Female designers remain dramatically underrepresented in industrial design. The numbers tell a sobering story that cuts across continents and specialties. A mere 5% of product and industrial designers in the UK identify as women. The United States fares marginally better at 19%. Australia reports just 11% of Creative Directors in graphic design are women—statistics that highlight a persistent imbalance.

King Living is a notable example of an Australian furniture company working to address this industry-wide pattern. The company has cultivated a team where several female designers lead significant projects and shape the brand’s direction, though, like most furniture manufacturers, it likely still has progress to make toward full gender parity.

Their work represents a shift in thinking about furniture. These designers prioritize adaptability, inclusivity, and longevity in ways that traditional approaches often overlook. The result? Pieces that respond to human diversity rather than forcing users to adapt to standardized forms.

Meet the Designers

Alinta Lim is a Senior Designer at King Living. Her award-winning creation, the Issho dining table, has become one of the brand’s most celebrated dining designs and exemplifies the company’s innovative approach.

The Issho collection, whose name means “together” in Japanese, began as what Lim describes as “a form exercise,” exploring how repetitions of a singular sculpted piece could create a harmonious pedestal volume. In her own words: “Issho started out purely as a form exercise, seeing how repetitions of this singular sculpted piece could come together harmoniously to create a full pedestal volume. Or how rotating them open completely changes the feel of the table with this dynamic spatial tension between the angled pieces.”

What emerged features curved pillars that can be arranged in open or closed configurations, allowing the table to adapt to different spaces while maintaining structural integrity. The table utilizes material technology previously unused at King Living, enabling the creation of curvaceous forms with strong visual impact.

The modular nature of the design led to an organic expansion beyond the initial concept. Lim explains: “We didn’t plan to have so many pieces, but with the base pieces being modular it made a lot of sense to reconfigure it into different sizes and table shapes. The coffee and side tables were perhaps the most surprising iterations. Each base set of legs is made of a single dining leg cut in half. They ended up being some of the most unique pieces, with the shapes being so organic and imperfect in a non-symmetrical sense.”

Lim has spoken candidly about gender disparity in design. She acknowledges: “I’ve been fortunate in my career to have had both female and male mentors who have been very encouraging and led me to believe that women can excel at all levels in Design. However, it would be remiss to say gender disparity in design teams isn’t noticeable.”

She advocates strongly for diversity in design leadership, stating: “Having more female designers in leading roles, and representation for all types of people, will foster more diverse and empathetic design thinking which benefits everyone.”

For more than a decade, Tanya Rechberger has been an integral part of the King Living creative team as Senior Design Development Manager. Her skilled hand extends to almost every product category, from indoor and outdoor dining to bedroom furniture and beyond. Sofa design, however, has become her signature strength, benefiting the younger in-house designers she mentors.

Several years ago, Rechberger led the high-stakes project to iteratively improve the best-selling Jasper modular sofa. “Jasper is an iconic furniture product in Australia, so it was an honour to work on its next iteration,” she says of the beloved piece originally designed by company founder David King in 2003. The challenge was substantial. “Our brief was to improve it, add extra features and make sure that everyone still loved it. It was a very complicated process with no room for teething issues, but I loved everything about that challenge, and the result was – and is – beautiful.”

Her knack for iterative improvement and problem-solving makes Rechberger—who holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design and a Master’s of Engineering Management from UTS in Sydney—ideal for her concurrent role as Continual Improvement Manager. “I want our products to be the best they can be. We are constantly looking at ways to improve design and manufacture of both current and past pieces,” she explains.

For Rechberger, functionality and aesthetics must work in harmony. “Comfort and quality are at the heart of the King Difference. It doesn’t matter how beautiful a piece of furniture is, if it’s not comfortable and it doesn’t last, then it’s just not going to work with your lifestyle. I could never have an uncomfortable sofa, no matter how good it looked!”

Once the only female in what has become a consciously diverse design team, she now holds the most senior designer position. Her responsibilities extend beyond design to collaborating with the engineering department on manufacturing upgrades, researching global trends, and attending key international trade shows.

The Milan Furniture Fair provides particular inspiration for her creative process. “The Milan Furniture Fair, which I love to attend each year, is amazing – so much inspiration and fresh design ideas, mixed with impeccable craftsmanship and design heritage all in one place,” she enthuses.

