At Milan Design Week, we got to witness a range of intriguing flat-pack furniture by researchers from the Swiss design school ÉCAL. The interesting collection needs to be immersed in water to reach its final finished form. Dubbed Under Pressure Solutions or UPS, the furniture is crafted from thin and compressed sheets of cellulose sponge, which enables the products to be packed into flat parcels. In fact, some of the objects are compact enough to be pushed through a letterbox, facilitating more efficient shipping.

Designer: ÉCAL

Once you receive the products you need to soak them in the bath or shower, which allows them to blow up to around 10 times their original size in a few seconds. You then wrung out the sponge, and leave it to dry, hardening it, and forming a sturdy, durable, and self-supporting form of furniture that can support the weight of a person. The furniture collection is way better than conventional plastic foam when it comes to durability.

“Cellulose is a part of nature so, like a tree, it can be flexible and strong at the same time,” said ÉCAL researcher and industrial designer Christophe Guberan. The sponge is extracted from wood offcuts, and it is equipped with strength due to the same cellulose fibers that is utilized by a tree to reinforce its trunk and branches.

To create the sponge, the cellulose was derived from woodcuts. The cellulose was then chemically dissolved and regenerated to create sheets utilizing the same process that produces viscose and other cellulose textiles. Glauber’s salt is then added into those concoction, providing the sponge with its pores, and strengthening the cellulose’s ability to absorb water. This material is sold as standardized sheets that are then compressed and dehydrated to support smooth and easy transportation.

By adding small amounts of water, the various furniture pieces can become flexible once again, and they can be repaired by smoothing out any dents. And once the lifecycle of the furniture has been completed, it can be recycled or composted in the backyard.

The post Meet USP – A Sponge Furniture Collection You Can Grown And Expand In Your Own Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

You don’t need a tiny home to invest in some clever multi-functional furniture. Sure, it helps save money and space when you’ve got a product that serves different purposes, but then again, owning such cleverly designed products is cool too! In collaboration with the esteemed Taiwanese design brand, Unipapa, Medium2 Studio introduces the Flip Dual-Function Ironing Board Mirror, an ingenious solution that seamlessly integrates the functionality of a full-length mirror with that of an ironing board. This innovative fusion addresses the perennial household dilemma of storing bulky ironing boards while adding a touch of elegance to interior spaces.

Designer: Ping-Lun Chung, Fang-Yu Chen, and Yen-Ting Lin

While the concept of a dual-function ironing board mirror isn’t entirely novel, the journey from concept to commercialization for the Flip involved extensive research and innovation, ensuring its practicality for everyday use. The crux of its design lies in what they term the “adjustable span transition.” Balancing the requirements of an ironing board, which demands a broad span for stability, with those of a full-length mirror, which necessitates a compact span to minimize space usage, presented a unique challenge.

To tackle this challenge, they engineered a structure with an adjustable span mechanism. This ingenious feature allows the Flip Dual-Function Ironing Board Mirror to seamlessly transition between its two functions with ease. Whether you’re preparing for a crisp attire with the ironing board or checking your reflection in the mirror, the interconnected structure simplifies the operation, enhancing overall convenience.

One of the most notable aspects of the Flip is its simplicity and practicality. Storing an ironing board is no longer a bulky task but simply a matter of placing it back in its designated spot. This effortless integration of two household essentials into one sleek design epitomizes the ethos of practicality meeting elegance.

Designed for individuals who embrace a minimalist lifestyle and appreciate multifunctional, space-saving objects, the Flip Dual-Function Ironing Board Mirror is a game-changer. Its sleek aesthetic seamlessly blends into any interior decor while offering unparalleled functionality. Whether you reside in a compact apartment or a spacious home, the Flip adds a touch of sophistication while optimizing space usage.

The post This absolutely genius floor mirror flips over into an ironing board to save space first appeared on Yanko Design.

Chairs can come in all shapes and sizes. Some can take on complicated and organic forms, while others can be extremely minimalist or even brutally raw. They can range from designs that take inspiration from nature to those that adhere to simpler geometric shapes. The Euclid concept is one of the latter, aptly named after the ancient Greek mathematician. But while it draws its shape from a simple cube, its execution sparks a bit of wonder and curiosity as it resembles more the skeleton or wireframe of the shape, represented by almost unbroken lines that are reminiscent of Escher’s famed optical illusion, the impossible cube.

