Tag Archives: wood

Top 10 wooden homes that showcase this warm material beautifully

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There’s something about wooden architecture that is simply so humble and endearing. Wood has been a material of choice for construction for ages galore. Wood ages beautifully – anything built with wood will retain the character of your house. And it also manages to incorporate an aura of warmth and serenity within the living space. The rustic and homely appeal of a wooden space instantly makes you feel at ease and welcome. It’s a material of choice that has stood strong through the ages and continues to do so. Whether modern or traditional, wood can be bent and molded to create a living space of your choice and style. From a tiny timber home with a biophilic design to a cedar-clad cantilevered cabin– this collection of architectural designs will leave you mesmerized and completely in awe of the wonderful yet simple material that is wood!

1. The Slope House

The Slope House from the 3D visualizer Milad Eshtiyaghi is an untraditional A-frame cabin that employs biophilic design inside and out. 3D visualizer and international architect Milad Eshtiyaghi has long been drawn to escapist hideaways perched on rugged, seaside cliffs and isolated cabins envisioned beneath the Northern Lights. Today, he turns his gaze to tiny cabins. A bit more quaint than treacherous, Eshtiyaghi’s latest 3D visualization finds an angular, timber cabin nestled atop an idyllic hillside somewhere in the rainforests of Brazil.

Why is it noteworthy?

Dubbed the Slope House, the timber cabin maintains a signature triangular frame that’s a thoughtful twist on the conventional A-frame cabin. Defined by two modules, one internal volume hosts the cabin’s bedroom while the other keeps the home’s main living spaces, like the dining area, kitchen, and den. The tiny cabin from Eshtiyaghi is envisioned propped atop a truss system that was specifically chosen to minimize the home’s impact on the preexisting landscape.

What we like

  • A biophilic design style has been integrated into the cabin’s interior spaces
  • Natural plants have been added inside the house as a small garden

What we dislike

  • The theme and form of the home may be a bit too eccentric for some

2. Tind

David and Jeanette Reiss-Andersen, cofounders of the Oslo-based tiny home company Norske Mikrohus, decided to build an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to the pricier standard-size homes available on the market.

Why is it noteworthy?

Measuring 70 square feet, Tind is a tiny home on wheels, that draws inspiration from the forests and mountains of Norway. It’s also clad completely in Norwegian spruce, making it a sustainable little house. Not only the exterior but the interior of the home is also clad in wood – birch veneer to be specific, giving the space a very modern, natural, and warm vibe.

What we like

  • A compact built-in wooden counter in the open-plan kitchen also serves as an efficient home office
  • There’s also a walk-in closet, which isn’t seen in most tiny homes

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

3. Sleeve House

Called Sleeve House, this stunning vacation home in upstate New York, is an intriguing slanted home clad in charred wood, with rolling hills surrounding it. Designed by Actual/Office, the 2500-square foot home, occupies nearly 46 acres, and basically comprises two elongated volumes – which seem to be sliding into one another. The smaller volume seems to be elevated.

Why is it noteworthy?

The home is nestled on a quaint sloped site, and is almost orthogonal in plan, with two stories placed deftly into its form. The exterior has been composed of charred wood and exposed concrete, which have also been artfully extended into the interior of the home.

What we like

  • The wood was charred via a traditional Japanese technique, called shou sugi ban

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

4. Immerso

Located in the alpine village of Usseaux in Italy’s Piedmont region is the beautiful little ‘Immerso’ glamping cabin. Designed by Italian architects Fabio Vignolo and Francesca Turnaturi this mesmerizing cabin allows guests to leave behind the hectic city life, go off-grid, and unwind in the calmness of nature.

Why is it noteworthy?

The prefab shelter is easily moveable and takes only two hours to set up! Composed of birch plywood and plexiglass, the 65-square-foot modular cabin was designed with the goal of being ‘easy-to-assemble and flat-packed’. It can be built on-site without the use of any electrical equipment or much technical knowledge.

What we like

  • You can lay under the stars, gaze at them for hours, and reconnect with nature in this transparent cabin

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

5. The Buck Mountain Cabin

Situated on Orcas Island, which is a part of an archipelago called San Juan islands, is the Buck Mountain Cabin. The beautiful cedar-clad cabin was built by embracing the original site and its conditions, and by ensuring that minimal disturbance was caused to it.

Why is it noteworthy?

A steep grade and a narrow clearing created by a rock outcropping were a few of the challenges faced by the architects, but they encouraged the clients to focus on these features as they are unique to San Juan.

