Furniture - Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:39:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 192362883 Upcycled Foam Benches change color when touched, like a Mood Ring https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/08/upcycled-foam-benches-change-color-when-touched-like-a-mood-ring/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=upcycled-foam-benches-change-color-when-touched-like-a-mood-ring Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:30:37 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=564094

Upcycled Foam Benches change color when touched, like a Mood Ring

Designed by Jacob Walls, the Pangolin benches convert the simple act of sitting into an interactive experience that responds to human touch. Walls created furniture...
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Designed by Jacob Walls, the Pangolin benches convert the simple act of sitting into an interactive experience that responds to human touch. Walls created furniture that changes color like a mood ring, leaving ghostly imprints of hands and bodies across its surface. The thermochromic dye technology reacts to body heat, creating temporary visual memories of each interaction. The pieces blur the line between furniture and art, making every use a unique moment of connection. The design introduces a dynamic element to static objects, one that evolves with use.

Industrial foam offcuts form the foundation of each piece, materials typically destined for landfills now given new purpose through innovative design thinking. Walls deliberately left these foam structures unupholstered, allowing the thermochromic pigments to be applied directly to the three-dimensional surfaces. This strategy pushes the material in new directions, showcasing foam as a design element rather than hiding it beneath traditional upholstery.

Designer: Jacob Walls

The hand-coloring process requires precision and understanding of how thermochromic pigments interact with foam surfaces. Each seat receives individual attention, with the dye applied to create optimal color-changing properties across the entire surface. The technique demands expertise in both material science and craftsmanship, combining technical innovation with traditional making skills. The application process itself becomes part of the design narrative, with each brush stroke contributing to the final aesthetic.

The bench serves as both furniture and an interactive installation. The color changes occur immediately upon contact, creating real-time feedback that transforms passive sitting into active engagement. Users become part of the design process, with their body heat creating temporary patterns that fade and evolve. The benches work equally well in domestic settings and public spaces, adapting to different usage patterns.

The aesthetic impact of the Pangolin collection lies in its ability to make the invisible visible, revealing the subtle ways we interact with our environment. The color changes create a visual record of human presence, turning furniture into a canvas for temporary art. The benches possess a sculptural quality that commands attention even when not in use, their organic forms suggesting the natural world that inspired their creation. The color palette shifts between tones, creating depth and visual interest that changes throughout the day.

Jacob Walls has created more than furniture with the Pangolin collection—he has developed a new language for how objects can respond to human presence. It creates space for emotionally responsive design, where technology plays an important role in deepening our connection with the built environment. The seats build possibilities for future furniture that will adapt, learn, and evolve with our daily lives.

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Lumera is a modern side table with built-in lamp and wireless charging for everyday convenience https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/07/lumera-is-a-modern-side-table-with-built-in-lamp-and-wireless-charging-for-everyday-convenience/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lumera-is-a-modern-side-table-with-built-in-lamp-and-wireless-charging-for-everyday-convenience Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:30:22 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=564018

Lumera is a modern side table with built-in lamp and wireless charging for everyday convenience

A center table in the living room or a nightstand by your bedside is no longer just about design, craftsmanship, or aesthetic appeal—it now needs...
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A center table in the living room or a nightstand by your bedside is no longer just about design, craftsmanship, or aesthetic appeal—it now needs to do more. Tables today are expected to meet consumers’ evolving needs by offering features like device charging, lighting, and personal storage. If you’ve attended an international design event recently, you might be inclined to disagree. Designers are taking us into a wonderland of furniture (especially tables) that showcase elegant curves, intricate woodworking, and sustainable materials. But if you consider our shifting priorities in everyday life, convenience is of paramount importance. That’s where the demand for tables that serve as all-in-one hubs is shooting through the roof.

The Lumera concept responds directly to this shift. Presented as a modern side table, Lumera combines the softness of organic design with the silent intelligence of embedded functionality. Its aesthetic leans into a calming minimalism—rounded contours, balanced proportions, and a harmonious blend of materials that make it feel less like a standalone object and more like a natural extension of the space it inhabits.

