DESIGNED AND MADE IN MINNESOTA

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Tim B Studio

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  • Compact desk inspired by monks

    I have disliked my flat-packed, fast furniture computer desk for over twenty years and have drawn many desk ideas to replace it. My social media feeds are full of desk setup ideas and hacks, from gaming rigs to multi-monitor home offices.

    I just recently gave up on complexity and settled on simplicity. The idea for this desk is to pare it down to its essentials. Inspired by lecterns and writing desks used by monks, I wanted just enough space to write, sketch, and use my laptop.

    This desk has only two legs tapered to lean against the wall for support. The back apron is wide, lays flat against, and provides more than enough stability for sketching, typing, and writing.

    Front view in situ of compact writing desk

    It seems that all work furniture is engineered so you can sit down all day. This concept seems wrong, especially for someone who deals with ADHD hyperfocus, as it can lead to prolonged states of concentration without breaks, which can be counterproductive and exhausting.

    I wanted a desk that was designed to be used for a couple of hours but also encourages movement and change in perspective. This design features only a top and two legs, making it eminently portable. It can be easily moved to a new location. This flexibility not only inspires creativity but also promotes a dynamic working environment.

    This design was challenging. After 20 years of collecting ideas for desk features in notebooks, I found myself unable to create a replacement. I was overwhelmed by possibilities and realized I should only build what I needed.

    This compact desk is ideal for a dorm or apartment or small office, providing an efficient workspace without taking up too much room. Constructed from sturdy white maple, it ensures durability while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. The writing surface is elegantly covered with furniture linoleum, making it not only stylish but also easy to clean and maintain.

    While there are no drawers or trays integrated into the design, the back of the desktop is cleverly segmented off, offering a perfect spot for organization. I placed two knolling trays and a small bowl there, creating space for storing essential items like pens, notes, and other stationery. I believe limited storage focuses the mind.

    This thoughtful design makes it a practical addition to any small living or work space, encouraging productivity while keeping your essentials within easy reach.

    timbednar

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  • Chairmaking is different

    Chairs seem simple. But I found that making a chair is a distinct craft. Most furniture is a variation on a box. While a chair is most definitely not a box.

    It forms to the human body and also endures more abuse than most other furniture. A well made, comfortable, and beautiful chair is a treasure. Most designers can be identified by a chair.

    The Lounge Chair

    In March 2026, I set out to make my first chair. And I understand why most woodworkers don’t make chairs. They are hard and risky and subjective.

    You can spend the time, perfect every joint, and still end up with a useless piece. And unlike other furniture, a chair is not rightly judged by a photo. It only succeeds when a person is seated on it.

    The Idea

    A chair’s form changes based on the occasion. Eating, working, or relaxing demand different outcomes. For this project, I wanted to engage with the modern culture of relaxing. It needed to be just comfortable enough without promoting sleep or sloth. It should comfort the body, but enlist the mind.

    I settled on making the main feature a wood seat. I wanted to feel the center of my body sink into the chair, so I recede from my surroundings. This is what I want to achieve when I relax. If I can disengage from the place I am seated, then I can focus inside myself.

    The DEsign and the Making

    I started with a concept for the back and seat. Then I worked how to engineer how to support the human body in space. The structure acts like a cradle to position the seat at the right height and angle off the ground. When seated, your center settles to the back but you do not feel reclined.

    Idea for back and arms
    Concept for seat and back
    Sketch of leg frame

    As the build photos show, I wondered from this sketch in many ways as I explored materials and proportions as they related to the human form. The seat is 17 inches deep and the back is 19 inches tall at a 110° angle. At the front it is 17 inches off the ground and reclined at a 108° angle. The seat is 20 inches wide.

    In Situ

    It is a large, imposing chair requiring a lot of negative space. Positioned in a corner nook, it works best near a small drinking table or low coffee table. My choice of materials contrasts the softness of a dark wood like cherry or walnut for the seat against a rigid architectural material like oak for the frame. The seat will get a nice patina over time and wear, and small dents will add character.