Designer: Sonakshi Gupta

Admittedly, it’s a bit difficult to see the Euclid chair as a cube, since most of us have this idea of a cube as having 12 lines that are all connected at eight corners to form six faces. Then again, that popular Escher object already shows an impossible depiction of that shape, and those familiar with that print might see some of that characteristic in this chair when viewed from certain angles. Overall, it creates a dynamic form that has your eyes following the lines and moving all over the place, sometimes confused about where the front and back sides are.

Its unique form isn’t the only notable thing about this concept, however. Its use of reclaimed wood gives it more than a sustainable character. That material, in a way, carries some history from what it was before becoming a part of this chair. Even if that past is unknown to the new owner, simply knowing it has one could give each Euclid chair its own unique charm.

And then there’s the method used to bring all the pieces together. Instead of requiring screws or even glue, a mortise and tenon joinery is used to provide stability without introducing complicated mechanisms. In theory, this could make it easy to later take the chair apart if some pieces need to be replaced, though that could also start to weaken the connection over time if done too frequently.

The Euclid concept chair offers a design that is minimalist, sustainable, and visually interesting. Whereas a cube is pretty much the epitome of symmetry, the missing edges and disconnected faces give the chair a bit more volatility. That said, it doesn’t seem like the most comfortable chair to sit on. Even if you put a cushion on the seat, the hard edges of the armrest and especially the backrest could give your body some grief after a long period of time.

The post Geometric chair concept almost looks like an Escherian optical illusion first appeared on Yanko Design.

It is the peak Spring season with birds chirping in the air, and trees looking greener and prettier than ever! Spring is currently in full swing, and it is the perfect time to spend your days in the outdoors, taking in some fresh air, and letting the lovely spring sun soak through our skin. There couldn’t be a better time to be in your backyard! I mean, you can do a lot in your backyard! We shouldn’t underestimate our backyards, as they can be major spaces of fun, recreation, and relaxation. And a lovely addition to your backyard could be the Hut Lounge Bed by Marco Lavit for Ethimo.

Designer: Marco Lavit for Ethimo

The Hut Lounge Bed is a wonderful furniture design for the outdoors by designer Marco Lavit for the Italian outdoor furniture company Ethimo. Designed to provide you with a cozy space to relax and unwind in, and to function as a peaceful place to lounge about in, the Hut Lounge Bed lets you soak in some sun, and connect with nature. It is equipped with a conical, and semi-enclosed shape with makes you feel protected, while also allowing you to truly relax.

“Hut is a unique nest on a human scale, a place to pause and regenerate,” said Lavit. “A habitat where the alternating rhythm of the slats creates gaps that filter perception of this space, in a natural dialogue between inside and out.” The Hut is built using Accoya wood construction and features little gaps between the slats, which allow sunlight to stream in, while a massive circular mattress invites you in, and looks like a wonderful space for a nap. Accoya wood is an excellent material of choice since it is a high-performance modified wood that features a non-toxic treatment and can handle years of exposure to the elements and weather.

The wood is complemented by a circular metal rail which lets you hang a curtain to offer some privacy, or to provide some protection against the sun. The Hut Lounge Wood is a perfect fit for your backyard during the spring season, when the weather is kind, and nature is in full bloom.

The post Cozy & Serene Hut Lounge Bed Is The Perfect Outdoor Furniture Design For Your Yard first appeared on Yanko Design.

Having a baby can be a very magical moment, but even the best, most patient, and kindest parents will struggle with some of the aspects of raising an infant. They need constant monitoring, even late at night when even adults should be resting. One of the most problematic things to watch out for is when the baby wets the bed, because it can happen any time, day or night, and even when parents are not paying attention. It might already be too late when the infant cries after having spent long minutes wearing or lying on something wet, which then could bring skin complications and other problems. It’s for that reason that this crib concept was designed, offering a more efficient way to monitor the baby by employing the very same technologies used to monitor plants and their soil’s wetness.

Designers: Anuj Pate, Piyusha Naik

Soil moisture, or the volume of water content in the soil, isn’t exactly the same as determining when a baby wet the bed, but the technology works the same for both cases. The sensor is only able to measure water content indirectly by taking into account other factors like electrical resistance, dielectric constant, and the like. Fortunately, this is enough to also detect if the mattress of a crib is now wet, which is the critical component of the Wee Watch Crib Concept.