Designer: Vladimir Dubrovin

The design appears to subtly accommodate lighting, hidden drawers, and possibly wireless charging, all the features expected from future-ready furniture, yet it achieves this without visual clutter or overt gadgetry. This serves as a quiet alternative to overtly tech-laden furniture, making it appealing for those who want functionality without sacrificing atmosphere. The use of materials also plays a significant role in Lumera’s appeal. It seems to feature warm, tactile finishes, perhaps solid wood tops paired with fluted or tambour-style bases, that nod to naturalism and sustainability. These textures offer a break from cold, synthetic surfaces, inviting touch and daily use while elevating the surrounding space. It’s a table that fits effortlessly beside a bed, sofa, or lounge chair, providing practical storage and light while blending into diverse interior palettes.

What intrigues me most about the concept design is its concealed nightstand that props up with the touch of a button to set the right ambiance. This is especially useful when side table space is a premium, and you don’t have to get a separate table lamp for your nighttime wind-down routine. By the morning, when it’s time to get going, the lamp conceals back into the bottom of the table housing. Thus, you can use it in other sections of the home as well. The separately divided top section of the table lets you organize essential things without any visual clutter, and the tabletop rotates in any direction depending on your needs.

The growing appeal of such hybrid furniture reflects a wider cultural evolution. People are seeking simplicity, but not at the cost of convenience. They want furniture that does more while taking up less mental and physical space. Lumera is a response to that desire is a side table that fits today’s rhythm, where our objects must do more but look like they’re doing less.

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Dancing Bench is a playful moving seat that can rock your world https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/04/dancing-bench-is-a-playful-moving-seat-that-can-rock-your-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dancing-bench-is-a-playful-moving-seat-that-can-rock-your-world Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:20:26 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=563043

Dancing Bench is a playful moving seat that can rock your world

When I’m tired from walking or moving around and I see a bench, I’ll most likely sit on it, of course. The purpose of sitting...
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When I’m tired from walking or moving around and I see a bench, I’ll most likely sit on it, of course. The purpose of sitting on that free seat is to rest for a bit before moving on to wherever I need to go. But if that bench suddenly starts moving, I might think there’s an earthquake, I’m experiencing dizziness from vertigo, or perhaps there’s a hidden prank camera recording my reaction. I may also not stay still there but it would be an interesting experience.

If you happen to be in Logroño, Spain, around this time and you encounter a moving bench, it’s none of the above. This is actually part of the Concéntrico exhibition, and what you’re sitting on is the Dancing Bench designed by Soft Baroque. This piece is part of their “dancing furniture” series, which aims to show how ordinary objects can become extraordinary through sensory experiences and experimental mechanics.

Designer: Soft Baroque (photos by Josema Cutillas)

At first glance, it looks just like an ordinary bench with a slightly curved design. But once you sit on it, you’ll realize it’s meant to be something different, as you find yourself moving along with it—or rather, it’s moving along with you. The bench is composed of a series of interconnected seats, crafted from robust yet elegant materials that reflect Soft Baroque’s penchant for blending the digital and the physical. The bench’s form is deceptively simple, echoing the clean lines of classic park seating, but with a twist: the seats are mounted on a subtle, undulating mechanism.

What sets the Dancing Bench apart is its kinetic capability. Each seat is connected to a system of hidden levers and pivots beneath the surface. When one person sits or shifts their weight, the entire bench gently rocks or “dances” in response. The movement is smooth and carefully calibrated, creating a sense of communal play—when one person moves, everyone on the bench feels it, fostering a shared experience.

This mechanism is not just for show; it’s a thoughtful commentary on public space and social interaction. The bench encourages users to be aware of others, to anticipate and respond to their movements, turning the simple act of sitting into a collaborative performance. This piece is an invitation to engage, connect, and experience public space in a new way. At Concéntrico, it stands out as both a functional object and a whimsical sculpture, delighting visitors and passersby with its gentle, communal choreography.