    The Result

    My first chair is over engineered, but that feels expected. It sits better than expected. The next version will use less material and complexity.

    timbednar

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  • Find Your Focus by knolling on wooden Trays

    Have you ever felt scattered while working on a project? Or maybe you’re in the middle of a task and you realize your space and your mind are a mess. It’s in these moments that I turn to knolling.

    Knolling is the practice of organizing objects in a visually pleasing way, arranging them parallel or at 90-degree angles. It’s a simple act that clears the clutter, not just on your table, but in your head. For me, it’s the perfect way to reset and get my focus back.

    While I used to knoll on my coffee table or kitchen counter, I found these large, open surfaces actually promote chaos, tempting you to pile things up without a system. And drawers and boxes hide your things and give you the illusion of order.

    I discovered that the key to a successful, sustainable knolling practice is using trays. The right set of trays provides a defined structure, turning a large surface into a series of smaller, more manageable segments. These simple boundaries encourage you to be deliberate with your items instead of just “dumping” them.

    It’s with this idea that I designed my new knolling trays.

    My Knolling Trays Are totally unique

    I created these trays to be more than just a place to put things. They’re a tool for clarity and control. Their various sizes, thicknesses, shapes, and textures break up a surface, encouraging a habit of organization for your everyday items.

    • They give structure. The defined edges and flatness transform a chaotic tabletop into an orderly workspace.
    • They bring a sense of calm. Seeing all your essentials neatly arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way makes you feel in control, even when a task feels overwhelming.
    • They are beautiful on their own. Even when empty, the trays bring a sense of order and warmth to your space. You’ll never feel the need to hide them away.

    My knolling trays aren’t just about making your space look better; they’re about helping you find a sense of calm and focus. They turn a messy surface into a source of inspiration and control.

    Swipe left and right to see how I knolled today.

    A Tray is a Tray… So Why Buy One?

    It’s easy to look at a tray and think you can just make one yourself. While a tray might seem like a simple object, the reality is that the best home accessories are made with intention.

    You can certainly find or build a simple solution to hold your things, but the design and craftsmanship of a dedicated set of knolling trays make all the difference.

    • Thoughtful Design: Knolling trays by Tim B Studio aren’t just flat surfaces. I consider the pleasing sizes and shapes to segment a workspace, encouraging you to interact with your items in an intentional, organized way. The specific dimensions and subtle details are what transform a simple object into a tool for focus.
    • Craftsmanship and Quality: These are pieces built to last. I’ve selected beautiful, durable hardwood and finished them to stand up to daily use while still looking elegant. The smooth textures and natural grains are a constant, tactile reminder of quality and care.
    • Aesthetic and Purpose: My trays are designed to be seen. Unlike a plain box or a quick DIY fix, they are an extension of your personal style and a testament to your commitment to a more organized, mindful life. They add a quiet structure to your surroundings, making your space not only functional but also a source of pride.

    This isn’t about simply containing clutter; it’s about investing in a habit. It’s about surrounding yourself with beautiful, well-made objects that inspire a sense of calm and control.

    When you buy one of my knolling trays, you’re not just purchasing a piece of wood—you’re getting a meticulously crafted tool to help you find your focus, one perfectly-placed item at a time.

    A Commitment to Craft and Community

    When you buy one of my knolling trays, you are not just getting a beautiful, functional object. You are also supporting local woodworking and a commitment to sustainability.

    Each tray is created from hardwood offcuts, sourced right here in the Twin Cities. I work with species native to the area, including ash, hickory, elm, white and red oak, and maple. This ensures that high-quality wood that might otherwise be discarded gets a new life.

    The trays are finished with all natural shellac, a simple and non-toxic finish that is easy to repair and emits no harmful VOC gases.

    timbednar

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