What we like

  • The grassy basalt-rock outcroppings set within a Douglas fir and Pacific madrone forest were used to enhance and elevate the cabin
  • Large protective overhangs and south-facing clearstory windows allow sunlight to generously stream in, especially during winter

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

6. Finn Street House

Ben Walker Architects worked upon and rejuvenated a 1950s ‘Tocumwal’ cottage in Canberra’s Inner North. Tocumwal houses are quite iconic in the Canberra region and were initially relocated there from southern New South Wales to tackle a housing crisis. This home was formerly a military intelligence base built during World War 2. The original cottage and its essence were retained, while also making some modern modifications and minor updates.

Why is it noteworthy?

The exteriors of the home are quite eye-catching! A timber facade marks the exterior. It is quite fluid and runs freely across the home. A series of screens dominate the upper level and are artfully sculpted against the windows, giving the entire structure a very harmonious and coordinated appeal.

What we like

  • The upper level extends, and overhangs a section of the ground floor, hence sheltering the outdoor dining area, and creating a cozy and shaded space to eat or hang around in

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

7. The Water Cabin

The Water Cabin is a floating home in Seattle’s Portage Bay that maintains the houseboat’s classic nautical personality and the weathered coziness of a cabin.

Why is it noteworthy?

Defined by a geometric silhouette that exhibits Kundig’s classic style, the Water Cabin’s frame is supported by galvanized steel structures that cradle spacious roof planes and wooden decks. Building the Water Cabin, Olson Kundig and their client hoped to blend interior and exterior spaces throughout the home. Arranged over two levels, the home’s interior spaces are specifically configured to maximize connections to the marine environment.

What we like

  • Russian birch plywood ceilings line each room overhead, capturing the natural sunlight of the day and brightening the home
  • Large roof overhangs protect the patio’s wood from seasonal elements

What we dislike

  • Only a hidden murphy bed functions as the home’s guest room

8. The Bookworm Cabin

Libraries are one of my happy places so this cabin is straight out of my dream – a cozy personal library blended with a forest getaway! The Bookworm cabin is made for bibliophiles who want to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature while devouring stories by a fireplace. Designed by Polish duo Bartłomiej Kraciukand and Marta Puchalska-Kraciuk, this cabin is all about immersing yourself in your books and the woods which was their personal motive too!

Why is it noteworthy?

The angular 377-square-foot cabin is built on a wooded plot near the town of Mazovia which is just 31 miles outside Warsaw. The design and aesthetic were inspired by the surrounding lush forest and sand dunes.

What we like

  • Heaven for book lovers
  • Keeps the focus on your reading list or the scenic outdoors thanks to its sweeping glass windows

What we dislike

  • Does not feature a fully equipped kitchen

9. Adraga

Called Adraga, the tiny home features an array of sustainability elements including solar panels, rainwater collection, and composting garden beds. As part of a larger series of tiny home one wheels, Adraga is home to a retired couple who just want to disconnect from the busyness of the world.

Why is it noteworthy?

Looking at Adraga from the outside, its unstained pinewood facades invoke simplicity. Defined by a rectangular, flat-roofed silhouette, the team at Madeiguincho found movement through windows and doors. On one end of the tiny home, a single, farmhouse-style door welcomes residents into the home’s subdued bathroom. There, against the soothing backdrop of walnut wood panels, residents can enjoy a semi-outdoor shower atop wooden floor slats.

What we like

  • The layout of Adraga is designed to optimize the available floor space
  • Incorporated with various off-grid elements

What we dislike

  • In the bathroom, a dry toilet operates without flush water and closes the waste loop – but not everyone may be comfortable with using it

10. The Climber’s Cabin

The Climbers Cabin Designers

The Climbers Cabin

We have seen Several interesting units, but we believe more well-designed cabins will be introduced. The latest on our radar is The Climber’s Cabin by AR Design Studio. As described, its primary purpose is as a space for children and as a guest cabin for when you want to entertain friends and family.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Climber’s Cabin is situated near a stream and a woodland, adding to the adventure experience. The initial plan for the cabin was for it to function as ancillary space for the client’s house. The idea was that the cabin would be built quickly without any complex construction methods. Every step was supposed to be straightforward, so anyone could easily understand and follow. Construction should also be done using sustainable materials sourced locally. The project was actually born during those early months of lockdowns due to the pandemic.

What we like

  • The A-shaped roof was optimized to allow a mezzanine
  • Inside The Climber’s Cabin, interior finishes are made of used and upcycled boards

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

The post Top 10 wooden homes that showcase this warm material beautifully first appeared on Yanko Design.