Design has been Rechberger’s passion since childhood. “Growing up, I was just one of those kids who liked making things. At first, I thought I wanted to be an architect…” Her path changed after discovering industrial design through her sibling’s university handbook. “Architecture is interesting, but there’s something special about the ability to physically interact with a smaller design product like furniture,” she notes.

This intimate connection between form and function drives her approach. “Making something both functional and beautiful is a difficult thing to get right – and the more you learn about furniture, the more you realise how important that functional aspect is, particularly in a country like Australia where people value laid-back looks and ease of use so much.”

Rechberger’s understanding of Australian aesthetic sensibilities informs her work. She describes this distinctive style as “a combination of relaxed, comfortable, pared back and unpretentious – but also elevated,” qualities embodied in every King design. This philosophy extends to her definition of “the King Difference”—that they “never just design ‘a product’, it’s a product plus so much more. An armchair is never just an armchair for us; we’re always searching for how it can be a better product and engage most effectively with your life.”

This commitment to excellence manifests in practical longevity. “Our products are designed for longevity from the get-go. If we are going to put our energy into making something, we want it to be as good as it can possibly be, and made so that it can change with the times and evolve with your life. Changeable furniture covers are just one example of that.”

The sustainability aspect of King Living’s approach is particularly important to Rechberger. “We want customers to keep loving their furniture for decades, not years. In fact, customers can bring back items to the service centre to have them fixed or updated. That’s the King Difference.”

Working from Sydney headquarters provides her with tangible evidence of this durability commitment. “We see the products that come into the servicing department. It’s amazing to see a 30-year-old sofa coming in and getting recovered. It’s indicative of the quality of King design.”

Her design philosophy balances contemporary trends with timeless appeal. “We are always on trend, but we also design each product to have timeless appeal. I think that approach really suits the ‘pared back’ Australian aesthetic.”

Another significant female-led design project at King Living comes from designer Zara Fong, who created the Aura Sofa. This piece exemplifies the intersection of functional furniture design and artistic expression.

Fong designed the Aura specifically for contemporary living needs, particularly for more compact spaces. Her vision transcended mere functionality—she wanted to create something that would serve as both a comfortable piece of furniture and an artistic statement.

“Aura was designed to respond to how we live today – there is a lot more compact space. We wanted Aura to be an art piece, but at the same time be comfortable and functional to suit modern day life,” Fong has explained.

The Aura Sofa gained additional artistic significance through a collaboration with Indigenous artist Lizzy Stageman. The sofa was covered with fabric featuring Stageman’s “Against The Elements” artwork, creating a unique piece that merged furniture design with Indigenous art.

These talented women represent the diverse creative voices shaping King Living’s innovative design philosophy. Their work demonstrates how different perspectives enhance furniture creation, resulting in pieces that balance striking aesthetics with practical functionality—designs that evolve with changing lifestyles while maintaining their essential character and quality.

Women in Leadership Beyond Design

Women at King Living have also played crucial roles in the company’s global expansion and business leadership, providing additional context for understanding the company’s approach to gender diversity.

Rose Bernard serves as Regional Retail Manager for the UK, leading a team of 18 across three King Living showrooms. Her decade-long career with the company has spanned three countries—Australia, Canada, and the UK—where she has been instrumental in establishing King Living’s international presence.

Ili Ibrahim has been with King Living since its first global showroom opened in Singapore in 2015. Now the Country Manager in Singapore, she has overseen the expansion of the showroom from 7,500 to 13,000 square feet and played a pivotal role in King Living’s expansion into Malaysia.

These leadership roles, while not directly in product design, help create an environment where female perspectives can influence the company’s direction and priorities.

Designing for Everyone

Universal design principles guide much of King Living’s work. This approach seeks to create products accessible to people regardless of age, size, ability, or other characteristics. The philosophy extends beyond accessibility features to embrace a fundamental rethinking of how furniture can adapt to human diversity.

The concept sounds simple in theory. It proves remarkably complex in execution.

According to company materials, the King Design Studio approaches comfort as subjective: “Comfort is such a subjective and personal thing. Modular furniture affords us the flexibility to adjust and reconfigure to suit our body ergonomics, lifestyles and home environments, all of which can change and evolve over time.”

