From air-purifying office plants to sculptural vases, OnOffice writer Paul Armstrong, selects his office desk essentials
Argument Vase
Stunningly sleek anodized aluminium makes 004 by Berlin-based design studio Argument a must-have desk accessory. It may look like there are multiple pieces used to create one, but that’s an illusion. The finish comes from glass beads being blasted at the form. Brutal but with a soft edge, Argument believes that design makes representational contributions to discourse and considers objects as arguments. Manufactured in Germany, 004 is more sculpture than vase that creates inspiring shadows whether you have flowers in it or not. argument.gmbh
Tom Dixon candle
A nod towards Summer and happier times comes from Tom Dixon with his Swirl Ball candle (geranium, patchouli oil and moss). A fun piece in its own right, the candle will go, but the pot remains. Made from recycled powdered residue from the marble industry, each piece is individual, thanks to the elements’ pouring process and pigmentation. The candle comes with a built-in snuffer (lid!) which can be repurposed as a coaster once the candle is finished. tomdixon.net
Kal Perpetual Calendar
Produced in Germany, Kal is a stunning homage to minimal graphic design. Perfect for the home office or actual office, Kal is made of thick, 33cm x 48 cm double-sided sheets that you can write directly on. Coming with or without the sturdy metal base that fixes to any wall, and thanks to the well-planned grid, there is enough space to write what you need. An essential purchase for those who need an overview. kal-store.com
Anther + Moss Planter
Unlined concrete is given a beautifully soft finish with Anther + Moss’s ‘The Burbank’. Sporting three 8cm pots, The Burbank allows for accidental overflow thanks to its single coaster and drainage holes in each section. Overwatering is relatively impossible; thanks to the unlined concrete, the water it absorbs evaporates, so there’s no soggy soil here. Each pot has its own character due to each being hand-poured. If squares aren’t your thing, fear not, and check out a rounder version with the Dalton range. antherandmoss.com
Hishaku Table Lamp
Another beautiful nod to the minimal is the delightful Hishaku Table Lamp. Looking more like a chōzubachi hand washing ceremony ladle, this LED lamp casts a warm beam onto any surface. Infinitely dimmable and with a two-way rotating head, Keiji Ashizawa’s design has already won awards around the globe for its traditional nod and focus on its functional attributes. Available in navy, black and burnt orange. zaozuo.com
Images by Tom Dixon; bus.group, Robert Fehse Argument; Anther + Moss
