This deliciously ingenious number crossed my desk yesterday: Troscan Designâ??s Albers tray table. As a small-space dweller, I am especially fond of multitasking furnishings that perform double dutyâ??especially ones as exquisitely made as this piece. The top is actually a footed serving tray in colorfully lacquered wood (in your choice of 11 hues) that rests on a linen-upholstered, vaguely Asian base. (OK, not vaguelyâ??the pagoda-like form was inspired by a Meiji period Japanese box!) The way the trayâ??s bottom locks into the curved tabletop is particularly satisfying–but I love how the two parts have a strong sense of presence on their own, too.

The design is just one of many artfully crafted items produced by this Chicago studio, run by husband-wife team Bob Robinson and Deirdre Jordan. The duo combines backgrounds in sculpture (him) and industrial/interior design (her) to make similarly stunning pieces for the likes of Tiffanyâ??s, the Four Seasons, and high-end homes.

Check their website for showroomsâ??Troscan Design is available to the trade only. (What better excuse do you need to finally suck it up and hire an interior designer?). –Jen Renzi

Technorati Tags: Asian-insired design, tray tables, multitasking furniture, lacquered serving pieces, small-space living, Troscan Design, Holly Hunt, Bob Robinson, Deirdre Jordan, Tiffanys, The Four Seasons, Chicago design