This minimal wooden sideboard features bright orange legs that can store your favorite books

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I believe the true essence of a home is held in its furniture. Furniture has the power to make or break a home, set the mood and tone of a space, and capture and express the soul of that particular house. A great furniture design not only feels like a piece of art but also touches your heart. The minute you settle down on it, place your favorite book upon it, or simply brush past it, you need to instantly feel “Ah, I’m home!” And it’s those intricated furniture designs with hidden little details that are the most fun to add to our homes! One such example is the Spacing Sideboard by Deniz Aktay.

Designer: Deniz Aktay

You’ve probably come across Deniz Aktay and his prolific designs during one of your mindless Instagram scrolling sessions. His designs, on the other hand, are completely mindful. His designs vary from a unique bookshelf that functions as a side table to a coffee table design with intriguing layers. They are designed with immense attention to detail, an innate respect for the material in hand, and a desire to provide maximum functionality in a minimal form. And the Spacing Sideboard is a true embodiment of all these characteristics.

The Spacing Sideboard is a simple wooden piece of furniture that is marked by two bright orange legs. These colorful legs are the star attraction of the sideboard! Because here’s the interesting part, Deniz has integrated the legs into the center of the sideboard, and also carefully left them hollow. The hollowness of the diagonal legs allows them to function as storage spaces! The amount of space is ideal to fit a book or two into it. Yes, you can’t place bigger items, such as say your laptop or even a really fat book in it, but it’s a genius storage solution to display a few of your favorite (normal-sized) books!

The rest of the sideboard features a uniform rectangular form and is quite simple, which provides an interesting contrast to the playful legs. The sideboard also features push-to-open drawers that emphasize the length of the sideboard. All in all, the Spacing Sideboard is a smart storage solution with quirky aesthetics that can add an element of joy to your home, while providing great functionality.

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This slanted vacation home features two elongated volumes clad in charred wood

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Called Sleeve House, this stunning vacation home in upstate New York, is an intriguing slanted home clad in charred wood, with rolling hills surrounding it. Designed by Actual/Office, the 2500-square foot home, occupies nearly 46 acres, and basically comprises of two elongated volumes – which seem to be sliding into one another. The smaller volume seems to be elevated.

“Oriented in relation to the sloping terrain and views of the mountain ranges, the house is conceived as two elongated volumes – a smaller one sleeved into a larger – sitting on a cast-in-place concrete base,” said the studio.

Designer: Actual/Office

The home is nestled on a quaint sloped site, and is almost orthogonal in plan, with two stories placed deftly into its form. The exterior has been composed of charred wood and exposed concrete, which have also been artfully extended into the interior of the home. The wood was charred via a traditional Japanese technique, called shou sugi ban. The house was designed to create a striking contrast against the otherwise smooth and peaceful landscape surrounding it, but at the same time functioning as a comfortable and practical living space.

“Boards of varying thickness and depth are placed flat and on-end to give the facades depth, pattern, and texture,” the architects said. “The on-end boards run continuously as screens over windows on the long sides of the house to emphasize purity of the sleeved volumes. The short ends of both volumes are glass walls to maximize views of the surrounding landscape.”

The expansive windows within the home allow generous streams of sunlight to enter. An entry gallery and a staircase have been positioned in between the volumes. There’s also an intriguing ceiling made of blackened wood which shelters the kitchen, living room, and dining area. All these amenities are situated within a split-level zone, alongside concrete stairs, partitions, and a sloping glass wall that provides incredible views of the surrounding hills.

The smaller volume hosts the bedrooms, a bathroom, and a study. The interiors of the smaller volume are softer – featuring carpet and drapery.

The home is also quite sustainable! It boasts a solar power system, triple-glazed windows, radiant heating, and a heat and energy recovery ventilation system. It was built to be as energy efficient as possible.

It’s the perfect culmination of intriguing form, sustainability, modern-day functionality, and rustic aesthetics!

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This cabin in the woods was originally a modest bunkhouse built by Olson Kundig

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Located on Puget Sound, cushioned amongst massive fir trees in an ancient forest is a cabin that Jim Olson has been working on since he was eighteen years old. What originally started off as a 14-foot-square bunkhouse for Olson’s family in Longbranch, has now transformed into a beautiful cabin that makes for the ultimate weekend getaway. Through the years, the site has witnessed many remodelings and renovations, although the integrity of the original structure has always been maintained. It went through remodels in 1981, 1997, 2003, and 2014.