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Kidou by Isabel Vera: Modular Cork Seating That’s Playful and Smart https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/03/kidou-by-isabel-vera-modular-cork-seating-thats-playful-and-smart/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kidou-by-isabel-vera-modular-cork-seating-thats-playful-and-smart Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:45:05 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=562885

Kidou by Isabel Vera: Modular Cork Seating That’s Playful and Smart

There is something almost magical about spaces that shift and change as the day unfolds, where corners might become castles or a quiet reading spot...
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There is something almost magical about spaces that shift and change as the day unfolds, where corners might become castles or a quiet reading spot appears out of nowhere. The right piece of furniture can turn even the smallest room into a playground for the imagination, and that is the feeling Kidou manages to capture. Designed by Isabel Vera, this seating system seems to understand that adaptability is one of the best superpowers a home or classroom can have.

Kidou stands out by doing something wonderfully simple. Instead of forcing furniture to stick to a single purpose, it invites everyone to get a little creative. Each piece is built for flexibility, connecting, and stacking however you like. You might start with a neat row of stools, but before you know it, the same pieces have become a makeshift stage, a secret hideout, or an impromptu table for snacks and crafts.

Designer: Isabel Vera

The material choice is no accident either. Kidou is made primarily of cork, which feels warm and pleasantly soft to the touch. Cork is lightweight, so moving pieces around is never a chore, even for the youngest family members. There is also a quiet confidence in knowing that cork comes from a natural, renewable source, making it a smart pick for anyone who cares about sustainability and wants their home to reflect those values.

Colors and shapes are where Kidou really starts to show its personality. The palette is gentle, with earthy tones that settle in nicely whether you are in a bright playroom or a calm living space. Rounded edges and smooth surfaces mean that every piece feels approachable, inviting kids and adults alike to sit, stack, or lean however they please. It is the kind of design that sparks new ideas just by being there.

What is especially appealing is the way Kidou fits into the rhythm of daily life. One moment, it is a gathering spot for storytime, everyone clustered close on soft seats. Later, the same elements might scatter, forming a cozy nook for solo adventures or a sturdy line of benches for visitors. There is a sense of freedom that comes from being able to change things up without fuss, and that is exactly what Kidou offers.

Kidou does not try to steal the spotlight, but it brings a subtle sculptural quality to any room. Arranging the pieces feels a bit like putting together a puzzle, with every new combination offering a fresh look. Even when the furniture is not being used, it adds a touch of playful elegance to the background, hinting at all the ways it can be transformed.

Isabel Vera’s creation is a gentle reminder that design can encourage movement and creativity instead of getting in the way. Kidou’s cork construction, clever forms, and thoughtful palette work together to create a seating system that is both practical and inspiring. For families, classrooms, or anyone eager for a bit more flexibility, Kidou brings a spirit of possibility into everyday spaces.

The post Kidou by Isabel Vera: Modular Cork Seating That’s Playful and Smart first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Quirky ‘Low Battery’ Chair takes inspiration from one of the most frustrating icons ever https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/02/quirky-low-battery-chair-takes-inspiration-from-one-of-the-most-frustrating-icons-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=quirky-low-battery-chair-takes-inspiration-from-one-of-the-most-frustrating-icons-ever Wed, 02 Jul 2025 20:30:09 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=563091

Quirky ‘Low Battery’ Chair takes inspiration from one of the most frustrating icons ever

What do you, as a human, do when your battery’s down? You rest, you sit, you recover, right? Well, quirky designer Muddycap designed what I...
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What do you, as a human, do when your battery’s down? You rest, you sit, you recover, right? Well, quirky designer Muddycap designed what I can only describe as one of the most visually punny chairs ever. The Low Battery Chair comes with a design that most people know too well. It looks exactly like the low-battery icon on your phone. The battery itself forms the base and backrest, while the battery level acts as the cushion. Clever, but not as clever as the fact that the chair comes in two versions!

