Omphalos Coffee Table, By John Pawson

John Pawson's Omphalos coffee table is impressive in both its size and design. Available in one-meter and one-and-a-half-meter versions, the table is low to the ground and appears to hover due to its unique design that hides the base. The result is a monumental piece that feels light and airy. Omphalos commands attention wherever it is placed, but also exudes a sense of tranquility and order. This is partly due to the use of two pale, calming colors, Bianco Carrara marble and Crema d'Orcia limestone.

John was interested in the idea of a circle coffee table because it is not as common as rectangular or square tables. He believed that the circular shape makes the table the center of attention in a room. The word "Omphalos" comes from the Greek word for "navel" and means a focus of activity. John liked the idea of a piece of furniture that serves as a hub or center point for social gatherings. The difficult part was to make the heavy stone table top appear to be floating. John prefers to work with natural materials and chose a stone that is durable and has subtle variations in texture and color. His goal is to create simple, functional pieces that express his values of simplicity. The Omphalos table is a minimalist design that focuses on the essentials and creates a sense of order and calm wherever it is placed.