In a nutshell, the crib uses copper coils attached to the mattress to implement the moisture detection hardware, since copper is considered to be harmless for the baby in this context. The sensors can sense the wetness of the bed and immediately fire off a notification to parents or caretakers, either audibly or through a phone app. It’s a much more efficient way compared to constantly watching the baby, which is tiring, or waiting for the baby to cry, which could be too late for the infant’s comfort and health.

Of course, the baby crib also has to be comfortable, not just functional, and the Wee Watch design opts to use natural cotton fibers for the mattress as it is gentler on the baby’s skin. The frame is made from laminated timber that’s put together using a moisture-resistant adhesive, and there are tall vents at the bottom to facilitate airflow and regulate temperature. More importantly, the crib is also made to still be useful as the baby grows, about up to two years as long as they still comfortably fit in that space.

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The past years we’ve seen the growth of “fur parents” so this means there’s also a significant spike in products that will appeal to this market. There are a lot of options out there when it comes to accessories for dogs, cats, and all other pets that may need different kinds of habitats, toys, etc. But when a big name brand puts a lot of effort into research and product development for our fur babies, then they immediately catch our attention.

Designer: IKEA

Swedish brand IKEA is getting into the pet world craze with their UTSÅDD collection that is meant to bring joy not just to the cats and dogs but to their “parents” as well. The brand came up with this 29-piece collection by consulting with veterinarians and pet product specialists and also testing it out on those who will actually be using the products, the cats and dogs themselves.

This means that the products are not just well-designed but also are dishwasher-safe, water-repellant, machine-washable, durable, and of course safe and gentle for the pets. The collection has some items for playtime like the soft toys for dogs and the play tunnel for cats but also has functional ones like pet bowls, beds, and houses. The habitats in particular, like the dog bed and the cat house can both be fun and useful.

The collection will be available globally starting this April. And like with a lot of IKEA products, there is a wide range when it comes to affordability with items ranging between USD $2-70. Also as with most items with the Swedish brand, expect a clean and minimalist vibe.

The post IKEA pet accessories collection is the minimalist vibe for fur babies first appeared on Yanko Design.

Notice that cool abstract design on the chair? It’s not just some fabric, it’s real plants! 3 design students from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden changed the narrative of chairs for humans. Why do chairs always have to be used for us to come sit on them? We’re all taught that plants are living beings right? What if these living things could practically bring furniture to life? This chair is a unique piece of furniture that prioritizes plant life over human occupants by allowing them to grow on it.

Designers: Alice Hultqvist, Emelie Sjöberg and Linnea Nilsson

The Chia-Chair is different from regular chairs. Instead of cushions or upholstery, the chair has a seat and backrest that are composed of a knitted, knotted tube that doubles as a planting bed for chia seeds. The idea is to let the plants be the main users of the chair, and humans are just visitors. The designers emphasize that humans should approach it with respect, recognizing that it’s a living thing.

Hultqvist, Sjöberg, and Nilsson, all students in the MA Design program at HDK-Valand, the University of Gothenburg’s art and design academy, showcased their creations at the Making Transparency exhibition. This event, hosted in the student-focused Greenhouse section of the Stockholm Furniture Fair, explored posthumanist design principles.

The inspiration behind the Chia-Chair arose from the designers’ contemplation of humanity’s negative impact on the planet. They acknowledged that throughout the last century, humans have prioritized their needs at the expense of nature and wildlife, leading to severe consequences. The Chia-Chair, therefore, serves as a symbolic gesture, aiming to redress the balance by placing the plant at the forefront and demanding reciprocity from its human users.

Constructed with an ash wood frame and a wool sock filled with polyester stuffing as the cushion, the Chia-Chair offers a distinctive aesthetic. The chia seeds, mixed with water, were planted in the knitted structure, and the designers diligently watered them twice daily. To maintain optimal growing conditions, a plastic cover was placed over the chair overnight to retain moisture.

While the Chia-Chair may be more of a statement piece than a functional item, the designers foresee a future where greenery becomes integral to our living spaces. In an era of increasing urbanization that disconnects people from nature, incorporating natural elements into furniture and homes is seen as a natural progression.

The Chia-Chair serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humans and nature. By prioritizing plant life over human comfort, the designers challenge us to reconsider our impact on the environment and encourage a more harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

The post This Chair Allows Plants to Grow On it And Puts Nature Before Human Needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smart technology isn’t a very new concept anymore but with the promise of holistic well-being combined with technology, designer Yoojin Chung takes a satirical swipe at the Western interpretation of feng shui with her ingenious project, “Capturing Qi.” This trio of digital devices, born out of Chung’s critique of the commodification of ancient practices, offers a whimsical take on harnessing positive energy in the modern home.

