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Open-Front Desk Inspires Creativity and Expression in the Classroom

Smith System’s Elemental Desk enlivens classrooms with mix-and-match colors, ergonomic structure and roomy design

PLANO, TEXAS – (April 7, 2009) – With schools placing a greater emphasis on student creativity and expression in the classroom, furniture must be more than objects that simply sustain learning – they should also inspire the action. With mix-and-match colors, a curved, ergonomic structure and a roomy design, the new Elemental Desk – the first open-front desk from Smith System – breaks through the monotonous furniture clutter, enlivening the classroom and inspiring learning for teachers and students alike.

The Elemental Desk’s open-front design allows students unencumbered access to their stored books and supplies, while the roomy book box eliminates the need to cram materials into storage bins that are too small. The slightly oversized desktop facilitates big projects and supports student collaboration.

In addition to a functional design, the Elemental Desk also has a unique mix-and-match system that brings the use of color to a whole new level. The mix-and-match color approach enables those involved in furniture purchasing to choose unique color combinations for each desk in a classroom.

“One of the most influential elements in interior design is color, and when used strategically it can evoke emotions and inspire creativity,” said Bill Risdall, vice president of marketing for Smith System. “The Elemental Desk allows schools to make color an integral yet individual part of the classroom; the furniture can be as unique as the children who will use and be inspired by it in the classroom.”

Classroom designers and furniture purchasers can choose the same or different colors for the Elemental Desk’s top, legs, integrated book box and edge molding. If the desired environment requires a lot of color, the Elemental Desk’s legs, integrated book box and edge molding can be coordinated in one bold color. Or, to add just a little color, neutral tones can be used for the integrated book box and legs, and a splash of color can be added on the edge molding. To completely crank up the creative inspiration, buyers can choose a different color for each element of the desk.

The Elemental Desk is offered with three desktop choices, including a rectangular hard plastic top, a rectangular laminate top and a wave-like top that is designed to follow the curves of the book box. The desktops are available in nine different finishes, and the edge molding, legs and book box are available in 17 different colors, which inspire hundreds of color combinations.

For more information about the Elemental Desk from Smith System, call 1-800-328-1061 or visit www.smithsystem.com

About Smith System
Founded in 1905, Smith System (www.smithsystem.com) has helped American education evolve by being ready with the right furniture at the right time. An industry leader in school furniture innovation, Smith System is committed to developing products that support the optimum learning environments -- addressing the needs of the student, the demands of the curriculum and the realities of space, maintenance and budget.

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Media Contact:
Bill Risdall
Smith System
972.398.4050
billr@smithsystem.com

Media Contact:
Eva Keiser
Risdall McKinney Public Relations
651.286.6765
eva@risdall.com