Indoors: why the home desk is a psychological bonus in a transient world

While the laptop computer opens up a world of mobility, there's still a place for a desk at home. It speaks to a sense of containment, and to a solemnity of purpose which is dedicated and a tad old-fashioned.

While there are those of us slouching on the sofa, or working at the kitchen table, desks remain an important place for concentration, says English designer Jasper Morrison, who conceived the desk pictured for Molteni & C. It's where he imagines ideas becoming novels, and other writings or projects taking shape. Morrison is a serious, thoughtful designer, and this piece carries tradition in its name, "Ink". That said, he's crafted it for the 21st century, giving the piece internal LED lighting and various compartments with sockets for all manner of electronic devices.

Even more handsome when closed, its timber-crafted solidity makes it a warm addition to a room, while quietly impressing upon friends and family that you are the kind of person who works best at a desk.

Jacqueline Foti-Lowe represents the range in Australia through Hub Furniture. "There's something nice about anchoring yourself to the things you know you'll need regularly," she says. "That's a concept that will never be outdated."

At a time where digital noise is constant, and people increasingly transient, a place to feel settled is a psychological bonus. "A dining table is such a special gathering place for the family," says Foti-Lowe of the place many work at. "To be always swapping one function for another is disrespecting both."