Designer: Yoojin Chung

Drawing on her roots in South Korea, Chung’s project serves as a playful commentary on how feng shui, an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the flow of positive energy or qi, has been repackaged into consumer products promising health and fortune. With a keen eye for irony, Chung transforms three iconic feng shui objects – the crystal ball, the wind chime, and the water fountain – into dynamic smart-home devices, all controllable through a smartphone app.

This series of devices blurs the line between tradition and technology, reimagining familiar feng shui elements through a contemporary lens. Each device, whether it’s the spinning crystal, the swaying wind chimes, or the flowing water, creates a visual illusion of energy flow reminiscent of the traditional objects they imitate. Equipped with Arduino circuit boards, these devices seamlessly integrate into the smart home ecosystem, offering users the ability to manipulate their surroundings with just a few taps on their smartphones.

Yet, beneath the whimsy lies a deeper reflection on the human desire for control and success. Chung cleverly infuses her devices with a sense of agency, suggesting that the more one activates them, the greater their chances of success. It’s a nod to our innate yearning for control over our destinies, even as we seek solace in ancient practices like feng shui.

What sets these appliances apart is the thoughtful nod to scientific aesthetics, drawing inspiration from 18th-century scientific apparatus like vacuum chambers. By infusing the devices with the trappings of scientific equipment, it invites users to reconsider their relationship with feng shui in the context of modernity. The wind chime, suspended like a scientific instrument, prompts contemplation on the subtle nuances of object placement and their symbolic meanings in feng shui.

As a graduate of the MA Contextual Design program at Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE), Chung joins a cohort of designers pushing the boundaries of traditional design paradigms. Her work exemplifies the program’s ethos of challenging conventional norms and exploring the intersection of culture, technology, and design. In an era where ancient practices collide with cutting-edge technology, Yoojin Chung’s “Capturing Qi” serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving nature of design and its role in shaping our lived experiences.

The post Ancient Chinese Tradition of Feng Shui Reimagined To Fit Into The Modern World Of Appliances first appeared on Yanko Design.

2020 was a life-altering and drastic year, and for the past 4 years, we have been redeeming our careless mistakes of the past and living more consciously and sustainably. We cannot ignore the needs of our planet anymore, we need to consider the environment, and what better way to start doing that than from our own homes? Sustainable chairs are taking the design industry by storm, they’re a step towards making our homes and our daily lives more eco-friendly and sustainable. They’re an attempt to cast aside toxic materials, and instead, add furniture designs to our home that won’t rot away on Earth for years once we’re done with them. We’ve curated a collection of furniture products created from cork, 3D printing, and even coffee-based waste! The options are endless, and the end result is the same – a greener, healthier, and happier Mother Earth!

1. 3D-Printed Chair

Created by Johannes Steinbauer Office For Design, these innovative 3D-printed chairs were designed using additive manufacturing, and without utilizing fabrics, springs, and foam. The chair doesn’t include any springs or foam, but it is still super functional and comfortable to sit in.

Why is it noteworthy?

The design of the chair is quite simple with four legs, a round seat, and a single bar at the back. You can add other components like racks and textiles through 3D printing. The various parts can be assembled and disassembled, and once its lifespan ends, you can dispose of the different parts separately, and recycle them.

What we like

• The chair is easy to assemble and disassemble
• Sustainable design that employs 3D printing

What we dislike

• No instruction on how to have a space-saving variant

2. Hemp & Eelgrass Chair

Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen collaborated with furniture brand Norman Copenhagen to build a collection of plant-based chairs, which were unveiled at the Stockholm Design Week. The collection includes two unique chairs, one made from hemp, and one made from a combination of hemp and eelgrass.

Why is it noteworthy?

Hemp is a type of cannabis plant, while eelgrass is like seaweed. The biomaterials were used to replace injection-molded plastic, which created a shell chair supported by powder-coated steel legs.

What we like

• The material used is recyclable and is an innovative mix of two plants

What we dislike

• Aesthetically the chair isn’t very pleasing and could be an eyesore in homes if not paired properly with the decor

3. VALE Collection

Called the VALE collection, LAYER designed this eco-friendly chair and stool collection for the US furniture brand KFI Studios. It is made from recycled PET bottles and was designed as a protest against the plastic waste that is drowning and polluting the planet’s oceans and landfills.

