Inspired by the Isokon Penguin Donkey, the shelving system designed in 1939 to hold Penguin books, Embrace is a minimalist interpretation of this classic piece. Simple or not, Embrace’s clever design acts as a shelf, bench, coffee table, side table, and children’s desk. Its versatility comes from the clever design by John Green, who used two pieces of bent plywood that fit together. When the pieces of Embrace are cradled together, the furniture creates a space for seating and shelving. If the two pieces are separated, then Embrace works as two small tables.

Embrace. Designed by John Green.

Versatile Bent Wood Furniture

Awarded the Highly Commended Product of the Year 2011 in the Grand Design Awards, Embrace is “proudly made in the UK, with each unit numbered, stamped and signed upon completion.” The wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests, then laminated and pressed into shape. Embrace comes in birch, oak, or walnut veneer and is available for sale through Mocha.

Should you have trouble imagining how to use Embrace, John Green offers some suggestions. The smaller piece can be used as a laptop table or a child’s desk and seat. A more romantic alternative is to use Embrace “as a serving tray for breakfast in bed.” I prefer for the two halves to be joined, so Embrace can encircle your books and envelope your body.

Via dexigner.

About the Designer: John Green designs furniture and lifestyle products, working independently on his own collection as well as designing for other manufacturers. Recently, he has collaborated with Snowhome. Green’s aesthetic philosophy is concise and direct—“to create innovative and functional designs that people can’t resist.”