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.
In a world characterized by the ceaseless march of technology, the Calen-Bar emerges as a distinctive and poetic tribute to time, seamlessly blending aesthetics, mindfulness, and sustainability. This perpetual calendar transcends the conventional, inviting users into a realm where the manual meets the meaningful, where every little act becomes a marker of eternal days.
Crafted with precision and an eye for detail, the Calen-Bar is more than a tool; it is an experience. The inclusion of a metal weight introduces a tactile elegance, grounding the calendar in substance and texture. As fingers delicately adjust the rubber band to align with the current date, a connection is forged with the tangible passage of time. This manual engagement elevates the daily routine of checking dates into a ritual of reflection, ensuring that each day is not just observed but remembered, retrospectively embraced, and seized.
Positioned thoughtfully at the right end of the material rotation, the day of the week becomes a subtle but integral part of Calen-Bar’s design. As the material gracefully turns, it serves as a visual reminder that time, like the calendar itself, is in perpetual motion. This dynamic element adds a layer of continuity, urging users to appreciate the cyclical nature of days and the interconnected dance of weeks and months.
In a society racing against the clock, the Calen-Bar offers a respite from the relentless pace of technology. It is not a mere tool for making remarks or planning; rather, it is a sanctuary of poetic and aesthetic value. By embracing the manual nature of this calendar, users are prompted to engage in the deliberate act of adjusting dates, fostering a connection with time that transcends the digital coldness of screens and alarms.
Beyond its aesthetic charm, the Calen-Bar boasts a commendable sustainable aspect in its design. In a world inundated with disposable calendars, this perpetual masterpiece breaks the cycle. By omitting the mention of the year, it becomes a timeless companion, allowing users to reuse it year after year. The absence of a predefined year, while potentially leaving room for miscalculations, is a deliberate compromise in the pursuit of sustainability. In an age where ecological considerations are paramount, the Calen-Bar offers a meaningful alternative, prompting users to embrace the beauty of imperfection and intentional living.
While the manual adjustment may invite occasional errors, the Calen-Bar gracefully acknowledges the digital age, leaving room for users to cross-verify dates with their devices. This harmonious integration of analog charm and digital precision ensures that the Calen-Bar is not just a relic of the past but a versatile companion for the present and future.
In essence, the Calen-Bar is a testament to the enduring allure of simplicity, mindfulness, and sustainability. As we navigate the fast-paced currents of modern life, this perpetual calendar stands as a reminder to savor the little moments, to mark the eternal days not just in our lives but in the products that accompany us on this journey. It is a celebration of time, a fusion of elegance and purpose that invites us to comprehend the lost moments, appreciate the present, and embrace the time that is yet to come.
Hungary-based architecture and design firm Hello Wood initially started off as a summer camp for students with an inclination towards architecture and design in 2010. Over the years, the firm has grown and evolved, and it began to produce cabins and public installations which slowly developed into a detached prefab workstation in 2020, which perfectly found its footing during the pandemic. “Although there had been a need for more separate meeting rooms before the pandemic,” says Ráday, “there is now a rapidly growing demand for isolated work possibilities.” Dubbed the Pebble, this timber-clad workstation has now grown into something futuristic and pretty cool-looking.
Hello Wood’s original Pebble pod was clad in wood and is now being customized by the firm to have a more futuristic look. The pod is being customized for a fiber optic company, to provide them with three auxiliary meeting rooms. The client wanted three of the pods to be placed in his front yard, he wanted people to look at them and feel as if they’ve just landed on Mars! To achieve this sleek and uber-cool look, the firm covered the pod with aluminum composite panels and utilized many of the latest technologies. The resulting rooms can be used as office rooms, meeting rooms, and creative spaces. The goal was to create spaces that look innovative and provide inspiration to the clients as they work through the day.
As you enter the pod, you are welcomed by air-conditioned interiors, amped with high-tech features, such as motorized mounts for monitors, LED lighting, and digital boards. The interiors are defined by a glazed entryway, a skylight, as well as two windows, which give the pod a spacious feel, allowing natural light to stream in throughout the day. The amount of glass utilized inside the pod can be customized depending on the user’s requirement.
The Pebble pods occupy around 86 square feet and are priced at a starting price point of around $47,7000. This includes the cabin and basic furnishing but does not include shipping and installation costs, which can vary depending on the delivery location. Within Europe, the pods can be shipped on a truck bed in one piece.
