apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

That round edge is just begging for things to slide off repeatedly and annoyingly. Also, I think that depth is fine for computer use but not comfortable for studying. And did I mention I'm not crazy about metal work surfaces? Too cold and scratchy...

I do like the space-saving nested return however.

"with flat screen monitors and wireless keyboards, the space given to a modern desk can be drastically reduced"

Um, yeah, you'd THINK. But notsomuch.

Ditto ptoo. Sounds like the paperless office. I haven't yet figured out how to get by with nothing physically on my desk but my computer - my gut response to this is that I'd always be finding it *just* too small. Which would drive me batty. Though I do like the cord shelf.

I love the concept, but I'll wait until there's a version available in a different material with squared edges and a bit more visual interest in the legs.
Really, the potenial is endless for variations on this theme... mission, modern, french, and perhaps one to match a ghost chair -v. minimalist.

As for the comments on "not enough space", I can see your concerns, but I feel the difficulties would be easily overcome by adding a shelf or two above the desk to store items on whilst not in use (stylish storage, of course).

Hello all. Thanks for your kind words and honest feedback. It should be known that I designed this desk for myself and am typing on it right now. Its true that "book learnin" was not in my mind when I designed it - hours in front of the computer was. I feel the trend is towards working on the sofa with a small notebook more often than working at a desk. Yet, one can't quite get away without a desk. However, for me, the desk no longer deserves its own room in my house. I wanted my den back (darn-it), so I could use it for other things. The solution? Keep a desk in the den, but have it occupy very little space, especially when not in use.

As for the rounded corners, I have not lost anything over the edge yet. :)

Both the upper and lower deck surfaces are wide enough to lay a stack of paper, so paperwork is no issue either. For me, the big surprise was the metal. While cold at first, it acts as a natural heat sink, so your palms never get hot and sticky. For those who can't get past the metal, I plan to offer a leather wrap accessory for the lower deck at some point in the future.

The brushed finish is intentional. If it gets scratched, just wipe some stainless steel wool over it and its brand new.

And though I am opinionated regarding "less paper", I'm not suggesting anyone is or can be completely paperless yet. But perhaps paper not actively being referred to or written on could be relegated to a shelf and therefor not occupy work space. Perhaps OneLessDesk could be of help in this regard. Thanks again everyone.

This is one of the few well designed ergonomic pieces I've seen, which is a real plus - although showing the screen on the corner, keyboard on the lower surface completely undermines the ergonomics.

The wire management is also nicely handled.

I'm less concerned about where to put the paper than what it would look like when I add the USB Hub, Huey and anything else I can't attach wirelessly.

The only thing I'd change would be the flat legs that stick out beyond the units edge.

Love it! So versatile and stylish. I'm envisioning a clear version in either Lucite or glass. It would virtually disappear (but would be a pain in the butt to clean)! Very clever design.

dcheckler:
Thanks for the inside info; the basic design is fabulous and though I appreciate the brushed metal (even more after the scrach buffing explanation), I still feel that it is very translatable into different styles. To me, this is the mark of a truly good concept. Stoat and I would both like to see a lucite version. :)

I have two suggestions for the current design: 1) offer an option for a solid brushed steel front panel. I feel that seeing the partially screened wires takes away from the elegance of the clean line. 2) Incorporate is a groove up the back leg(s) for cords so that they are easily hidden.
Best of luck for the launch of this new product!

Anastasia:
I'm happy to report that the production design includes channels running up the back of both sides of the upper desk so to hide your wires (from the front) all the way to the ground.

The front of the hidden shelf will likely remain perforated steel (or perf) for a few reasons. One, I expect some people will want to put their small speakers in there, thus the "perf" will allow the sound to pass through. Second, to keep airflow past all your external drives and power bricks stored in the shelf at a maximum. And third, perhaps least important, it matches the look of the MacPro. :)

It should be mentioned that your wires are actually much less visible from the front than the photos would have you believe. The studio photos were taken in front of an illuminated background. With a light source back there, you can really see the detail of everything in the shelf. In the real world, the desk is likely to be against the wall in most situations with the shelf in a shadow. Which means all you'll see through the perf is solid darkness. Not to mention the shelf is set back from the front edge 6 inches, which means you have to be looking very low to even see it in the first place.

As for various materials, I tried. I really tried. :)
I completely agree that a mark of a good design is its ability to be translated into various materials....and then economics and manufacturing headaches come creeping in...

The concept started as bent plywood, but the thickness of that material meant sacrificing too many small details. Then glass, but finding a manufacturer was a big issue. Then anodized aluminum, to exactly match the iMac, but production costs came back at about $2000 per desk (LOTS of aluminum needed, anodizing is crazy expensive.), and as soon as the anodized layer gets scratched, you are S.O.L. Regular steel was considered, but the cost savings in the material are undermined by the fact that you have to finish the metal somehow, and depending on what you choose for your finish could push the cost right back up. But this does remain an option for the future.

Stainless is where its at. Its solid beautiful material, and manufactures want to work with it. There is a version in my head of the OneLessDesk that adds a thin, real wood laminate to the surface of the desks, but for many that would reduce the lust factor provided by the stainless surface.

Thanks very much for your kind words and contemplative feedback. I take it to heart.

An additional shelf as an answer to a minimalist approach to office clutter management seems kinda silly to me. "Don't mess with my desk. But the rest of the room, knock yourself out!"

DCHeckler:

Pleaseohplease tell me this will be available overseas! The exchange rate puts it within my budget, and my Parisian apartment desperately needs a better desk solution. I, for one, LOVE the brushed stainless (which goes with some of the other midcentury to 70s stainless that shows up around my room), and the rounded edges would go well with my rounded living room wall.

And finally:Yes, the depth is 16 1/2, but what's the width and height?