Damien O'Loughlin, The OLO Companion Desk (FURNITURE 2025)

Photos:

Mr O

Country

Australia

OLO’s Companion Desk is a 3.4-metre-long solid spotted gum workstation designed to balance the demands of full-time remote work with the collaborative energy of family life. Thoughtfully crafted to provide generous space for a parent working from home and up to three children during after-school homework sessions, the desk embodies functional elegance and warmth. Constructed entirely from spotted gum, the desk features five soft-close drawers that offer each child a dedicated space for their learning essentials. A discreet pull-out shelf adds flexibility, serving as a secondary work surface when needed. The drawer fronts are grain-matched across their length, offering a sense of continuity and calm across the piece’s wide visual field. A key feature is the seamless transition between the front apron and drawer faces, a subtle but precise alignment that reinforces the desk’s visual cohesion. This detailing elevates the piece from practical workspace to resolved design object. The legs and apron are robust, yet minimalist, contributing to a balanced design that is both grounded and refined. Cables and accessories are subtly managed to preserve visual clarity. The entire piece is finished in Osmo, enriching the grain while offering a smooth, natural texture to the touch. At its heart, OLO’s Companion Desk is more than furniture, it’s a shared surface where careers unfold, homework is tackled, and connection is built. It reflects the @OLOFurniture ethos: timeless, tactile, and tailored for the way we live and work today.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.