Sustainable and minimalist desk tray collection lets you mix and match to your needs

Posted on 16/04/2024 by JC Torres

Desk trays are an indispensable part of any organization system, and their designs vary wildly to meet different needs and aesthetic tastes. While wooden desk accessories are not uncommon, the most standard materials used for these products are often virgin plastics that, given the volume of their use, spell trouble for the planet. Fortunately, a few designs nowadays do try to utilize recycled or even upcycled materials to ease the burden on the environment, but good design doesn’t have to stop there. This concept, for example, seems to check all the right boxes by offering not only a sustainable solution with a beautiful minimalist design but also one that lets you combine pieces as you see fit or use them solo in different places as needed.

Designers: Hoyeon Shin, Seokhyoun Han, Joae Kim, Yeongha Kim, Zoae Kim for Haus Bari

Truth be told, this design is actually four separate products sharing a similar DNA. One design, however, can’t meet all the needs of all users, so rather than make a monolithic product that wastes space and materials, this series of trays simply offers four unique designs that can be used for a variety of purposes, including in places that don’t involve work tables and stationery.

All four pieces share the same thin square platform, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. One “block”, for example, has a fixed cylinder that can be used for holding writing instruments, tools, or maybe even flowers. Another has a circular indentation that invites you to place a mug or glass on it, though it can also fit small items such as an AirPods charging case. The tray with a wavy surface can be a bed for pens and pencils without having them jumbled up together. The fourth member has a simple flat surface, but flip it over and you will behold the Bari branding underneath. It can also function as another coaster thanks to that circular groove again.

The trays use diatomaceous earth, a sustainable material that is gaining popularity among product designers. It also gives the tray a textured appearance that resembles rough, unpolished stone, making the minimalist products look a little more visually interesting. It also makes it possible to place wet or damp objects on top of the tray, such as sponges or even soap, thanks to the material’s moisture resistance and self-drying properties.

Although each of these trays functions as an independent unit, you can also combine them as a single organization system where you have free reign over how they are arranged. You can have them for a line, put them in a grid, or spread them out all over the desk. Of course, you’re not limited to just one of each piece, either, and can form an army of trays and containers ready to keep your mess at bay. It’s an admittedly simple solution to desk and life organization, but one that offers beauty and flexibility in a package that tries to reduce its negative impact on the environment.

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This Origami Kitchen Tray is the Perfect Example of How Great Design Lies in Simple Details

Posted on 07/04/2024 by Sarang Sheth

Most household items we own today are made one of two or three ways. If they’re made from plastic, chances are they’re injection molded… and if they’re metal, they’re either cast or they’re rolled/stamped into a distinct form. These methods end up defining what a product will look like. An injection-molded plastic part will never look as intricate as a 3D-printed mesh part… and a stamped metal utensil will never have the elegance of something like the Snapsys tray set. Designed using a series of strategic Origami-style bends, the Snapsys set of trays and table platforms are deceptively simple to look at, but are engineered and manufactured to perfection. Each item is made from a single 0.8mm sheet of metal that’s been creased, bent, and then anodized. The result is a set of kitchenware that’s incredibly slim, yet just as strong, thanks to the nature of the folds that help provide rigidity.

Designers: Sang Hyuk Han & Eunju Jang

Click Here to Buy Now: $149 ~~$160~~ ($11 off). Hurry, offer ends soon!

The Snapsys set of trays and table are ‘Origami-style folding plate’ that have a thickness of 0.8mm (about as much as a credit card).

The Snapsys set comes in three tray styles that double as decorative tabletop platforms for displaying your food. Most trays look terribly run-of-the-mill, but given the Snapsys set’s unique manufacturing technique, this tray collection has no such problem. The trays look defyingly thin, to the point of feeling fragile. They do measure just 0.8mm (about as much as a credit card), but are surprisingly strong thanks to the folding structures that give them the ability to carry well beyond their weight without bending or flexing.

Use as a service tray.

A decorative incense stick tray!

Candle Holder!

The secret lies in the origami-style folds that help strengthen the trays while giving them their rather memorable designs. The fold lines aren’t regular, but instead follow a curve, allowing the metal sheet to bend in a curved way too. This helps strengthen the metal, making it rigid instead of flimsy. You can try the same technique with paper, observing how curved folds help give paper additional stiffness too.

Some trays look conventional, with handles on either side. Others come with legs, elevating your food by an inch or two to help your dishes stand out against a laid-out table. All trays come with anodized color options, allowing you to add a splash of vibrance to your tabletop decor as well as allowing the trays themselves to serve as accent pieces. The anodized finish also makes them durable and corrosion-resistant, increasing their overall lifespan. The tray sets, which come in black, yellow, blue, or a nude silver, start at a discounted $149, which includes three trays – 1 rectangular tray, 1 oval tray, and 1 half-plate tray.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149 ~~$160~~ ($11 off). Hurry, offer ends soon!