Designer: Olson Kundig

The cabin was built using simple, readily available materials – walls sheathed with plywood inside and outside, steels columns that support glulam beams, and these beams in turn support the exposed roof. The fir flooring in the interior, extends to become the outdoor decking. The cabin features a subtle wooden exterior, which allows it to harmoniously integrate with its natural surrounding. It truly looks at one with the forest. In fact, three mature fir trees have been allowed to grow through the openings in the deck, and one of them even exits through an opening in the roof!

The rooms are basically a set of boxes tied together under a unified roof. Although earlier (before 2003), the home was basically three pavilions connected by wooden platforms. The entire structure imposingly protrudes over the landscape, creating a mesmerizing sight. The 24,000 square feet retreat features a living room that provides stunning views of the adjoining meadow, and Puget Sound, as well as a  master bedroom, and two guest bedrooms.

Sliding doors, and large windows further enhance the connection to nature. In fact, there’s even a skylight above the bed! So, one can fall asleep peacefully while gazing at the stars.

All the materials used to build the home were carefully selected to further encourage the natural connection. They gently tie the building to the forest floor, allowing it to seamlessly merge with it.

This beautiful cabin in Puget Sound originally started off as a modest bunkhouse, and through the years it has transformed into an exquisite family retreat in the forest. Olsen’s keen attention to detail, preservation of the cabin’s history, and deft connection to nature are artfully displayed in this heartwarming structure.

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These stunning accessories and decorations are 3D printed from factory wood waste

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Many product designers and furniture makers love using wood. It has natural beauty, whether finished or not, and is significantly more sustainable than other materials, even if it means cutting down trees. Wood is, of course, biodegradable, especially if not treated with harmful chemicals, but it can also be recycled and reused for other purposes. That’s not to say that there is no waste involved when using wood to create things, especially the sawdust and chips that fly off during the manufacturing process. These tiny pieces of wood are often taken for granted, but one company has figured out how to use this material to create beautiful products that won’t make you believe they were 3D printed from sawdust.

Designer: Forust x fuseproject

Just like typical dust or dirt, sawdust is considered to be something to clean out and throw away as a byproduct of cutting down pieces of wood. Considering their tiny sizes, no one worries about their impact on the environment. Collectively, however, they make up a good portion of the waste that we produce, and that number will only grow higher the more we produce wooden furniture, decorations, and products.

As it turns out, sawdust can actually be used as a material for creating other things, thanks to the almost magical technology of 3D printing. 3D printers can now use almost any kind of source material, from metal to chocolate to PET bottles, so it was only a matter of time before someone had the bright idea to use sawdust as well. And as a test of the usefulness of this proprietary process, a line of beautiful home accessories was made to showcase the flexibility and quality of 3D printed sawdust products.

The Vine collection includes a vase-like vessel, a dish tray, a basket, and a bowl that look like a series of wooden rods twisted to create pleasing curves and shapes. No adhesives or extra connecting parts were used to finish their forms, ensuring that the products were sustainable and recyclable from start to finish. The twisting shapes are a testament to the capabilities of Forust’s 3D printer, but they also serve as metaphors for the organic nature of trees that eventually end up as source materials for these products.

While these 3D printed containers are designed to show none of the natural grains that wood is known for, the technology does actually support recreating the appearance of different wood grains, including those from endangered trees. It can also add colors to different grainless surfaces, expanding the kinds of designs that it can support.

3D printing is a truly amazing technology that has opened the doors to new designs and new materials. It still needs plenty of design thinking, experimentation, and even courage to try out new things, especially ones that could revolutionize the industry and help save the planet in the long run. It’s only too easy to take for granted tiny pieces of sawdust because of their size, but they do add up to form mountains of waste that are also wasted opportunities. Thankfully, there are indeed a few enterprising and responsible minds out there that prove how even dust can become beautiful, sustainable products that can improve the quality of our lives as well as that of the planet.

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Ro room divider uses geometric shapes and warm tones to give character to any space

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A room can tell a lot about its owner just by the things you find in the space and how they come together. Sometimes rooms are neat and minimalist, while other times they can be busy but expressive. Whether by conscious decision or subconscious inclination, almost anything we put in a space has a story to tell, whether about the person living in that space or the object itself. People have become more acutely aware of their living spaces lately, especially after having spent months stuck indoors, and have come to be more discerning in the furniture and decor they buy, especially when it comes to the message that each piece tries to convey. A room divider, for example, might visually and functionally split a space, but it can also bring a comforting atmosphere thanks to its design.

