michiel van der kley

Michiel van der Kley is a relatively young designer, both in terms of age and experience, yet has worked with numerous European designers including Artifort, Soft Line and Van Esch. One of his best known creations is the I-Con Desk, winner of the “best of the best” category at the 100%design furniture fair in Rotterdam in 2006. This beautiful minimalist desk is wrapped in white Corian with a dark, contrasting walnut center, and is perched on stainless steel legs. One version even doubles as a computer, with an LCD screen, speakers, bluetooth and Wi-Fi all integrated into the frame–this is somewhat apt considering the smoothly rounded edges have faint overtones of iPod.

The Bingo Pouf has also been particularly well received; this attractive and highly versatile polyurethane foam mattress can also be folded up to serve as an ottoman, side table, or stool. An included bentwood tray helps further underscores its multifunctional nature. Structurally speaking, the high density foam provides ample support while the durable wool/synthetic upholstery enhances durability.

van der Kley’s approach to seating is essential minimalism mixed with just enough comfort. His Conco chairs are comparable to a heavily eroded pebble; even the seams are reduced to a bare minimum, with a knot at the top to hold the fabric together, and a point at the bottom for the base to meet the seat. The Bird Chair is an interesting contemporary sofa which curves back on itself, while the more transitional Seven series features a rectangular silhouette that contrasts with a gently rounded seatback.

The Chase series of coat stands and coat hangers are both highly functional but drastically different in terms of appearance. The Chase W is curvy and hollowed out, essentially hiding the hangers and minimizing its visual profile. The floor-mounted model takes the opposite tack with an attention-getting tripod design and dagger-like legs.

Similar to the I-Con desks, Michiel’s Sumo dining table is topped with Corian and is a minimalist’s delight. Integrated but removable trays with circular depressions eliminate the need for plates, while a separate set of featureless trays can be inserted during work time to form a flat surface. Despite his relatively young age, van der Kley has an impressive design portfolio; we hope for (and expect) to hear much more about him in the near future.
michielvanderkley.nl