A modern ‘steamer’

The Kamara storage cabinet represents a modern interpretation of the classic Steamer Travelling Trunk‘ from years gone by. These were particularly popular in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.  Think Louis Vuitton and Goyard for the high end inspiration behind these more useful, work-related versions.

Obviously our Kamara storage cabinets are not intended for travel.  Let’s be honest, who would really use these trunks today for that purpose?  In contrast, the Kamara storage cabinet has been specifically designed to safely store important documents, folders and files.

As many of our PodMarket® supporters are aware, one of our founding directors (Fiona McKenzie) is also a barrister.  Goodness knows how she finds the time!  But Fiona is one of a kind and blessed with amazing skills and abilities.  Check out more about Fiona here.

Consequently we understand that barristers, solicitors, judges, as well as many other highly regarded professionals, have very specific file storage requirements.  How does one securely house their folders, briefs and files, whether they’re in chambers, surgeries, offices or even at home?

The typical setup

The majority of offices, surgeries and chambers have standard, built-in cabinetry.  These will have basic shelving and drawers which will either ‘open’ or hidden behind doors.  Such basic units are not only very boring, but they’re also typically made of laminated particle board, MDF or they’re painted with the most toxic lacquer imaginable.  Sometimes they’ll even be made from powder coated steel.  And typically they’ll come all the way from mass production Chinese factories.

And that’s pretty much it.  This type of storage does the job, but it doesn’t really add anything else to the space it occupies.  And who cares anyway?

Such ubiquitous, built-in cupboards fall within the domain of standard commercial joinery.  There’s nothing new with this form of file storage.  It’s predictable, boring, easy to install and useful enough we suppose.

Today’s professional

However, many professionals working today require different types of file storage options.  One size certainly does not fit all.  Over the years we’ve regularly been asked to customise specific office spaces.  These professionals like work outside the cookie-cutter office setup.

Often, certain files and folders simply need to be easily accessible when you’re seated at your desk.  Being on a high shelf over in the corner is of no use sometimes.  So what do people do?  They stack these current files on their desks, on spare chairs, or even put them close by on the floor.  Just until the specific job or case is over of course!  But the case drags on, or they get pulled away on another job.  Or what about when a client actually comes to visit in person?  It’s operation “get this office looking good and organised”!  The piling house of cards eventually needs to get sorted.

And there’s always the overriding issue of having to move chambers or offices from time to time.  It does happen.  And it’s not practical to take away all of that fixed shelving.  Investing in functional as well as movable storage cabinets, sounds very clever and wise.

Not to mention the aesthetic limitations of the previously described, standard cupboards.  People spend very long hours at work nowadays and who wants to be surrounded by these bog-standard, boring pieces of mass produced storage?  Hanging a painting in the office here or there will only get you so far.

Surely there must be something different and more versatile available.

The Kamara Storage Cabinet

Kamara storage cabinets are freestanding, yet very stable and secure.   You can easily take them with you when you decide to move offices or chambers.  You can easily move them within arm’s reach if there are a number of files you need close by.  And you can also easily roll them out the way, for those client visits or impromptu meetings.

Furthermore, each storage cabinet can be closed shut and securely locked!  Perfect for those sensitive documents.

The Kamara storage cabinets open and close very effectively too.  They don’t open using traditional doors.  Instead they pivot right in the centre.  This means that each side of the cabinet needs to only be half the width of traditional storage cabinets.  Two halves equal the whole as far as depth is required.  This is space saving, “fit for purpose” design.

Now with leather panels

The first iteration of our popular Kamara cabinets had both sides faced with the original, coloured fibreglass panels.  These were made by Modernica Inc, in Los Angeles, California.

However in an attempt to channel our inner Louis Vuitton, we decided to introduce leather panels to our offering.  And as luck would have it, these have proven be be most popular.  Hence, we’ve decided to go with these leather panelled versions as our standard offering.  We feel they add extra class and refinement to these useful pieces.  And somehow, it seems more suited to the professional environment that the Kamaras often find themselves in.

As before you can have the same or different coloured leather on each side of the Kamara.  The choice is yours.

The clothing Kamara

There’s also one more thing the Kamara storage cabinets can offer.  Another type of storage solution.

Everybody realises that many professionals work extremely long hours and often have engagements to attend before, during or after work.  Hence, we designed an alternative configuration.  One to house clothing, instead of files and folders.

Here the shelves have replaced with a specific hanging bracket.  This bracket has holes in it that can accept coat hangers.  Welcome the Clothing Kamara trunk!  So now you can have closed, lockable, stylish storage cabinets with you at the office to house that casual outfit or spare suit as the situation arises.

Legal robes?  Not a problem either.  Easily handled.  Our in house counsel is very proud of this design.

We pride ourselves on our transparency and honesty, so we’d like to explain our delivery options in this same manner. Find out more about our delivery options.

Delivery method: Client Pick-Up (free); Delivery to Your Door Organised by PodMarket (invoiced separately); Delivery Organised by Client
Lead time: approx 5-8 weeks

1. Please contact us regarding the available colours of the decorative fiberglass panels. The front + back can match or vary as desired.
2. Other timber finishes also available upon request.