Why is it noteworthy?

The collection is LAYER and KFI Studio’s eco-friendly solution to the rising issue of plastic waste, It is a refreshing change, and a fine specimen of sustainable furniture, in a day and age where 9 million tons of furniture are found in landfills.

What we like

• Made using an eco-friendly and durable material produced from recycled PET bottles

What we dislike

• The looks of the chairs and stool are a bit boring, more aesthetic details could have been added

4. OTO Chair

Called the OTO Chair, and designed by Alessandro Stabile and Martinelli Venezia, this chair is designed to be a “manifesto for circular design”. The chair is a recycled plastic chair that aims to achieve a goal of full sustainability, in materials choices and supply chain – as a complete whole.

Why is it noteworthy?

It has a clean, minimal, and simple form, and comes in a bunch of fun colors to pick from – onyx, fog, mustard, coral, forest, and eucalyptus. You can choose the color that best suits your personality and interior decor style.

What we like

• The production of each OTO chair removes almost 500 grams of plastic from the sea

What we dislike

• Its hard, flat surfaces look a little too rigid for comfort

5. Gago Rocking Chair

Portuguese design brand Dam just released a cork-clad rocking chair to celebrate 10 years of the brand’s existence. The innovative-looking chair is inspired by seaplanes.

Why is it noteworthy?

When you look at the Gago rocking chair, it brings to mind the image of the rounded shape of an aviator’s helmet, which is an ode to the first successful crossing of the South Atlantic Ocean by a Portuguese pilot in 1922. The label of every chair says “1922, *8383km”. The number represents the milestone journey between Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.

What you like

• The chair is made from cork, making it sustainable and durable

What we dislike

• Being a rocking chair, it is a niche furniture design and doesn’t hold utility for everyone

6. Bend Chair

Created by the Thai design brand Waste is More, the Bend Chair is made using coffee-based waste, wood, and recycled plastic. The minimalist-looking and simple chair is made from More’s signature PlasCoff materials, which is an eco-friendly and durable alternative to other materials.

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique material merges recycled plastic with waste from coffee bean processing, creating a design that is pretty sustainable for your home. What makes the furniture design even more interesting is that the deeper the shade, the higher is the content of coffee waste.

What we like

• Constructed using a locally sourced rubber tree timber and coffee-based waste
• It is the ultimate mix of ergonomics, sustainability, functionality and good looks

What we dislike

• Aesthetics are a bit unassuming and simple

7. Tellus Bench

Called the Tellus Bench, this innovative seating design was created by the street furniture brand Vestre and designer Emma Olbers. It is made using fossil-free steel, and no carbon sessions are created during its manufacturing process.

Why is it noteworthy?

The steel used to build the Tellus Bench was manufactured by Swedish steelmaker SSAB in its converted blast furnace, which uses green hydrogen instead of coal for heat, and emits no carbon dioxide.

What we like

• The bench features wide armrests and offers comfort to the user, while also providing sufficient space to place a coffee or tea cup

What we dislike

• Aesthetics are a bit dull and unassuming

8. Liberty Ocean Chair

The Liberty Ocean Chair is designed by the office furniture brand Humanscale and was made using one kilogram of abandoned fishing nets found in the ocean. It is said to be the first task chair made from recycled fishing nets and is a commendable effort on Humanscale’s behalf to tackle the issue of ocean plastic.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Liberty Ocean Chair is a successor of the original Liberty chair, which is quite ergonomic and minimal as well. But the Liberty Ocean Chair takes it one step further with an eco-friendly and sustainable ethos which is highly valuable in today’s times.

What we like

• Features a form-sensing mesh back

What we dislike

• There seems to be no option for customization

9. Stack Chair

The innovative Stack chair features a compass-like four-legged base, where you can stack the chair almost to infinity. But of course, you’ll be limited by how much vertical space there is, and how high you can safely reach.

Why is it noteworthy?

The design has two parts, the base and the shell, and the parts can be connected by simply snapping the base underneath the shell’s designed rim. The two become a single and stable piece of furniture, which completely simplifies the manufacturing process, as well as assembly and shipping.