This philosophy manifests in the company’s signature sofas. The Jasper and Delta collections feature adaptable components that can be reconfigured in numerous ways. Users can rearrange, add, or remove elements as their needs change over time, creating furniture that evolves alongside their lives.

The modularity serves practical purposes beyond immediate comfort. When moving to a larger home, a sofa can transform from a standard three-seater to a sectional. All fabric and leather covers are removable thanks to discreet Velcro fixings, making cleaning and replacement straightforward. Through the King-Care® aftercare service, most cover replacements can be done directly in the customer’s home, eliminating the need to send the sofa away for recovering.

This adaptability extends beyond seating to other furniture categories. The Issho table demonstrates how dining furniture can shift between configurations to accommodate different gatherings and spaces. The base can open or close to create different visual effects while maintaining structural stability.

The approach acknowledges a fundamental truth that traditional furniture design often overlooks: people live differently in ways that change over time and vary across cultures. Families gather in culturally specific ways. Bodies have different requirements for comfort. Spaces serve multiple functions.

By designing for this diversity from the outset, King Living creates furniture with broader appeal and longevity. Their pieces adapt to changing circumstances rather than becoming obsolete when needs or preferences evolve.

However, it’s worth noting that truly universal design remains an aspiration rather than a fully realized achievement. Even the most thoughtfully designed modular systems have limitations and may not accommodate all body types or abilities equally well. The cost of such adaptable systems can also place them out of reach for many consumers, creating an accessibility barrier based on economic factors.

Sustainability Through Adaptability

King Living’s approach to sustainability focuses heavily on product longevity. Their steel frame construction provides structural integrity that outlasts typical furniture, creating a durable foundation that can support multiple iterations of the same piece over decades.

This durability combines with modular design to extend useful life. When family circumstances shift, the furniture adapts through reconfiguration rather than disposal. When aesthetic preferences evolve, components can be reupholstered or rearranged to create essentially new pieces without manufacturing entirely new frames.

The environmental benefits can be significant when considered at scale. Furniture stays in homes rather than landfills. Resources go toward updating existing pieces rather than manufacturing entirely new ones with all the associated material and energy costs.

This philosophy represents a shift from consumption to conservation in the furniture industry. It challenges the fashion-driven cycles that render perfectly functional furniture “outdated” after arbitrary periods.

The approach requires balancing environmental considerations with performance metrics. Sustainable furniture must still be comfortable, beautiful, and functional—a balance the company has worked to refine.

While this approach to sustainability through durability and adaptability has merit, it represents just one aspect of environmental responsibility. A comprehensive sustainability assessment would also consider manufacturing processes, material sourcing, supply chain impacts, and end-of-life recycling programs. King Living, like most furniture manufacturers, likely faces ongoing challenges in addressing all these aspects of environmental impact.

The Power of Diverse Perspectives

King Living has emphasized the value of diverse perspectives in its company materials. Under the leadership of CEO David Woollcott, who has guided the company’s international expansion efforts, King Living has worked to incorporate diverse viewpoints into its design approach. Different perspectives create furniture that responds to a wide range of needs and preferences.

The benefits extend beyond gender diversity at the company. Cultural backgrounds, ages, physical abilities, and lived experiences all contribute to a richer understanding of how furniture functions in people’s lives and how it might better serve diverse needs.

This philosophy is reflected in the company’s collaborations with designers like Alinta Lim and Zara Fong, whose distinct approaches have resulted in innovative pieces like the Issho dining collection and the Aura Sofa. Their work demonstrates how diverse perspectives can translate into furniture that balances form, function, and adaptability.

Breaking Barriers

How might companies like King Living cultivate female design talent in an industry where women remain dramatically underrepresented?

Part of the approach involves recognizing that diverse teams can create better products. This recognition would translate into hiring practices and development opportunities that support female designers throughout their careers rather than treating diversity as a superficial metric.

Companies can provide visible role models for emerging designers. Women considering design careers need to see others succeeding in the field to envision their own potential paths. Environments where women occupy leadership positions and create award-winning designs can help increase visibility.