The two versions, in yellow and red respectively, pay tribute to the two scary battery notifications – one when it’s low, and another when it’s critical. Both chairs have different heights, corresponding to the battery level too! So choose the chair you want (probably based on how tired you feel) and sit on it, so that you can recharge your own battery and go about your day!

Designer: Muddycap

Muddycap is responsible for some of the most bizarrely brilliant chairs I’ve seen on the internet. The IG account has a way of turning practically anything into a chair, imagining everyday objects, icons, and experiences into seating. The Low Battery Chair is perhaps my new favorite (after the Soul Chair we featured earlier this year), just because of the symbolism associated with humans and the phrase ‘low battery’ being synonymous for feeling tired and needing to rest your legs.

The dual chair design is clever too – the yellow one is slightly higher, working more like a high stool, while the red one lets you sit lower, and maybe more comfortably. The chairs feature a molded outer layer (probably plastic?), with the pouffe-shaped leather cushions placed strategically in the center. Now if only Muddycap made a ‘Fully Charged’ chair with a high cushion in green…

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NOI Creative’s Terra Lamps Transform 150 Million Tonnes of Annual Rice Waste Into Nordic Design Icons https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/01/noi-creatives-terra-lamps-transform-150-million-tonnes-of-annual-rice-waste-into-nordic-design-icons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=noi-creatives-terra-lamps-transform-150-million-tonnes-of-annual-rice-waste-into-nordic-design-icons Tue, 01 Jul 2025 22:55:19 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=562797

NOI Creative’s Terra Lamps Transform 150 Million Tonnes of Annual Rice Waste Into Nordic Design Icons

When agricultural waste becomes the foundation for contemporary lighting, the results challenge everything we think we know about sustainable design. Lanova’s latest Terra collection, developed...
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When agricultural waste becomes the foundation for contemporary lighting, the results challenge everything we think we know about sustainable design. Lanova’s latest Terra collection, developed by NOI Creative in 2024, demonstrates that coffee grounds, rice husks, and wheat bran can be used to create products that rival traditional materials in both aesthetics and functionality. The lamps emerge from a design philosophy that refuses to compromise quality for environmental responsibility. How do you honor the natural irregularities of bio-based materials while meeting the expectations of discerning customers? The answer lies in understanding that sustainability and sophistication can coexist when approached with genuine innovation.

Designer: Lanova

From Discarded Agriculture to Functional Art

The Terra lamp series represents more than product development. Each piece contains approximately 60% agricultural byproducts that would otherwise contribute to global waste streams. Coffee grounds provide rich brown tones and fine textures, often accompanied by a subtle olfactory experience that connects users to the material’s origins. Rice husks, despite being discarded at a rate of 150 million tonnes annually, offer natural strength and resilience due to their high silica content. This structural integrity becomes the backbone of the lamps’ durability.

Wheat bran completes the material trilogy, adding specific functional properties that enhance the overall composition. The remaining 40% consists of carefully selected binding agents that maintain structural cohesion without compromising the environmental benefits. This proportion marks a significant breakthrough in bio-waste utilization, proving that agricultural byproducts can serve as primary structural components rather than supplementary additives.

The material selection process required extensive experimentation to achieve consistency across production runs. Natural materials inherently vary in texture, color, and density. NOI Creative addressed this challenge by developing manufacturing techniques that celebrate these variations rather than suppress them. The result transforms what could be seen as production inconsistencies into distinctive design features.

Nordic Principles Meet Agricultural Innovation

True Nordic design principles emphasize functional beauty, warm simplicity, and harmonious connections between materials and their final form. The Terra collection embodies these values through its soft curves and organic forms, which draw direct inspiration from Scandinavian design traditions. The lamp’s silhouette balances rich textures with minimalistic linear shapes, creating products that feel both contemporary and timeless.

The design philosophy extends beyond visual aesthetics into practical considerations. Each lamp features a modular construction where the lampshade nests inside the main body, creating a compact form that reduces packaging size by 40%. This approach demonstrates how thoughtful design can simultaneously address environmental performance and user experience. The reduced packaging translates directly into lower transportation emissions and more efficient storage.

