Timothy Oulton designed this beautiful desk in his workshop, inspired by a worn but obviously custom-made steamer trunk. The owner had been Tom Richards, hence the name Richards’ Trunk Desk. Oulton dismantled the original luggage to learn every detail of construction, and incorporated those details into this desk. Wooden frames are wrapped in water-resistant beige hand-waxed canvas, with hammered finishing nails, aged bamboo reinforcing strips , leather handles and corner protector pieces, brass luggage latches, canvas-lined drawers – all carefully aged for an antique look. It measures 64″ long X 33″ deep X 31″ tall. The desk is available at Restoration Hardware at a discounted price of $1975. There are other pieces in the line, including a matching Canvas Bookcase, and an incredible Secretary Desk, an armoire-style workspace that does close into a giant trunk.
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That is gorgeous! I love the look of old steamer trunks.
You should follow the link to the one that closes up to hide your office away when you don’t need it. I need that, but I’d have to give up some other furniture to fit it in my house.
I wonder if people would find the raised bands on the desktop annoying. I know if I wanted an open book to lay flat on the desk, it could only go in the center of the workspace.
Otherwise, the look is retro-fabulous. Would go nicely with an antique-looking world map on the wall.
It reminds me of the look of old Campaign Chest furniture. This is furniture that was meant to be dismantled, moved during a military operation, and then reassembled at the new destination.
Mina, a thick, glass top would cure that problem, plus you could slip family photos and what-not under the glass.