TOTAL TRANSPARENCY: LUCITE DESK ACCESSORIES

Clearly, lucite's favor is not on the wane. Beloved for it's sleek clarity and minimalist clean lines that disappear,  the material is becoming more readily available in home decor and accessories.  Having a desk that is devoid of clutter is near impossible, but these lucite pieces will help coral the clutter in style.

 Got piles of stuff all over your desk? You are not alone. Capture the stray papers and piles in this lucite tray by Russel and Hazel at Anthropologie.

Hold files together in a lucite box by Russel and Hazel at Anthropologie  with cut-out handles for easy portability. To easily identify, the contents, it looks like a little color coordinated folder action is needed.

Also from R and H at Anthro, a brass hued stapler encased in a lucite body.

I have this lucite tape dispenser from Anthropologie, and love that it basically disappears on my desk. I know where it is when I need it, but it is attractive to look at rather than being a blight in my sight line.

 Pencil lovers everywhere, i.e., all you architects, rejoice! Standing at attention, sharpened pencils can be within arms reach with Anthropologie's lucite holder.

ALL TOGETHER NOW: 3 WAYS TO AVOID DESK CLUTTER

Photo courtesy of Kaufmann Mercantile

I love brass accessories. They add a bit of gleam, especially when used sparingly. I recently came across these stunning brass desk trays with cut corners on Kaufmann Mercantile, the online purveyor of all things cool, slightly rustic and well-designed since 2009. 

The trays, which range in size, are perfect for holding objects that would otherwise create a messy and cluttered surface. Made in the oldest Japanese metal foundry, in operation since 1897, each surface finish and patina is unique, since it is sanded down after being removed from its mold. 

Originally designed Oji Masanori, a designer of pared-down household objects, the trays hold their own today, looking just as fresh as they did all those years ago.

SO POLISHED: FORM AND FUNCTION MEET WITH CHRISTOFLE'S DAZZLING SPHERE, A FLASHY ROUND HARD DRIVE

Photo courtesy of La Cie

Much of the country is going through a deep freeze this week, from an unusual weather occurrence called a Polar Vortex. Unusually cold temperatures like we are experiencing are likely to produce hail and snow, and the results of which can sometimes be as big as the silver ball shown above. The Sphere,  a gorgeous new silver-enrobed round hard drive designed in partnership with French luxury silver maker Christofle and hard drive manufacturer LaCie, is a beauty.  Pushing the boundaries of form and function, the silvered circular orb has sculptural qualities that would enhance any desk, by introducing a sleek, more streamlined tech element.  So, what does it do differently? Well, a few things.  It eliminates the need to have another unsightly black power cord, and since it works off a high speed USB 3.0 instead of the slower 2.0. it uploads files, images and videos three times faster, and looks good doing it.  And while we are on that topic, if someone gets fingerprints all over it's highly reflective surface, you can clean it with silver polish.
The new hard drive is a flashy drive,  cast in one seamless piece of silver-plated steel. At almost $500, it might just be the best way to start collecting art, as you work your way towards another reflective masterpiece from artist Anish Kapoor.

2014 CALENDARS TO START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT

With the pages of my 2013 desktop calendar finished, I am in the market for a nice replacement to fill the brass easel that sits empty on my desk, staring at me. Every day is a gift, so why not make each day memorable with a beautiful calendar? Here are the best desk calendars, to suit the classicist to maximalist, and everyone in between. 

May 2014 be filled with a full calendar of new horizons and rewarding experiences.

Photo courtesy of Sugar Paper

Sugar Paper, the LA-based letterpress paperie located in Brentwood's adorable bucolic Brentwood Country Mart, gained a steady following for its pastel colored confections designed with charming fonts. Seeing that they are now doing their sophisticated desk calendar in a more "serious" black and white version, I prefer its striking contrast to the candy colored hues.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Strong

The Classic hand-engraved individual page a month desk calendar, created by Mrs. Strong, is the original, often imitated easel version.  It's gold foil motif that changes from month to month makes an elegant desk companion.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Strong

For those that love eye-catching color, the ever-changing colorful motifs on Mrs. Strong's Le Petit Calendar starts off the year with a purple elephant.

Photo courtesy of Connor

Owls are still very much the bird of choice. Connor's engraved desk calendar for Barneys dons a wise owl all year long. Perhaps his knowing ways will come through his large, engaged eyes.

Photo courtesy of Dempsey and Carroll

Swirly script makes Dempsey and Carroll's rectangular calendar a fancy option.

Photo courtesy of Social Monograms

I love this calendar from Social Monograms for its customization, and because each month brings a new monogram color.

Photo courtesy of Rifle Paper

I am a huge fan of Rifle Paper Co., their letterpress stationery and cards are quirky and charming with a handmade touch. Their Botanical Desk Calendar is filled with hand painted blooms. 

Photo courtesy of Monocle

Minimalists rejoice, there is a desktop calendar for you too. In a collab with Monocle, stationers Proper and Correct have designed a tabbed-page month system for easy reference with notecard style sheets. The taxi cab yellow cards come on a small oak stand. Neat and tidy.  Available through Need Supply.

Photo courtesy of Sapui

Bringing the beauty of fresh flowers to the pages of a letterpress calendar, the Brooklyn-based floral designer Saipua partnered with Brown Parcel Press for a limited edition collaboration of six Perennials prints.  Based on their seasonal flower pairings, these prints are works of art.

Photo courtesy of 1 Canoe 2

Nestled in a tree trunk slab, the cutest letterpress imagery of hand-drawn and colored daily basics decorate each month of this calendar by 1Canoe2.  Designed by two artists, the changing monthly designs are perfect for those that would rather be out-of-doors.

Photo courtesy of Katherine Watson

With a bit of old fashioned charm, Katherine Watson's letterpress block printed calendar with flowers and vines encircling the months of the year would look beautiful framed.