Designer: Mia Cullin

Room dividers don’t have to be fancy. In fact, it is probably best that they don’t call attention to themselves since they’re supposed to blend into the background to make it seem like the space is really divided into distinct sections. At the same time, however, they also don’t have to be plain and boring, and they can affect the overall atmosphere of an area. An extravagant divider could make a room look posh or busy, while a nondescript sheet of wood could make it look clean or drab. Ro takes somewhat of a middle ground, espousing minimalism while still embracing warm tones and natural materials that give a distinct personality and atmosphere to any space.

Structurally, the Ro room divider looks like a honeycomb with columns of alternating hexagons attached to painted aluminum poles. Each column can rotate independently of others, allowing the owner to create different patterns that become a visual point of interest in the room. More importantly, however, it gives owners the freedom to close or open a space just by changing the orientation of the panels.

Each piece or module of the panel can be covered in either leather or wood, with different finishes and colors. Whichever style is chosen, the subdued and muted tones give the divider a warm appearance that provides a calming visual. The natural materials themselves also exude a certain image of luxury you’d come to expect from products made with full grain leather and fine wood. Despite its eye-catching and beautiful appearance, the Ro’s minimalist aesthetics prevents it from being too flashy or gaudy. It is simply there, marrying visual appeal and functionality in a simple package.

The Ro room divider is a fine example of furniture that brings character without forcing its presence in the room. With choices of wood and leather, it will be at home in any setting, whether in a living room, a hotel, or even an office. It’s a perfect example of how a design doesn’t need to be too sophisticated, too complex, or even too functional to be attractive and useful. With the right choice of materials, colors, and shapes, one can imbue any room with feelings of warmth and comfort to help people relax or, at the very least, reduce their stress.

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Wooden furniture designs that are the warm + minimal finishing touch your home needs

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There’s something about wood as a material that instantly puts you at ease. Wood radiates a certain warmth, and sense of zen, that no other material can exude. And, sometimes a wooden piece of furniture is what your living space truly needs. I feel a well-crafted piece of wooden furniture can add a magical touch to even the simplest of living spaces! Minimal, clean, and almost always soothing, beautifully designed wooden furniture helps a space radiate an aura of warmth and calmness. They instantly make you feel at home. From a wooden desk that embraces minimalism through a simple build and removable storage space to a bent wood veneer and leather armchair – these quintessential yet stunning wooden furniture designs are all you need in your home.

1. The Diag Desk

This beautiful, minimal, and modern desk is called the Diag Desk. It’s built to optimize storage space while integrating storage elements such as removable leather compartments. As simple and minimal as the desk is, it doesn’t lack in functionality or practicality in any form.

Why is it noteworthy?

Considering its minimalist build, more space can be devoted to the desk’s tabletop, where most of the desk’s purpose is reserved. The Diag Desk from Polish designer Marek Błażucki is one kind of minimalist design that integrates storage systems into its build, ensuring that users have ample desk space while still keeping their necessary stationery within arm’s reach.

What we like

  • Integrates ample storage systems into its build
  • Ensures stationery doesn’t fall off

What we dislike

  • There are a lot of visually similar desks on the market

2. The Fly armchair

This Golder Winner of the A’ Design Award, is an intriguing armchair created as a result of studies of deconstructivist compositions with the objective of building a product with disconnected elements that paradoxically result in a harmonious object. All its parts are contrasting elements, that somehow come together to create a seamless and minimal furniture piece called the Fly armchair.

Why is it noteworthy?

It’s a common assumption that a chair is a singular frame of wood, lined with cushions at strategic places to make seating comfortable. The Fly Armchair shatters that notion by, instead, opting for multiple disconnected pieces of wood that are magically connected by the cushions and armrests. The wood frame isn’t a singular cohesive unit but is rather a fractured form that’s united by an unlikely hero – the ‘soft’ cushion. To an extent, that too was true with the Eames Lounge Chair’s design, although Lima made a more conscious effort to adopt that style here.

What we like

  • Clean + minimal aesthetics
  • It’s almost as if the chair’s ‘actual’ frame is wearing a leather cloak, while the armrests, legs, base, and back panel are taking the credit for bringing the chair together

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

3. The Donner Digital Piano

Donner DDP-80 88 Key Fully Weighted Digital Piano 14

Donner DDP-80 88 Key Fully Weighted Digital Piano 6

The Donner Digital Piano is a stunning and eco-friendly piano that looks more like a modern furniture piece than a musical instrument. It’s equivalent to a French grand piano acoustically, but since I don’t know much about musical intricacies, for now, its minimal yet stylish looks have completely won me over.

Why is it noteworthy?

