The Work Desk

A clear surface to start the day.

The Work Desk

Words MILES REDFER
Photos JASPER LENNOX

Six essentials for a more thoughtful desk.

The right tools don’t just organize your work — they shape how a space feels. A notebook that opens flat, a pen that carries weight, a laptop that doesn’t overcomplicate. These are the pieces that have quietly improved my own desk — simple objects that bring structure and calm to the start of a 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

Built with weight and meant to last, Caran d’Ache’s Varius rollerball is precision in its most tactile form. Finishes include rosewood, carbon fiber, and rhodium-plated silver — understated, but exact. It’s the kind of pen that stays with you for years, growing more personal with use.

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.

These aren’t loud tools. Just a few objects chosen with care — some built to last, others simply meant to make the day easier. Whether you’re setting plans, writing a note, or working quietly through the morning, each one adds a bit of structure. A small setup, steady enough to return to.