What we like

• You can mix and match different base and shell colors or even materials

What we dislike

• The chair doesn’t look too comfy to sit on for long durations of time

10. Fuld

Called Fuld, this nesting chair by Herman Miller is a unique and one-of-a-kind innovation with a sustainable twist. It’s an efficient and effective solution that will reconfigure your workspace without compromising on sleekness, minimalism, and style.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is a revolutionary one-piece construction equipped with an inverted Y shape, which makes the production process reduce the water creation. The back is equipped with elasticity, to provide the utmost comfort as you shift and move around.

What we like

• Made from 50 percent post-consumer recycled content

What we dislike

• There isn’t much head support if you’re quite tall

The post Top 10 Sustainable Chair Designs For An Eco-Friendly Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

The furniture of a home is what truly makes or breaks it. When you pick the right kind of furniture design, you build the essence and soul of a home. And it is essential that the soul of our home reflects our soul. Hence, you need to pick furniture designs that truly and authentically represent your personality, while bringing out the best in your home. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative, functional, and sophisticated furniture designs that we feel will make an excellent addition to your home. These are our top furniture picks from 2023 – enjoy!

1. The Time Table

This desk is a unique and innovative one, as it makes the passing of time visible and tangible, enabling people to maintain a personal relationship with time as they invest in activities, projects, and other work.

Why is it noteworthy?

The desk is equipped with a sub-table that moves up and down, and it changes its elevation as time passes, before simply returning to its base state at the lowest point. It is time as a reverse hourglass, in which the movement of time is displayed visually.

What we like

• Enables users to measure, log, and be aware of how much time they’re spending there

What we dislike

• The desk could also become a bit distracting, especially for those who have trouble concentrating

2. Flow Wall Desk

Dubbed the Flow Wall Desk, this excellent piece of office furniture is designed for offices with space constraints. It is functional and decorative, while also following a sustainable and simple design ideology. When propped against your wall, it looks like an exceptional piece of art, one that instantly catches your attention!

Why is it noteworthy?

When the Flow Wall Desk is stored and folded up it looks like an art piece on your wall owing to its minimalist and intriguing shape. However, when you unfold it, it transforms into a ‘spiraling caterpillar’ from a flat canvas, functioning as a desk where you work, read, and write.

What we like

• Has a convenient flatpack form that is easy to store away
• Multifunctional furniture design

What we dislike

• Folding and unfolding the desk whenever you need to use it means we can’t have a constant, which could be inconvenient for some users

3. Tokyo

Called Tokyo, this ingenious multifunctional design functions as a shoe rack and a bench. It is the combination of two furniture pieces in the form of one individual furniture design.

Why is it noteworthy?

Tokyo is a unique and special furniture piece. It features a side leg that gently and seamlessly curves, softly embracing the cushion to build a top tray for daily essentials. It serves as a cozy and neat spot to store your souvenirs and knick-knacks.

What we like

• Equipped with a bottom shelf that functions as a nifty storage space

What we dislike

• It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional it will be in reality

4. Bookgroove

This unique furniture design is truly one-of-a-kind as it functions as a bookrack and a table. It has a seamless and well-crafted body that makes it an ideal fit for contemporary homes. Dubbed the Bookgroove, it is a conceptual design that deserves to be converted into a real one.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Bookgrove is circular at first glance, but as you look closer you see it has a J-shaped carving on one side that can accommodate multiple books. It is an unusual way to store books, as they follow the shape of the built-in shelf on the side table.

What we like

• The top section can accommodate a cup of coffee or a glass of wine
• It’s a fun + unique way to store your favorite books

What we dislike

• The books placed at the bottom of the curve can get damaged over time because of the way they are placed
• Difficult to access books when you want to read them

5. Snowhouse Sofa

Called the Snowhouse Sofa, this interesting furniture is designed for pets and humans alike. If a wooden sofa experienced some snow and was coated with it, it would look like the Snowhouse Sofa!

Why is it noteworthy?

The wooden sofa is covered with cushy white cushions that give it the picturesque impression of fallen snow. The edges of the sofa are rounded, which adds a depth of softness and elegance to the furniture piece. The ends of the sofa are hollow, and marked with little spaces to accommodate books, magazines, and other miscellaneous items.

What we like

• The upper section functions as a passage for your cats
• Features smart storage spaces

What we dislike

• The Snowhouse Sofa is currently a concept, so we don’t know how the actual product will turn out to be

6. Plot Twist Bookshelf

Designed by Deniz Aktay, the Plot Twist Bookshelf features four separate twisted wooden elements that are connected to one another, building a stable and innovative form. The unconventional and mesmerizing design truly captures whoever looks at it!