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Antiquated tools reinterpreted as delightful everyday products

Posted on 14/02/2024 by JC Torres

Humanity has produced no small number of tools and objects over the course of history. Some have evolved to become the tools we use today, while others have almost faded into the background, remembered and illustrated only in history books. While these items of the past may no longer serve a practical purpose today, they could still serve as a stepping stone to inspire the designs of tomorrow. This collection of three everyday products, for example, takes a few pages from the form and even the function of these old objects, creating an atmosphere of wonder and curiosity, while also giving a few visual clues that connect us to our distant past.

Designers: Dami Seo, Dohui Kim, Dong Kyun Kim

Fire-lit lamps may have once been the only way that people could see in the dark of night, but these are not only impractical today, they’re also fire hazards. That said, there’s a certain romantic charm to the shapes and curves of these kerosene lamps, an emotion that the DIDIM_Stand Light tries to replicate with modern technology. The tall floor lamp imitates the style of a lamp dangling from a metal bar, but here the lamp is a battery-powered LED lamp that you can remove and use independently of the rest of the structure. The lamp’s two-piece stand and the wavy cantilever are meant to resemble a person holding such a lantern in olden times.

A bucket-drawn well is almost an iconic image in many historical or fictional settings that depict periods before an industrial age, and this old contraption has come to symbolize not only life that comes from water but also the routines of life in those ages. Today, we use clocks to mark those routines, and the DIDIM_Alarm Clock combines these two concepts into a miniature well that will hopefully make you feel less annoyed when it wakes you up in the morning. Instead of a basket, the “well” has a bell that rises from within when it’s time to sound the alarm. It isn’t a real bell, however, and has a speaker inside to do the work. Amusingly, you have to hit the bell in order to silence it.

A little bit more obscure is the DIDIM_Tray, inspired by old grinding stones that people used to prepare grains and beans for cooking. Instead of grinding things, however, turning the “pestle” handle deploys the fan-shaped trays that have compartments for your phone, your pens, and your earbuds. When you’re done using it and don’t want the circular tray to take up space, simply turn the handle in the opposite direction to transform it into a decorative for your desk or table.

These might be mundane objects you can find in anyone’s home, but giving them a bit of a flavor not only enhances their appearance but also changes the atmosphere around them. And you don’t even have to think hard of designs that will capture your visitors’ attention. By simply looking at our past and appreciating the designs that have come before us, we can already bring a unique visual and tactile experience to these everyday products, while also helping us make a connection with the past.

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This wooden shoe rack doubles as a bench and a tray for transient bodies and objects

Posted on 15/11/2023 by JC Torres

A lot of the clutter and missing items in our homes are caused by having no proper place to put our stuff. Whether they’re keys or shoes, small objects can lead to big messes when left anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes, it’s not enough just to have a place to put them; you also have to be smart in where you actually place these objects’ homes. Things that you take with you outside but not indoors are often best left near the door, but that space might not always be the best location for shelves. This design concept offers a rather elegant solution to this multi-layer problem, providing a more permanent fixture for temporary things like shoes, keys, earbuds, and even your own tired body.

Designer: Joao Teixeira

Shoe racks are not an uncommon sight inside houses, apartments, and living spaces. More often than not, their placed by the door to make it easy to put shoes on when leaving and have a convenient spot to leave them after you’ve taken them off. Due to the space these pieces of furniture occupy, however, they usually serve a single purpose only and have almost no other use except for shoe storage. It’s practically wasted space, especially if you don’t have that many shoes there to begin with.

Inspired by traditional Japanese architecture like torii gates, “Tokyo” is a shoe rack that goes above and beyond the call of duty, at least if you want it to. It actually serves two other functions in addition to holding your shoes. The cushioned top serves as a comfy bench, perfect for when you need to sit down to take a breather or put on shoes. There is a small tray on one side that lets you put down your phone, keys, and other knick-knacks for a while. Given the multi-functional design of the concept, it’s something that can easily be placed near the door or against any wall. Yes, it will take up a length of space, but you’re getting three for the price of one.

What’s even more impressive is how this design implements those three functions in a beautifully minimalist manner. Like many of Joao Teixeira’s furniture concepts, it involves using bent planks of plywood to achieve simple yet sophisticated-looking forms. In this case, the two legs are bent at opposite angles, but one of them extends upward and curves embrace the cushion, creating a completely flat and solid surface to act as a temporary holding area for small objects. Structural support is provided by a pseudo three-centered arch, also made from bent plywood, that creates a shelf for larger things.

