STEP – Step Ladder

Changing a light bulb or reaching for that book or the coffee grinder on the top shelf in the kitchen, no home is complete without a stepladder. But usually they are just functional, dreary objects intruding on the home decor. Karl Malmvall’s Step is another matter. Functional yet decorative, a standalone interior object in high gloss color. Red, black, or white. After use, why not leave it on the wall as a graphic addition? Supplied with a peg that fits into a notch on top of the ladder for easy wallmounting.

Designer Karl Malmvall had it in him right from the beginning. His grandfather founded one of Sweden’s most famous furniture factories, and his training as a carpenter and industrial designer has earned him the Excellent Swedish Design Award four times, as well as the Red Dot Design Award. Before going freelance, he learned a lot about logistics and rational production during more than a decade with IKEA in Basel, Jakarta and Almhult. He retains a keen interest for the mechanical aspects in design, from pocket knives to garden furniture, which explains the small peg for hooking Step on to the wall. “Just fold the ladder and hang it on the wall. It’s only 2″ thick, and always ready to be used.”