Dutch Green 'Samara' Oak Desk by Derk Jan de Vries for Maisa, 1970s

A Dutch ‘Samara’ oak desk designed by Derk Jan de Vries for Maisa in the 1970s, distinguished by its distinctive deep green finish. The desk is defined by a long rectangular top with softly rounded corners, its substantial profile balanced by an exceptionally open base. 

Finished in a dark forest green, the oak retains its visible grain, introducing subtle variations in tone and texture across the surface. The color shifts between nearly black and muted olive depending on the light, giving the minimal form a richness.

Beneath the top, two shallow drawers are positioned at either end, leaving an open central space that preserves the desk's clean horizontal line. Small paired circular finger pulls punctuate the drawer fronts, providing a subtle graphic detail without interrupting the simplicity of the design. The rounded edges of the drawers echo those of the tabletop, creating a continuous relationship between the individual elements.

The base is constructed from two upright supports resting on broad T-shaped feet, connected by a long horizontal stretcher near the floor. This exposed framework gives the desk a distinctly architectural quality, with each structural element clearly expressed. The rounded ends of the feet soften the rectilinear composition, while the open space between the supports creates a sense of lightness beneath the substantial top.

De Vries's design reflects an approach to Dutch furniture in the 1970s that emphasized clarity of construction, functional simplicity, and the expressive possibilities of wood. Rather than relying on decorative ornament, the Samara desk finds its character in proportion, repetition, and the relationship between solid surfaces and open space. The green finish adds another dimension, allowing the natural grain of the oak to become part of the visual composition.

A desk equally suited to a study, bedroom, or open living space, where its finished surfaces and framework can be appreciated from multiple directions.

About Derk Jan de Vries
Derk Jan de Vries (1917–1991) was a Dutch furniture designer known for his architectural approach to modern furniture, combining geometric precision, functional simplicity, and refined craftsmanship. Born in Obergum, the Netherlands, de Vries developed a design sensibility rooted in Dutch modernism before establishing a presence in Italy during the 1960s and 1970s. He is particularly recognized for his collaboration with Italian manufacturer Maisa di Seveso, for whom he developed the Samara collection in the late 1970s.

Encompassing desks, seating, tables, and modular storage, the collection is distinguished by its clean lines, carefully balanced proportions, and expressive use of solid wood. Subtly rounded corners, integrated handles, and thoughtful joinery reflect his attention to both material and construction. His work brings together the structural clarity of Dutch design with the warmth and craftsmanship of Italian furniture making, resulting in pieces that remain both practical and sculptural.