Color palettes reflect the natural tones inherent in the agricultural materials. Rather than fighting against the brown hues of coffee grounds or the golden tones of wheat bran, the designers embraced these characteristics as defining aesthetic elements. The natural variation in color becomes a feature that distinguishes each piece, ensuring no two lamps are identical.

Surface textures tell the story of their agricultural origins while maintaining the smooth finish expected in contemporary lighting. The tactile experience connects users to the material’s journey from farm waste to functional design object.

Engineering Challenges and Solutions

Working with bio-based materials presents unique engineering challenges that traditional manufacturing processes are not designed to handle. The primary obstacle involved maintaining consistent quality standards while respecting the natural irregularities inherent in agricultural waste. Standard quality control measures often rely on uniformity metrics that directly conflict with the variable nature of organic materials.

NOI Creative developed new evaluation criteria that account for natural variation while ensuring structural integrity and visual appeal. This required creating tolerance ranges that accommodate material inconsistencies without compromising function. The manufacturing process balances automation with hand-finishing techniques that enhance rather than eliminate natural characteristics.

The selection of the binding agent proved critical to the project’s success. The compounds must provide adequate structural cohesion while remaining environmentally responsible. The team tested numerous formulations to identify options that would not compromise the overall sustainability goals. The final binding system maintains the material’s biodegradable properties while ensuring long-term durability under normal use conditions.

Quality assurance protocols were redesigned to evaluate bio-based products according to different standards than conventional materials. Traditional testing methods often proved inadequate for assessing the unique properties of agricultural waste composites. New testing procedures account for the materials’ organic nature while ensuring they meet safety and performance requirements.

Environmental Impact and Scalability

The environmental benefits extend beyond waste diversion to encompass the entire product lifecycle. Traditional lamp manufacturing typically relies on fossil-based plastics and energy-intensive production processes. The Terra collection reduces dependence on these materials while creating a market demand for agricultural waste that would otherwise require disposal.

The 60% agricultural content represents a substantial reduction in virgin material consumption. When scaled across production volumes, this translates to significant resource conservation and waste stream diversion. The modular packaging design compounds these benefits by reducing transportation emissions and storage requirements throughout the supply chain.

Scalability considerations focus on agricultural waste availability and processing capabilities. The three primary materials, coffee grounds, rice husks, and wheat bran, are generated consistently across global agricultural systems. This availability ensures reliable supply chains that can support expanded production without creating resource competition.

Processing infrastructure requirements remain manageable within existing manufacturing frameworks. The techniques developed for the Terra collection can be adapted to other product categories, suggesting broader applications for agricultural waste in design and manufacturing.

Local sourcing opportunities reduce transportation requirements while supporting regional agricultural communities. This approach creates economic incentives for proper waste management while building sustainable supply relationships.

Breaking It Down: What This Really Means

The Terra table lamp collection feels like a quiet revolution happening in our living rooms. When you touch one of these lamps, you’re not just feeling polished agricultural waste; you’re experiencing what happens when designers stop making excuses and start making beauty from the things we usually throw away.

What strikes me most about NOI Creative’s work for Lanova isn’t the technical achievement, though that’s impressive enough. It’s how these lamps make sustainability feel effortless and desirable rather than dutiful. We’ve all been in those conversations where someone mentions an eco-friendly product and everyone nods politely while secretly wondering if it actually looks good. These lamps end that conversation before it starts.

There’s something deeply satisfying about the idea that rice husks and wheat stalks, materials that would otherwise decompose or burn, can become objects that bring warmth and light to our homes. It feels like a small act of rebellion against waste, disguised as good design. You’re not sacrificing anything; you’re choosing something that happens to be better for the world.

The real test isn’t whether these lamps work in design magazines or win awards. It’s whether people want to live with them, touch them, and feel good about having them in their space. From what I’ve seen, they pass that test easily. And perhaps that’s the most important measure of success for any design that claims to point toward our future: not just that it works, but that it makes us want that future a little bit more.