Admittedly, Tokyo hardly looks like any typical shoe rack, which makes it an ideal piece of furniture to place anywhere. The large empty space at the bottom can be home for taller shoes and boots, while the shelf can hold sandals, loafers, sneakers, and similar footwear. Of course, it could also be used to hide books, foldable umbrellas, or other things you might want to quickly grab before you rush out the door. Either way, this shoe rack and bench in one provides a convenient and charming place for shoes and small items, not to mention a comfortable way to catch your breath after coming back home.

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Minimal pen tray with adjustable knobs let’s you organize your stationery perfectly

Posted on 17/05/2023 by Srishti Mitra

What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. And an innovative and functional addition to that collection would be the KNOB . pen tray.

Designer: Changho Lee

Designed by Changho Lee, the KNOB. is a clean, minimal, and sleek pen tray with rounded edges. It’s the kind of uber-cool and well-designed product that adds a whole ounce of personality and character to your desk. But despite its simple good looks, the KNOB. pen tray has quite a unique functionality. The pen tray was inspired by the knobs you find on a gas burner. Lee borrowed the design language of gas burner knobs, and replicated it in his tray creating a piece of stationery with intriguing-looking ‘control buttons’ or ‘knobs’.

These knobs or multiport radar allow you to adjust the internal space of the pen tray. So, you can basically customize the interiors of the tray, creating different sections by playing around with the knobs in the direction you want. You can adjust the buttons horizontally, vertically, or diagonally depending on which stationery items you want to place on the tray, and how you want to place them. You can fidget with the buttons to create space to accommodate multiple tiny items or a large pen or pencil all by itself. It’s quite fun to organize it!

It’s a pretty easy-to-use and accessible product that is available in a variety of colors – pale grey, bright blue, and muted orange. The color options are versatile and can work well with other accessories on your desk, allowing you to create the desk setup of your dreams. It comes in a simple and clean packaging design, making it super easy to unwrap and use instantly.

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June Storage and Display Tray System is one versatile organizing solution

Posted on 16/05/2022 by Rei Padla

June Storage and Display Tray Design

Many people say that the key to organizing your clutter at home is to get proper storage and trays. Some will say you need to remove unnecessary stuff before buying storage and containers. But however you want to deal with your clutter at home, you need to decide to have a proper place for everything.

June is a new system or storage and display trays that may be helpful to those who want to Marie Kondo their stuff. No, this won’t really carry all your things, but it looks like a fun and stylish way to keep things clean and tidy. Of course, having a clean and clutter-free desk is necessary, especially if you want to get work done quickly and smartly.

Designer: Piyushi Patni

June Storage and Display Trays Colors

June is designed as a versatile system of storage and display trays. This desk accessory is very functional and practical for anyone with a work desk. This modern organizing system is based on the idea that storing things vertically can be more efficient. Such vertical solutions save up desk or counter space.

Having vertical storage is also more pleasing to the eyes. The aesthetics of June is modern with a hint of mid-century. Of course, it’s best for the young generation with the choice of colors, but nothing’s going to stop you from getting the storage and tray solution.

Concept June Storage and Display Trays

June Storage and Display Trays Demo

The design is playful and can fit most interiors. You can use it in your office, bedroom, dining room, or kitchen. The trays keep things off a surface, so everything is clean. The system comes with seven trays of different shapes, sizes, and colors that you can attach to a pole. It’s a stationery storage system with trays made of aluminum with rounded edges. The industrial metal look and feel are not evident because of the powder coating and finish. The trays look more friendly, fun, and stylish, while the wooden stamp gives it a more natural look. You can rotate the plates (tray) to face any direction you like. Apart from the trays, there are also bowls available.

June Storage and Display Tray Collection

June Storage and Display Tray LIne

June is modular and stackable so that you can customize or adjust the system depending on your liking. The rotating mechanism makes it more accessible and fun. Even if more people have started to return to onsite work or school, some still spend their days at home. Working from home can be fun with office items that deliver fun form and function. June is only one solution, but we’re looking at it as an effective way to keep things clutter-free all the time.

June Storage and Display Tray Series

June Storage and Display Tray LIne

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Lands Collection of Wooden Trays shows off craftsmanship and great design

Posted on 06/04/2022 by Rei Padla

LANDS Collection Wooden Tray

The designer’s inspiration is something we have not experienced in a while—looking down out of the window from a plane and seeing things smaller down below. Aerial landscapes mainly inspire the Lands Collection of wood trays and we love the results.

Designer Carlos Jiménez has come up with a collection of wood trays with Scandinavian aesthetics. The trays can be used for anything: home decor, tableware, or accessories organizer. The modular design makes the collection more functional than ever because you can personalize your desk tray system.

Designer: Carlos Jiménez

LANDS Collection Design

There are different sizes and styles to choose from. You can use the trays on both sides, depending on your preference. You can also choose between the steamed walnut wood and ash wood version.