It’s stylish but remains affordable while able to offer premium audio. The minimalist style makes it an eye-catching addition to any room. It’s a modern furniture item that can make lovely music. When played right, it offers pleasure to the ears. It’s designed to be pleasing not only to the ears but also to the eyes. The piano’s aesthetics will meet any minimalist’s standards with its wood finish. It comes with 88 full-sized weighted keys, so it feels like a real piano.

What we like

  • Merges seamlessly with modern living spaces
  • Looks more like a furniture piece than a musical instrument

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

4. The Pessoa Table

Minimalist desks are great at sneaking organizational features into hidden nooks and crannies, but this striking work table has those compartments and spaces hiding in plain sight.

Why is it noteworthy?

Given the desk’s simple yet beautiful appearance, it might come as a surprise to learn that its form is actually inspired by three very different people with very different personalities. Or, to be more precise, the desk is named after the famed Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa, whose different “heteronyms” (he doesn’t want to call them pseudonyms) have different and sometimes extremely conflicting ideologies. But almost like a metaphor for that situation, the Pessoa table still retains a unified appearance and beauty, just as all of Pessoa’s seventy-five heteronyms spring from the same man.

What we like

  • Minimal + vintage looks
  • Features two containers that float in the back panel

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

5. The Nodding Chair

As someone who loves to read, and read for long periods of time, I know that wooden chairs are the least comfortable ones to sit on while finishing a good book. And I’ve also tried to read while on a regular rocking chair and that made me dizzy since the constant big movements are a bit too much for my poor eyes. But staying put in a chair can still be uncomfortable and you need some type of motion while you’re reading. This product concept seems to be the perfect one for bookworms like me.

Why is it noteworthy?

While rocking chairs are good for relaxation, they’re not always good for floors and if you’re like me, for our eyes and peace of mind. The designer thought of a new way to have a chair that can be comfortable and still let your body have its range of natural motion while reading, resting, or even writing (if you’re used to that). The Nodding Chair can be tilted forward and backward, letting you make smaller movements that won’t make you too nauseous.

What we like

  • Creates less pressure on the floor so you won’t get marks and scratches
  • Allows the chair to move with you as you occasionally change positions while reading

What we dislike

  • The seat itself doesn’t seem to be that comfortable as it’s just plain wood and there’s no cushion

6. The Bogdan Collection

Bogdan Series Studiointervallo

Bogdan Furniture Collection

There is something about Italian furniture that sets it apart from others. We love that furniture design can be elegant, luxurious, and modern at the same time. That is for most of the contemporary pieces we are being introduced to, like the Bogdan Collection by Studiointervallo.

Why is it noteworthy?

The studio’s founder, Andrea Ghisoni, designed this series of furniture that includes a bench, a console table, a coffee table, and a side table. You may want the whole collection as every piece can go well with the minimalist aesthetics of your home. Every unit is made of a single carved solid linden wood and boasts a single line of color defining the shape and the perimeter.

What we like

  • Features colored milled-edge ribs for a bit of style and accent

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

7. The Migo Chair

Pascal Hein Migo Chair Details

Pascal Hein Migo Chair Production

A result of personal reflections during the pandemic, the Migo Chair is a minimal and well-designed furniture piece that functions as a chair, as well as a side table. It was created based on one’s perspective and experiences during the lockdowns because of COVID-19 and was finally brought to life at BENCHMARK’s workshop and was showcased at The Design Museum in London.

Why is it noteworthy?

We can’t really say which is the front or back but you can use the chair in several ways. The material used is American red oak so you know it can be very durable. What makes this more interesting is that it can be cut from just a single plank of wood, giving off a consistent grain. A chair made from a single piece of material also offers less wastage.

What we like

  • Made from a single plank of wood
  • Created from a universal personal experience

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

8. The Nook desk

The Nook desk right from its appearance and thereafter has a story of material molding, matte finish, and a simple idea that’s still more than an ordinary desk. The Nook desk surface, and nifty selves at the edges, hold key to the table’s idea of maximizing productivity with minimalistic use of material.

Why is it noteworthy?

New desks surfacing on our computer screens day in and day out are generally drenched heavily in the wave of maximizing gadgetry on the tabletop courtesy of cable organizers, built-in wireless chargers et al. Atkay keeps it simple and not distracting. His idea of a desk will therefore not revibrate with most hybrid/work-from-home taskforce. However, if you’re someone like me who loves the desk clear of clutter and only wants a book or two in close proximity; this is where the search can end.

What we like

  • Nook desk’s personalized design aesthetics shall help you have most of your reading/writing material well within your reach
  • The personalized design is achieved by separating multiple layers of plywood at the edges of the table, creating storage layers on the bottom of the tabletop

What we dislike

  • No complaints!