The post NOI Creative’s Terra Lamps Transform 150 Million Tonnes of Annual Rice Waste Into Nordic Design Icons first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Roundish Bed is a modern design for comfort and play https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/01/roundish-bed-is-a-modern-design-for-comfort-and-play/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roundish-bed-is-a-modern-design-for-comfort-and-play Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:22:54 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=562567

Roundish Bed is a modern design for comfort and play

Most affordable beds tend to follow a straightforward formula, which is usually a simple rectangular frame, ready for a standard mattress, offering a place to...
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Most affordable beds tend to follow a straightforward formula, which is usually a simple rectangular frame, ready for a standard mattress, offering a place to rest and recharge. But with the rise of modern design, the landscape of bedroom furniture has changed dramatically. Designers now approach the bed as much more than just a spot to sleep; they create thoughtfully crafted pieces that transform the bedroom into a true sanctuary, reimagining what comfort, style, and function can look like.

The Roundish Bed, created by Denys Sokolov of SVOYA studio for the Ukrainian brand Donna, is a radiant example of how playfulness, elegance, and everyday comfort can come together in one unforgettable piece. Whether it’s for your living room, bedroom, or a dedicated children’s space, it is designed to create joyful memories for every member of the family. At first glance, the Roundish Bed stands out with its signature sculptural frame and soothing, creamy palette. What appears as simple rounded contours is, in fact, a carefully considered ergonomic design.

Designer: Denys Sokolov of SVOYA studio

The entire structure of the Roundish Bed, from the frame, base, and backrest, and to the headboard, features an enveloping softness thanks to multi-layered foam, plush filling, and a gentle bouclé-style textile that’s as comforting as it is stylish. Notably, the design places a high priority on safety: there are no sharp corners, and every angle is gently radiused and rounded, making this structure especially suitable for families with small children who are always on the move. This means parents can allow their kids to jump, climb, and play with extra peace of mind.

Recognizing the universal appeal of the original Roundish Bed, Donna has expanded the collection to include a dedicated Roundish Kids Beds line. These beds are built on the same principles as the original, which are softness, strength, and fun, but are scaled to fit smaller dreamers perfectly. The kids’ version is not only a bed, but can also easily transform into a personal playground or a cozy reading nook, thanks to its sturdy, climbable arch frame. Children naturally gravitate to its gentle shapes, using it as a shelter for their imaginative games or a “fort” for storytime snuggles. And, since every part is covered in a tactile, high-quality fabric, even accidental bumps feel cushioned and safe.

Despite the whimsical form, the Roundish Bed remains effortlessly chic. Its minimalist color scheme lets the bold, geometric forms take center stage, yet the overall impression is soft, friendly, and inviting. This makes it equally at home in high-concept designer interiors and vibrant family homes. The rounded arches create a light, architectural canopy effect that frames the sleeping area while maintaining a sense of openness and airiness. For parents intent on nurturing both safety and style, this is a piece that meets both aims with ease.

The post Roundish Bed is a modern design for comfort and play first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Playground-inspired chair concept brings memories and playful design to modern spaces https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/01/playground-inspired-chair-concept-brings-memories-and-playful-design-to-modern-spaces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=playground-inspired-chair-concept-brings-memories-and-playful-design-to-modern-spaces Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:45:57 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=562394

Playground-inspired chair concept brings memories and playful design to modern spaces

Think back to those sun-drenched afternoons on the playground with the excitement of crawling through tunnels, the gentle thrill of rocking horses, or the simple...
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Think back to those sun-drenched afternoons on the playground with the excitement of crawling through tunnels, the gentle thrill of rocking horses, or the simple joy of sliding down a bright, friendly slide. If you grew up frequenting playgrounds like this and now you find yourself reminiscing about those carefree days, you might want to pay attention to this concept for a chair collection that will tickle your nostalgia bone.

Moopi is a whimsical series of chairs that aims to capture the essence of childhood and bring it into our adult spaces with a playful twist. Given that our childhood memories often linger around the playground, where every piece of equipment sparked imagination and joy. The designers wanted to create a bridge between the past and the present, awakening those joyful sensations with the simple act of sitting. As cliche as it may sound, sitting on this chair may actually connect you to your inner child.

