The Work Desk

From In the Room, an exhibition by Colin King with Demisch Danant. The pieces here aren’t the ones mentioned, but the feeling is right — composed, quiet, and built with care.

The Work Desk

Words MILES REDFER
Photos JASPER LENNOX

Six essentials for a more thoughtful desk.

The right tools can shape how you work. A well-balanced pen, a notebook that opens flat, or even a reliable laptop can turn the ordinary into something more intentional. These are a few items that have quietly improved my own desk setup — simple pieces that add clarity, rhythm, and a sense of calm to the day.

SMYTHSON PANAMA DAILY NOTEBOOK

Handcrafted in England, Smythson’s signature daily notebook is bound in cross-grain lambskin and filled with featherweight, gilt-edged pages. The paper is smooth yet subtly textured — ideal for rollerballs, fountain pens, or the perfect excuse to upgrade your handwriting.

Available in classic navy, black, or a rotating selection of seasonal shades.

CARAN D’ACHE’S VARIUS ROLLERBALL PEN

Swiss precision meets refined materials — Caran d’Ache’s Varius collection offers rollerball pens in finishes like rosewood, carbon fiber, or rhodium-plated silver. The weight is substantial but balanced, making every signature, note, or sketch feel intentional.

Available in both blue and black ink — because the best tools are worth having twice.

THE LEUCHTTURM1917 PLANNER

German precision in planner form. The Leuchtturm1917 weekly and monthly planner features a clean, efficient layout — weekly pages for quick planning, and monthly spreads for long-term organization — on smooth, ink-friendly paper. Numbered pages and a built-in index make structuring your time effortless.

Available in hardcover or softcover, with an array of muted, professional colors.

MIDORI MD’S HEAVYWEIGHT BLANK CARDS AND ENVELOPES

For handwritten notes that feel as good as they look, Midori MD’s heavyweight blank cards are a standout. The lightly textured, acid-free sheets hold ink beautifully, drying quickly without smudging. Paired with matching envelopes, they make a statement of elegance and intent. Perfect for thank-you notes, personal letters, or refined correspondence.

APPLE MACBOOK AIR

A workspace essential beyond paper and pen, the Apple MacBook Air is an ultra-light, high-performance laptop designed for seamless productivity. With its Retina display, all-day battery life, and sleek aluminum body, it balances power and portability effortlessly. A tool that complements premium stationery with digital precision.

ANGLEPOISE 90 MINI MINI LAMP

A modern classic in compact form, the Anglepoise 90 Mini Mini offers warm, focused light in a minimal silhouette. Designed for small spaces but built with the same attention as its larger siblings, it brings clarity to evening writing sessions or early morning planning. A simple reminder that light matters — not just for vision, but for mood and rhythm.

There’s nothing loud or lavish here — just a small group of tools that bring focus to the everyday. Whether you’re planning the week, writing a note, or working through emails with a bit of light on your desk, each item adds a quiet sense of order. It’s a setup built for clarity — and for returning to, day after day.