Teak Highboard, Italy, 1960s

This unquestionably elegant highboard is well proportioned, offers three types of storage space - open, closed and drawers - and is done in a very pleasant teak veneer. It also boasts simple and sculptural solid wood handles, yet the first thing you notice are the 45º chamfers done on its four corners. This little detail sets this piece apart from other highboards, sideboards and credenzas and it's not too much to imagine kubrick using it in 2001: a space odyssey had he done the spacecraft in wood veneer. The body rests upon four thin legs, giving it a floating feeling. The choices in material, proportions and dimensions made by the unknown designer ensure that this piece pleases the eye without dominating whatever's around, which is no small feat for a highboard.