Designers: Jaeyeon Lee, Sumin Park, Yejun Jo, Jimin Ha

What makes Moopi different is its unique approach to sitting. Instead of traditional chairs, their forms are inspired directly by playground equipment, especially the postures and feelings of sitting or squatting on slides, tunnels, and seesaws. MOOPI 01 (Blue) is reminiscent of playground tunnels, evoking the cozy feeling of crouching inside a safe little nook. The circular opening is an invitation to curl up, relax, or even daydream which you probably did as a kid. Meanwhile, MOOPI 02 (Green) and its gentle slope is a chair that recalls the thrill of sliding down. It’s perfect for lounging, reading, or chatting with friends while feeling that familiar sense of fun. Lastly, MOOPI 03 (Orange) is inspired by the act of sitting backward, whether on a rocking horse or on the edge of a slide. This chair brings comfort and a touch of whimsy to any space and its round, inviting shape is both playful and supportive.

Each chair is designed not just for children, but for anyone who longs to recapture a bit of youthful wonder in their everyday life. Imagine placing one in your living room, studio, or even a collector’s nook. Instantly, the energy of play and creativity is right there with you. The colors used are also more than just eye-catching. They recall the plastic playsets of our youth and instantly brighten any environment. Moopi isn’t just for kids of course. It’s for anyone who values joy, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia. You can appreciate how the collection blends playful charm with thoughtful ergonomics. Its sculptural forms make it a conversation starter, while the emotional connection makes it a cherished piece in any collection.

The post Playground-inspired chair concept brings memories and playful design to modern spaces first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Bugak Stool celebrates Korean joinery with a hidden shelf https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/06/30/bugak-stool-celebrates-korean-joinery-with-a-hidden-shelf/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bugak-stool-celebrates-korean-joinery-with-a-hidden-shelf Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:20:53 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=562324

Bugak Stool celebrates Korean joinery with a hidden shelf

In the realm of furniture design, where form often dictates function, the Bugak Stool by Jin Kim of JAYUJAJE offers a refreshing narrative. It’s a...
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In the realm of furniture design, where form often dictates function, the Bugak Stool by Jin Kim of JAYUJAJE offers a refreshing narrative. It’s a piece that transcends mere utility, becoming a sculptural object imbued with the rich heritage of Korean craftsmanship and a delightful element of surprise. It’s a stool, a conversation starter, and a testament to thoughtful design that elevates the often-overlooked details of traditional joinery. The inspiration for the Bugak Stool lies within the elegant framework of traditional Korean hanok homes. Here, butterfly joints, known as nabi-jangbu, play a crucial, albeit hidden, role. These connectors, resembling delicate butterflies, expertly bind wooden beams and masonry, ensuring the structural integrity of these architectural marvels.

Designer Jin Kim recognized the inherent beauty and ingenuity of this understated element and envisioned a way to bring it to the forefront. The result is a stool that initially captivates with its minimalist aesthetic. Soft, inviting curves and a harmonious silhouette are enhanced by the natural warmth of contrasting wood tones, creating a visual texture that feels both grounded and sophisticated. The Bugak Stool effortlessly integrates into a variety of interior styles, from contemporary to eclectic, adding a touch of understated elegance.

Designer: Jin Kim for JAYUJAE

However, the true magic of the Bugak Stool unfolds upon closer inspection. At its heart lies a meticulously crafted butterfly-shaped inlay. This isn’t simply a decorative motif; it’s a direct homage to the traditional nabi-jangbu that inspired the design. With a gentle press, this central butterfly detail subtly depresses before gracefully rising to reveal a hidden interior shelf. This unexpected unveiling introduces an element of playful discovery, transforming the stool into more than just a seat.