9. The Circus coffee table

The Circus coffee table is a far cry from the boring old coffee tables you’ve gotten so used to seeing. The unique coffee table was designed to bring people together, and create a more active and interactive space for them. The table is built using a jumble of different shapes, sizes, and materials, creating a chaotic yet harmonious furniture piece that instantly attracts you to it!

Why is it noteworthy?

The table’s jumble of shapes and materials is almost chaotic, just like a circus. You have a predominantly wooden table with metal components that add functionality to the table. The large circular hole in the middle turns the disc into a donut and reveals two triangular shapes that form the legs of the table. Instead of a solid cylindrical base, the table has metal bars and doors on opposite sides, creating further contrasts in terms of design.

What we like

  • Gathers people around in an interesting yet fun way

What we dislike

  • The design may be too chaotic for some people

10. The Cloth Coffee Table

Characterized by its curved bookstand that works as the table’s centerpiece, the Cloth coffee table’s curvy personality is echoed throughout its build. The bookstand also finds a balance between boldness and elegance, offering a weighty centerpiece that helps ground the coffee table, without dominating the available tablespace. Featuring softly bold elements like an undulating table edge that mimics the look of a live edge, the Cloth coffee table keeps a dynamic profile without dominating the room.

Why is it noteworthy?

Doing minimalism before it was cool, Japanese and Scandinavian share a lot of common design principles, including a focus on warmth, groundedness, and a subdued color scheme for an overall calming effect. With aim of merging these principles together to design Cloth, Teixeira hoped to find a “balance between boldness and elegance, depending on the angle.”

What we like

  • An artful blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies
  • The curved bookstand is a distinguishing feature

What we dislike

  • Weighty/bulky design

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Skrolla is a striking lounge chair that curves and bends to offer a comfortable seat

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It’s easy enough to downplay the importance of a well-designed chair. That is, until your back and posterior start to complain about the soreness in those areas. It might not be that difficult to design a chair with ergonomic curves and angles, but one that also looks good seems to be a bit more difficult to find. It almost gives the impression that ergonomics and aesthetics are mutually opposed, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. Granted, it might require a lot more creativity and ingenuity, but the end result will be so much worth the effort. A shining example of that is Skrolla, a beautiful wooden chair whose curves are more than just for show.

Designer: Dan Harden

Chairs with curved surfaces are nothing new, but you’d often find those forms in seats made of plastic or metal. These materials are easier to bend than wood, of course, but they also have less impact when it comes to portraying natural beauty. That novelty serves to augment Skrolla’s beauty, its smooth wooden surface and smooth curved form creating a visually appealing appearance that will sit well in almost any room. Plus, those curves were carefully designed to offer the best comfort for anyone sitting on this magnificent piece of furniture.

The seat, which resembles the eponymous paper scroll, isn’t carved but made from 13 layers of plywood veneer, joined and curved using a novel patented process. The wide arms provide ample room for people to support their bodies on, and the seat reclines at what is considered to be the most comfortable lounging angle. It’s so comfortable that the designer is confident you won’t even need cushions for it.

The assembly of the other parts is just as intriguing as the seat and backrest themselves. The legs, for example, go through the bottom of the scroll to the underside of the arm, creating a stable hold that requires no bracing or screws. The actual legs have larger diameters, so they’re able to hold the entire weight of the chair without additional support. The curved backrest is mortised to the back legs, again removing the need for screws or metal parts.

That practically means that the lounge chair has only six parts, all of them made from wood. The simplicity of its construction contrasts with the sophistication of its form, creating a kind of harmony that you’ll rarely find even in the prettiest of lounge chairs. It also makes the production process a bit simpler, even if the construction of the curved wood itself is just as nontrivial as its appearance.

What’s important is that Skrolla is designed to be comfortable, both in terms of ergonomics as well as visual appearance. It makes its presence in any room immediately known without being gaudy, using instead its minimalist yet sophisticated design to attract attention. It is a prime example of a design that goes beyond the limitation of the material to deliver something that is both innovative yet also familiar, something beautiful and comfortable just as a lounge chair should be.

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HUG embraces nature with a more sustainable way to make and assemble furniture

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Wood is a favorite among designers for its natural beauty, the random grains that make each piece unique, and its more sustainable source. But while it is definitely better than ordinary plastic in that regard, the extensive use of wood also has a negative impact on the environment if left unchecked. Unlike money, wood does go on trees, trees that need to be cut down in order to become the literal building blocks of furniture and other products. Those trees need to be replanted, of course, but there’s also the matter of pieces of wood that are wasted and thrown away. Plastic and metal aren’t the only things that can be recycled, and HUG tries to do the same for discarded wood that can then be used to create other pieces of wooden furniture.

