Creative and pragmatic

Whenever Jesper Ståhl designs something new, one thing is certain: the end users and their personal creative expression are always at the centre of attention. This also applies to the "Soho" desk, which he recently presented for Materia: "For the 'Soho' table, it's the subtle angles of the legs, the beveled edge of the top, and the neat size that create a bold statement. 'Soho' is the table that doesn't want to get in the way of your creativity", explains Jesper Ståhl. The freelance designer graduated from the Royal College of Art in London, works regularly with Kinnarps and his work has been honoured many times.

With distinctive lines and smooth corners, a certain Scandinavian purism characterises the essence of Ståhl's design: like a delicate version of a workbench, "Soho" gives room for completing any task. The light oak wood of the solid frame generates the impression of an open, cosy working atmosphere. At the same time, it harmonises with a wide variety of seating options, such as Ståhl's new "Palette" chair. This means that the table works just as well at home as it does in public offices. There are two options for the table top: In the first, oak veneer creates a uniform wood impression emphasising the handcrafted character of "Soho". In the alternative with beige laminate, a solid oak edge accentuates the high-quality, natural look.

This naturalness is part of Materia's corporate DNA: as a Swedish company, the manufacturer produces at its site in Tranås. Materia works with regional suppliers to ensure short delivery distances and sources the wood it uses from sustainable forestry. In addition, the Möbelfakta seal of quality attests to the fact that local production, suppliers and subcontractors comply with strict standards in terms of labour protection and remuneration.

Good working conditions at the "Soho" table are ensured also by the optional accessories: a drawer can be integrated into the table frame, the front of which blends in discreetly thanks to the same materiality. The soft-closing drawer is operated via a concealed handle in the base and the stylish black interior provides a good overview of the necessary work utensils. To keep the design clear and the workplace tidy, a USB-C port with a three-metre cable with charging function can also be integrated into the front frame. This is where pragmatism meets design – in accordance with Kinnarps' expertise in producing creative furniture that meets the requirements of modern works places in the office and home office.