This secret compartment adds a layer of personal connection to the Bugak Stool. It serves as a private sanctuary for cherished items, whether it’s a favorite book, a personal journal, or a meaningful keepsake. This interactive feature encourages engagement with the piece, fostering a relationship that extends beyond its functional purpose. It becomes a personal treasure chest, a repository of memories and quiet moments.

The stool’s name, “Bugak,” which in Korean means to reveal, highlight, or elevate, perfectly encapsulates its design philosophy. In traditional Korean architecture, the butterfly joint remains discreetly within the structure. This, however, boldly brings this element into the spotlight. The stool isn’t just held together by this joint; it is visually and conceptually defined by it. The once-hidden connector becomes the star, a testament to the beauty of structural integrity. This design approach beautifully marries tradition with modernity. By celebrating the butterfly joint, she reinterprets age-old craftsmanship for a contemporary audience. The Bugak Stool embodies this fusion, appealing to those who appreciate refined elegance and the joy of uncovering hidden details.

The post Bugak Stool celebrates Korean joinery with a hidden shelf first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Water Drop Chair is where art, nature, and comfort flow together https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/06/28/water-drop-chair-is-where-art-nature-and-comfort-flow-together/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=water-drop-chair-is-where-art-nature-and-comfort-flow-together Sat, 28 Jun 2025 20:45:16 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=562021

Water Drop Chair is where art, nature, and comfort flow together

When I’m tired and need to sit down for a bit, I’ll usually choose the nearest bench, chair, or even the floor if nothing else...
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When I’m tired and need to sit down for a bit, I’ll usually choose the nearest bench, chair, or even the floor if nothing else is available. But when I see something that looks particularly artsy or sculptural, I often hesitate, worried it might be off-limits or not as comfortable as it appears. Recently, however, there have been many chair concepts that blend design and functionality beautifully. These pieces look like works of art, yet they’re perfectly comfortable to sit on.

The Water Drop Chair is one such creation, a piece that appears to be a sheet of mountain rain frozen in time, captured and preserved for years to come. With its poetic form, it looks like it belongs in a museum or an art installation, but it’s also designed for everyday use. Designer Daijie Wu brings his vision to life in a single, mesmerizing pour of synthetic crystal. The chair’s rim and arms shimmer with transparency, creating a truly captivating effect.

Designer: Daijie Wu (Photos from Shenzhen Boking Art & Culture Co.)

Wu skillfully coaxed the resin to hang in midair, resembling clear icicles clinging to a winter branch. Before the liquid set, he carefully tucked in dried lychee leaves and twigs, each one handpicked during a storm. If you look closely, you can still see their delicate veins, suspended forever inside the crystal—almost as if time itself has paused. The effect is remarkable. In daylight, sunlight refracts through the Water Drop Chair, sketching ripples across the floor just like real water. Under spotlights, the embedded leaves glow amber, creating a dreamlike interplay of light and shadow. The chair transforms with its surroundings, offering a new perspective at every glance.

Wu’s Shenzhen studio spent months perfecting the mold so that the chair appears completely seamless. Even the structural ribs that keep the 12-kilogram frame sturdy are hidden within, leaving no clue as to how this miraculous object was made. The result is pure, uninterrupted beauty: no upholstery, no hardware, just the slow, organic curve of the drop itself. Wu describes this as a nod to Taoist philosophy: water, after all, is both yielding and unstoppable. Take a seat, and you’ll notice something unexpected. The chair flexes ever so slightly beneath you. What looks like ice is, in fact, solid and warm to the touch.

The story behind the Water Drop Chair is as poetic as its form. Wu harvested the leaves for this piece during a typhoon that battered Guangdong, sealing the memory of that storm inside a chair meant to last for decades. In an age of disposable plastics, this piece asks a thoughtful question: Can furniture be not only a place to rest, but also a clear lens onto nature’s own design? For collectors, design lovers, and anyone who cherishes the intersection of art, craft, and nature, Daijie Wu’s Water Drop Chair is a piece of furniture that represents a lasting, luminous pause in time.

The post Water Drop Chair is where art, nature, and comfort flow together first appeared on Yanko Design.

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