Joseph De Leo
Brooklyn-based designer Karl Zahn gives the ubiquitous work lamp an elegant makeover. Named after a Greek goddess, the Demeter fixture features a slender neck mounted on an opulent marble stand. Its construction is an exercise in balance, with two brushed brass lampshades hung from opposing points.
Demeter 01 desk lamp by Karl Zahn for Roll & Hill, $1,000 at Lightform (www.lightform.ca).
This powder-coated steel shelf can do double duty; either attach it to a wall or place it on the edge of a desk. Stockholm-based Kyuhyung Cho took inspiration from our tendency to use corners to organize books and knick knacks for the design. The shelves come in Menu's signature colours – nude, grey, green or purple – and in three sizes.
Corner shelf by Kyuhyung Cho for Menu, $221 (large) at The Modern Shop (www.themodernshop.ca).
Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of working on one's feet, and as a result, standing desks are popping up in both professional and domestic spaces. Not sold on the idea? Test the waters with this affordable version from Ikea. The compact birch wood desk makes up for its size with ample storage, including side hooks for many USB cable.
Knotten standing desk by Knut Hagberg and Marianne Hagberg, $189 at Ikea (www.ikea.com).
Daniele Gobbin/redframe.it
Designed for the "light office," or workspaces with open and domestic concepts, the Fork table is open to a user's interpretation. The table's distinct legs are inspired by tree branches (a modular element that designer Tomoya Tabuchi worked into the entire Fork collection) with several table top options.
Fork table by Tomoya Tabuchi for LaPalma, $1,044 at GR Shop (www.grshop.ca).
The serious, usually monochromatic Juli swivel chair by Werner Aisslinger gets a tropical treatment for a limited-edition collection that is bound to brighten any office. The chair's floral embroidery is a result of a mechanical needle punching technique, so intricate that it appears handcrafted.
Juli Jubilee armchair by Werner Aisslinger for Cappellini, from $2,037 at Inform (www.informinteriors.com).