There are six different trays available in various sizes and shapes. These wooden trays are very convenient, practical, and functional for the office or home. You can use them on your office desk to keep small items organized. In addition, you can use the tray to display your stuff and keep your desk tidy.

LANDS Collection Wooden Tray

The designer tried sketching his ideas first and then made paper models. The initial prototypes were made in pine wood. Some pieces were even painted in colors, but the designer is now settling for natural wood finish.

LANDS Collection of Trays

The project was a Red Dot 2020 Winner, so you know this will really catch people’s attention. Each tray corresponds with the other trays perfectly, as made possible by the zigzag surface. The latter ensures both the movement and stability of the trays.

You can use the tray pieces separately or together. The design is simple yet elegant, making for timeless pieces any minimalist would love. The ridges also remind us of the FLIP calculator that functions as a pen organizer when flipped over and not in use.

LANDS Collection Trays

We don’t see many desk trays around, but we have featured several interesting designs. We remember that Protrude wooden minimal desk tray that looked like it would slip right off your desk. The stackable trays from Studio Unité also looked minimalist yet a bit quirky.

And then there was the LastDesk modular desk that comes with a detachable wooden tray that could be part of the Lands Collection. In this era, when working from home is encouraged, it is recommended that you enhance your work desk situation. Table organizers and trays can help you tidy up any desk for a more inspiring work environment.

Lands Wood Tray Desk

LANDS Collection Red Dot 2020

Lands Wooden Tray

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This sleek table-lamp doubles up as a bedside tray for organizing all your belongings

Posted on 15/04/2021 by Sarang Sheth

Silvon, the science-backed startup known for elevating ordinary home goods introduces TRAY Table Light, a new lighting design created in partnership with Gantri to encourage better bedtime rituals.

Designed to help declutter your nightstand as well as help you de-clutter your mind, the TRAY light serves as an ambient lamp that also holds and organizes your bedside items like your spectacles, water bottle, phone, etc. It features an accordion-inspired lampshade that glows with a fluted/banded design, atop which sits an opaque tray that holds your belongings. At 9.25 x 9.25 inches, it fits comfortably on most bedside tables, and offers enough surface area for all your belongings. When the lamp’s switched on, your objects are cast in a diffused light that bounces around your room. Without creating any glare or appearing too bright, the TRAY Table Light lets you easily spot and access your belongings and even see clearly around your bedroom.

The TRAY Table Light comes as a collaborative effort between Silvon and Gantri. Like all of Gantri’s lamps, the TRAY is 3D printed out of the proprietary Gantri Plant Polymer (GPP) and treated with a matte finish. The inside of the lamp is fitted with a 6W LED bulb, and the TRAY also has a dimmer switch integrated into its TPE electrical cord.

The TRAY joins Gantri’s vast collection of minimally expressive designer-made lamps as perhaps the first ever lamp to also have a functional purpose. Place it on your bedside table and it transforms into an illuminating organizer. Or hook it to your mantelpiece to transform it into an ambient living-room light + keyring bowl!

Designer: Silvon for Gantri

These clever oven-trays come with an extended lip that makes them easy to hold

Posted on 22/01/2021 by Sarang Sheth

This is a handle-appreciation post. As someone who’s dropped his fair share of cookies (and one lasagna) because oven-trays aren’t easy to grip, more so when they’re hot and you’re wearing gloves, it seems plain counterintuitive that oven trays, pans, and casseroles don’t have larger gripping surfaces.

The Nest Oven tins feature a simple innovation that solves a familiar problem – removing hot oven dishes whilst wearing thick & cumbersome oven-gloves. A specially designed lip on the front of the tray makes it easier to pull the tray out of the oven, and wide handles on the side let you hold the tray once it’s out of the oven… you know, so you don’t risk fumbling with your tray of food, much like Kevin with his famous chili. And here’s the best part – like all of the products in the Joseph Joseph Nest line, the oven tins nest right within each other for easy storage!

Designer: Tej Chauhan for Joseph Joseph

A Fun Yet Functional Item of Stationery

Posted on 18/12/2018 by James Hoare

pnecil_sharpener_and_tray_layout

It would come as no surprise to hear that a lot of us spend a seemingly ‘unhealthy’ time at our desks, but seeing as this may be the case, we might as well surround ourselves with items that we love! Little desk accessories have the ability to bring a little bit of character and personality to the workspace, and Logger is no exception!

Logger is the result of the two products coming together to make one complete product, an automatic pencil sharpener, and a tray. As soon as the pencils have been sharpened in the protruding cylinder, they satisfyingly rest within the arc of the lid, where grooves have been introduced to house each individual pencil. This lid rests upon a translucent base that allows the user to see how full the collection compartment has gotten, without having to lift the top off, and without the aesthetic-compromising view of the pencil shavings.

Designer: Homm. Studio

pnecil_sharpener_and_tray_01