rest of the table’s functionality.