Designers: Medeot Barbara, Piovesan Giulia

Using wood, a biodegradable and more sustainable material compared to plastic, doesn’t mean that there will be nothing wasted. While pieces of scrap wood do eventually decompose or can be used for smaller items, they’re still considered wasted materials and wasted potential. Pieces of plastic can sometimes be broken down and recycled into other compounds, and cutoffs can be used to make other textiles. Scrap wood, likewise, can become the foundations for other products, like furniture built from the building blocks of Progetto or “Project” HUG.

HUG isn’t simply about recycled scrap wood, though that is part of its appeal. It is defined as a “multifunctional object made up of simple elements” that can be assembled in different ways to create different pieces of furniture. In a way, it’s like a simplified LEGO system made of wooden parts, giving people the freedom to create chairs, shelves, or even benches that alternate between facing opposite directions. Best of all, you can even reassemble them as your needs change over time.

That is the third part of HUG’s appeal that they can be assembled and reassembled just as easily as LEGO bricks. That’s because the system doesn’t make use of nails or even glue, the latter being a potentially dangerous chemical that will harm the environment when it comes time to dispose of the product. Then again, HUG is designed to be reused again and again, so it’s not like it will meet the trash heap or the recycling plant anytime soon.

Progetto Hug is still in its infancy, but it definitely has a lot of potential, both in theory and in practice. The simplicity and modularity of the design make it easy to cram the parts in a flat-pack, and the flexibility of its assembly could see odd furniture constructions and ideas grow over time. The current iteration of HUG comes in a natural finish, but there could be more colors available in the future.

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Kreoo brings nature’s great art indoors as design objects you can sit on

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Zen gardens, whether actual gardens or miniature recreations, have become symbols of calm, relaxing spaces in today’s hectic world. It isn’t just the fine sand that conveys that imagery, and, in fact, the sand is more therapeutic and effective if you actively draw on them rather than just looking at their undulating patterns. A zen garden is almost like a microcosm symbolizing a miniature universe, at least the ideal one from monks’ minds. Every piece and part of that garden symbolizes nature’s true beauty, including the unhewn rocks and large smooth pebbles stacked on top of each other. It’s the latter’s beauty that Kreoo is bringing to homes, rooms, gardens, and poolsides to offer a piece of furniture that is both beautiful, calming, and thought-provoking, all at the same time.

Designer: Enzo Berti

There is something beautiful and also symbolic about smooth pebbles of different sizes stacked on each other. The pebbles themselves have been sculpted and polished by flowing river waters and blowing wind over the course of months and years, showcasing Mother Nature’s artistic talent. At the same time, the cairn, as it is sometimes called, is a man-made structure that is used to represent, among other things, higher aspirations as well as balance, attempting to find and create some semblance of balance in life.

Of course, these stacked pebbles are mostly only just for viewing, but Kreoo takes the concept and turns it into something you can both see and use every day. Its Pavé collection turns the concept of meditative stacked pebbles into furniture, especially ones that you can sit on. Rather than waiting for years for nature to take its course to create large, smooth pebbles, Kreoo employs modern techniques and materials to emulate Mother Nature as close as possible. And it’s not all just hard stone either, which would have made for an uncomfortable sitting and shipping experience.

Instead, the Pavé Stone seats use an oval marble base to deliver the sturdy foundations of this unique piece of furniture. It places a wooden seat on top, one that has been formed in the shape of a smooth pebble similar to its base. The lighter wood seat allows for rather visually unbalanced designs, with a top that’s twice as large as its base, something that would have been impossible using real rocks or marble. The design almost stands in defiance of nature while, at the same time, is a tribute to it.

At Salone del Mobile 2022, Kreoo introduced a new combination for its Pavé Stones. Normally just made of two pieces, a marble base and a wood seat, the furniture maker added another layer to increase the seat’s height and accommodate more people of varying heights and needs. There now exists an option to have two marble bases beneath the wooden seat, and the appearance of each piece can still be chosen as desired.

The Pavé collection also includes the Pavé Log bench, where a wooden board is made to overlap and overshoot two marble bases, and the Pavé Drink, a table that adds an element of metal in the stem that raises the round wooden top up high. These beautiful pieces of furniture are easily mistaken as design objects and can add a bit of Zen to any room, garden, or space while also offering something to sit on while you contemplate the meaning of life.

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