While working in an office space, focusing on the right office supplies is crucial. Adorning your desk with the right items can significantly impact your day. The right products can not only enhance your work routine and productivity but also help maintain a clear and streamlined mindset. We’ve curated an excellent collection of office supplies that perfectly blend form, functionality, minimalism, and simplicity. From an everlasting all-metal pencil to a hanging desk organizer, these are the ingenious products that you need on your desk. Let’s explore these innovative and practical tools to transform your work experience.
1. Levitating Pen 3.0
Called the Levitating Pen, this good-looking writing accessory is a sleek pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes it easy and sturdy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience.
The Levitating Pen can be positioned in its holder which is magnetized and can be kept floating in that position. You need to give the pen a simple twist, which makes it spin for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with it.
What we like
The pen is easy and sturdy to hold
The act of spinning the pen can be a fun stress-buster
What we dislike
The pen can easily roll off when placed on a curved surface
2. Rolling World Clock
If you’re someone who works globally and needs to deal with clients in different timezones, then the minimal, one-hand Rolling World Clock is the product you need.
With the Rolling World Clock, you can easily get the timezone you need with a simple one-handed movement. You can turn the clock till the city whose time you need to check turns up, allowing the watch hand to adjust to the correct timezone automatically.
What we like
You don’t need a screen to check on multiple timezones
Keeps the time-telling a minimal and simple affair
What we dislike
The clock only features 12 set cities, so you will still need to calculate the time zones outside the clock’s interface
3. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Dubbed the Everlasting Metal Pencil, this Wacom stylus features a tip that never needs to be replaced or sharpened. The unique pencil allows you to focus entirely on your creative process instead of the lead.
The pencil’s octagonal shaft is built using aluminum, and it features a special alloy core. Instead of leaving heavy grooves on the paper, it draws like a pencil, without the tip wearing down even after dozens of marks.
What we like
Features a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so the pencil wears down very slowly
What we dislike
Isn’t the best option for those who use smudging techniques, as it doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does
4. Japanese Drawing Pad
Japanese paper has always been loved and preferred by designers, artists, and stationery lovers for its high quality. And, if you’re someone who wants to try out this paper, then you may want to get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad.
The Japanese Drawing Pad is a premium-quality pad that allows you to unveil your thoughts and passions without the worry of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers.
What we like
The paper is microperforated allowing for easy and effortless tearing
Available in various sizes and colors, so you can pick the kind that meets your stationery needs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary pad with nothing special to offer. Looks can be deceiving
5. All-in-One Screwdriver
The All-in-One Screwdriver stands out for its innovative design and multifunctionality. It is not just a tool for driving screws but also a piece of engineering that brings playfulness into work.
The screwdriver features an innovative ball bearing for smooth operation and a spinner wheel that tackles bigger screwing challenges with ease. When more power is needed, its hexagon bit holder can be used with an electric screwdriver, making it a versatile addition to any office toolkit.
What we like
Smooth swivel action that requires only finger strength
Detachable spinner wheel for increased torque and faster rotation
What we dislike
Some might find the additional features to be overkill for simple screwdriving tasks
6. ASMR Zen Ball
The ASMR Zen Ball is a unique fusion of natural and engineered elements, designed to provide a calming and sensory experience.
Crafted from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, this device doubles as a fidget toy, offering an interactive way to engage with the natural energy of the earth. This lava ball also offers an aromatic experience when used with essential oils, making it a multifaceted tool for relaxation.
What we like
Can be used for sensory stimulation, as a fidget toy, or for aromatherapy
Made from genuine volcanic stone, offering a distinct tactile experience
What we dislike
While it offers sensory benefits, its practical application in an office environment is limited
7. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
The ordinary letter cutter provides a makeover in the form of the Effortless Standing Letter Cutter. The standard office tool is reimagined with this product.
The letter cutter not only efficiently slices paper, but it also functions as a chic paperweight which basically means less clutter and more style and elegance for your workspace.
What we like
No messy pieces and straps are created, making cleanup simple
It doubles up as a paperweight
What we dislike
While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail
8. Quick-Access Organizer
This organizer is an exciting storage solution that ensures your essentials are always accessible, and easily reachable. It marries form and functionality to create a unique 21st-century product.
It is a simple and minimalist product that stands apart in a world where smart gadgets and daily reminders reign supreme. It is the perfect combination of form, functionality, and aesthetics.
What we like
It is a lid and a tray and features dual functionality
The rotating mechanism takes the guesswork out of storage
What we dislike
Cannot accommodate a large array of items
9. Hanging Desk Organizer
In today’s ever-evolving workspaces, redefining how we utilize space is essential. This edge-hanging organizer doesn’t just challenge the norms; it entirely disrupts them.