Why is it noteworthy?

The bookshelf’s design can be accessed from every side. It is oddly satisfying and features curves that are seen in the designer’s other projects. Most of the furniture designs undergo bending and twisting like Aktay’s Wavelet, Tie Stool, and the Pet Table.

What we like

• Similarly sized books can be easily arranged for a clutter-free look
• Stable design that stands on its own

What we dislike

• Space-consuming design, not well-suited for homes with space constraints

7. Alada Folding Desk

The Alada Folding Desk is a nifty and convenient space-saving desk that doubles up as an adorable decorative shelf. You can transform the desk into a display shelf in seconds, and it can hold your favorite souvenirs and potted plants.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Alada desk was designed to cater to the ever-growing need for smart and flexible desk designs for working at home. It is essential to have a transformative and space-saving workspace at home – one that can be stored away when the day ends!

What we like

• Equipped with hidden storage spaces when folded up

What we dislike

• Not the best option for people who prefer large and elaborate desks

8. Refold

Dubbed Refold, this foldable desk is made using cardboard. It uses a few pieces that can be folded down into a relatively thin rectangle that can be carried around with you and used as either a standing or sitting desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Refold is a sustainable and efficient option for those who want to set up a desk outdoors. It can be used indoors, to function as a space-saving desk that can be assembled and disassembled within a few minutes, or to offer a unique aesthetic.

What we like

• Sustainable and flexible design

What we dislike

• Will be difficult to carry a large canvas with you everywhere, and you may get funny looks from people

9. FTP Desk

This unique table design concept functions as a multi-purpose setup that can transform into something like a puzzle game, wherein different pieces can be fit into different places, depending on what is the needed functionality for the furniture design.

Why is it noteworthy?

Features an orange circle that can be moved around and away from the rest of the table. Moving this shape around and changing its position becomes both a symbol and a ritual that can help your mind shift to a different kind of activity, whichever one you decide to associate with its position.

What we like

• Modular and shape-changing design that can be used for multiple functionalities

What we dislike

• Shifting the various modules can be a major inconvenience for those who prefer one steady furniture piece

10. KNOT Stool

Called the KNOT Stool, this uniquely designed stool is flat all around and is made up of various layers of wood, which provides the stool with a raw and brutalist aesthetic.

Why is it noteworthy?

The three wooden pieces can be painted in the same or different colors. The decorative webbing strap that wraps around the top of the stool’s legs can also come in complementing or contrasting colors, not to mention being made of different materials.

What we like

• Adds a whimsical + fun element to your interiors
• Clean, minimal, and compact design

What we dislike

• Seems to be designed more for viewing rather than sitting

The post 10 Most Innovative Designs Of 2023: Furniture first appeared on Yanko Design.

While there are child seats in a lot of restaurants, not all of them are suited for kids that may have some developmental or physical issues. Parents may have to bring special seating for their child but not all of them are practical or portable so it can be a pain. Fortunately, there are countries like Japan that actually subsidize custom-made supportive chairs for children who need extra support to sit comfortably. So we see product developers in the country come up with better solutions for parents and their children.

Designer: Ikou

The Ikou Portable Chair is an improvement on the supportive chairs that have been around in Japan since the 80s. Previously, these chairs were meant for home use but this one is something that parents can carry around for use in places that may not have adequate seating for their children. It is created for toddlers and young children to help them have a more stable sitting position and it can also be attached to an adult chair so they can do activities like watch sports, camping, picnicking, and even just simply sitting with family and friends.

It is also pretty practical as you can carry it around like a regular bag when it’s folded into its case. When you need to use, you just open and unpack and secure the seat and backrest using the two belts that are attached to it. It also has an adjustable height and backrest and has a tilt mechanism that can be adjusted up to 20 degrees. The seat is designed to raise and stabilize the pelvis so as to help with their posture as well. The backrest meanwhile supports the shoulder blade to help control their upper limbs.

The Ikou Portable Chair is compatible for children as young as 7 months old and up to 3 years old. The great thing is that the backrest and headrest can be adjusted as the child grows so there’s no need to buy a new one as they grow older. This is available exclusively in Japan though so you’ll have to ask someone to buy it for you there if you’re not from the country.

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