In the world of interior design, we often think that renovating a space requires buying expensive new furniture. However, as a Space Specialist, I believe the real key to “Living better inside” is knowing how to look at materials with different eyes.
Today I want to share a small personal project realized in my office in Farra d’Alpago. It started almost by chance, looking at some leftover materials in the warehouse and deciding to replace the classic—albeit functional—IKEA trestles with something that had more character.
The Raw Material: The Charm of Hot-Rolled Steel
It all started with some 3mm steel sheets left over from a previous construction site. This wasn’t just any iron, but hot-rolled steel. For those not in the industry, this material has a unique aesthetic feature: the surface retains the “mill scale” (calamina), a natural oxide layer that forms during high-temperature processing.
The result is a non-uniform color, ranging from dark grey to bluish, with brownish nuances. It is a “sincere,” industrial, textural material. It would have been a shame to leave it gathering dust.
The Project: Removing to Add Value
The goal was simple: eliminate the visual bulk of the old trestles and give my desk a lighter, almost graphic appearance. The transformation process followed three steps, adhering to the artisan logic I also apply to BGroup Studio projects:
- Bending: I bent the sheets to create legs with an essential profile.
- Drilling: I prepared the holes to fix them to the existing wooden top.
- Finishing: A deep cleaning to enhance the natural texture of the metal.
The Technical Challenge: Lightness and Stability
This is where technical expertise comes into play. A 3mm sheet, however strong, possesses a certain elasticity. Used as a desk leg, if left “free-standing” like a traditional trestle, it wouldn’t guarantee the stability needed for working, as it would sway sideways.
The solution? Anchoring the structure.
The “lightness” of the metal leg forced me to fix the desk directly to the wall. This static constraint turned into the design’s true strength:
- The desk is immobile and solid.
- The sheet metal legs work only in compression (supporting the weight), while the wall absorbs the lateral thrusts.
Why Choose a Custom Solution?
The result is a design desk that looks almost suspended. But beyond aesthetics, what are the real benefits of this approach for my workspace?
- Visual Cleanliness: The space under the desk is free. The room immediately looks larger and tidier.
- Hygiene: Without complex structures on the floor, cleaning is immediate (essential for those who live the office daily).
- Uniqueness: No catalog can offer you a piece that is born from your scraps and adapts to your needs down to the millimeter.
Conclusion: Living Better Inside
This small intervention demonstrates the philosophy I carry forward with BGroup Studio: you don’t always need to demolish everything or buy the most expensive piece. Sometimes, all it takes is the right idea, knowledge of materials, and correct space planning.
If you also have an environment you would like to make unique—starting from what you have or revolutionizing it completely—the first step is understanding what is achievable.
Do you want to rethink your spaces? Let’s start with step 1 of my method: the Feasibility Study. Together, we will analyze your property’s potential to transform it into an environment tailored to you.
Author: Nicola Giozzet – Administrator BGroup Studio & Space Specialist Tags: #InteriorDesign #DIY #Upcycling #OfficeFurniture #SteelDesign #CustomDesign #Belluno