Leveraging often overlooked spaces, it offers a solution that’s as innovative as it is effective, allowing users to reclaim their desktop real estate for productivity while ensuring essentials are always within arm’s reach.
What we like
It hangs off the edge, utilizing an otherwise frequently wasted space
It features a modular magnetic system which puts the control in your hand
What we dislike
Not sure how much weight it can handle before it becomes unstable
10. The Scissors w/ Base
The Scissors w/Base features a magnetic base that makes the design a pretty cutting-edge one, allowing you to reshape your workspace organization.
The magnet base is a game-changer, giving these shears a permanent VIP spot on your desk—no more lost-in-the-abyss moments. Crafted with lustrous Japanese steel, they’re not just tools but desk decor that screams ‘next-gen chic’.
What we like
That magnetic base is genius—ensuring your scissors have a dedicated spot
In the world of multifunctional gadgets, having a built-in box cutter is the kind of forward-thinking detail we appreciate
What we dislike
As much as they’re aesthetically pleasing, they will not replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks
One of the most important pieces of furniture in an office is an office chair. We spend the majority of our day sitting on chairs, whether we’re working in our home office or a corporate one. Hence, this piece of furniture needs to be not only comfortable but ergonomic, and aesthetic as well. It needs to be back to support our backs and butts through a long day of dealing with tasks and completing important assignments. And, an exceptional office chair that would make a great addition to your office is the Vitra ACX.
Designer: Antonio Citterio and Vitra
Designed as a collaboration between Antonio Citterio and Vitra, the Vitra ACX is the tenth task chair created by the collaborators. The Vitra ACX is an evolution and culmination of the long-lasting partnership, and it is a neat fit for your home office or corporate office. The goal of the chair is to have a “long service life with the smallest possible carbon footprint”.
Vitra is dubbed as ACX’s most sustainable task chair available, and this claim is backed up by the fact that the chair has a 100% recyclable construction. It is built with a limited number of components to ensure that service and maintenance are simple and efficient. Citterio explains, “The use of up to 100% recyclable materials was the single most important factor in the design process.”
The Vitra ACX features a three-dimensional form-fitted knit that covers the backrest pretty minimally, without causing any intrusions of the seam. The fabric has a tactile imprint design which provides supportive softness. The mesh fabric design is quite airy, and an excellent option for those who want a lightweight fabric rather than a heavily padded traditional support. Also, the Vitra ACX doesn’t feature too many controls. Physical controls have been eliminated resulting in reduced weight, and the eradication of any confusion or doubt when it comes to operating the chair. Instead, ACX is equipped with a mechanism that automatically adjusts itself to the different kinds of users and their body weights. The seat’s height is still manually adjustable though.
Before CDs and DVDs revolutionized physical media in the 1990s, people mostly used floppy disks — little square pucks containing less than 2.8 megabytes of storage. If you collected a lot of floppy disks, for instance, the original release of DOOM (which released across four 3.5 inch floppy disks), you needed a place to put them. Back then, that meant keeping your disk collection in a whole bunch of beige boxes with tinted plastic coverings, locked shut with a simple mechanism.
Apparently, that design — despite its relative clunkiness and odd fit for modern offices — is nostalgic to collectors of modern physical media devices like Micro SD cards and Nintendo Switch cartridges, and, as a result, independent artist Trevor Flowers has designed his own tributes to the classic floppy disk holder design. Calling it the “Smol Floppy Disk Organizer for Micro SD Cards” on his Gumroad page, this adorable replica of days gone by can fit on any desk surface thanks to its near-microscopic size.
“Back when floppies were new we kept them safe in somewhat terrible plastic bins,” says Flowers in the description of his Micro SD card holder.
“Now that micro SD cards can hold thousands of times more data they’re what we use and what we lose! Because, smol. So, here’s a little throwback to the floppy organizer but sized for micro SD cards. I used double-sided tape to stick mine to the top of my PC monitor because I’d lose it on my messy desk.”
The Smol Floppy Disk Organizer for Micro SD Cards is available to purchase on Flowers’ official Gumroad page for $22, though it seems like supplies are limited as only 37 units remain. The same is true of his Smol Floppy Disk Organizer for Switch Cartridges, of which only 8 remain as I write this article. It’s unclear whether more will be constructed, though it’s worth noting the build is quite cute and may even have mass-market appeal for collectors.
Smol Floppy Disk Organizers aren’t the only unique retro design Flowers has come up with. On his page, you can find other bespoke (and somewhat larger) tributes to the TRS-80 Model III and the Osborne One.