The impact extends beyond individual companies to influence the broader design landscape. As female designers gain recognition through awards and media coverage, they increase visibility for women in furniture design broadly. Their work demonstrates that this career path remains open to women despite historical barriers and persistent underrepresentation.

King Living’s examples of Lim leading the Issho collection and Fong creating the Aura Sofa provide tangible evidence of women succeeding in furniture design. These success stories can inspire other women to pursue careers in this field.

Has the journey been smooth? Hardly. The obstacles women face in design often force creative problem-solving approaches that can ultimately benefit the final products, but these challenges shouldn’t be romanticized. Systemic barriers to women’s advancement in design fields remain significant and require ongoing, deliberate efforts to address.

The industry still faces challenges in recruiting and retaining female designers, particularly in leadership positions. Educational pathways, hiring practices, work environments, and advancement opportunities all need examination to create truly inclusive design cultures. Individual success stories, while important, don’t necessarily indicate systemic change.

Design Through Collaboration

King Living’s design process appears to thrive on collaborative energy. Ideas flow between designers, engineers, and craftspeople in an iterative process that refines concepts through multiple disciplines and viewpoints.

For Lim’s Issho table, the process began with exploring form. According to her published comments, she investigated how repeated elements could create a harmonious whole. This exploration led to the dynamic tension between components that defines the table’s distinctive base while providing necessary structural support.

Material exploration and prototyping would typically follow the conceptual phase. Working directly with physical materials reveals possibilities and constraints that sketching alone can’t capture or address. This hands-on approach characterizes many furniture development processes, grounding creative concepts in physical reality through multiple iterations.

Throughout development, universal design considerations would ideally remain central to the evaluation process. Teams assess whether their designs will work for diverse users in various settings. This questioning can lead to innovations in adjustability and adaptability that might otherwise be overlooked in more conventional design processes.

The collaborative approach might extend beyond the design team to include user feedback. Companies can gather insights from people using their furniture in real homes under everyday conditions. These observations inform refinements to existing designs and inspire new directions that address previously unrecognized needs.

While this collaborative process has clear benefits, it also presents challenges. Balancing diverse perspectives while maintaining design coherence requires skilled leadership. The inclusion of more voices in the process doesn’t automatically translate to better outcomes without thoughtful facilitation and clear decision-making frameworks.

The Future of Furniture Design

What might King Living’s approach tell us about where furniture design could be heading in the coming years?

First, expect universality to become increasingly sophisticated. Designers will likely move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to create systems that accommodate human diversity without calling attention to specific accommodations. Future furniture may embrace inclusive design principles through adaptability, emotional consideration, and user-centered approaches that recognize the variety of human needs and preferences.

Second, watch for increasingly fluid boundaries between living spaces. Homes continue to accommodate multiple functions within limited square footage. As spaces serve multiple purposes, furniture will follow suit. Rigid categorization may continue giving way to flexible solutions that adapt to different activities throughout the day rather than requiring dedicated rooms for each function.

Third, anticipate deeper integration of sustainability principles beyond material selection. This could include structural approaches and business models that extend product lifecycles. Durability and adaptability may become central environmental considerations, extending product lifecycles and reducing waste through designs that evolve rather than requiring replacement.

Fourth, we expect more cross-disciplinary collaborations, such as the partnership between Fong and artist Lizzy Stageman. These collaborations bring fresh perspectives and cultural elements into furniture design, creating pieces that function as both practical objects and artistic expressions.

Perhaps most significantly, diverse design teams will likely continue creating furniture that works better for more people. Including perspectives previously excluded from the design process could lead to innovations we can’t yet imagine. As barriers fall and perspectives broaden through increased representation, our living spaces might better reflect and support human diversity in all its forms.

King Living summarizes this philosophy with the statement: “A balance of perspectives leads to a balanced, universal design.”

The work of designers like Lim and Fong demonstrates this principle in action. Their furniture accommodates diverse needs while maintaining aesthetic coherence and functional excellence. Their designs suggest that expanding who shapes our material world could create more sustainable, inclusive, and human environments.

That’s a direction worth following, though the journey toward truly inclusive design practices and genuinely sustainable furniture production remains ongoing. No single company has “solved” these challenges, and meaningful progress will require continued effort, innovation, and critical self-assessment from the entire industry.

The post The Women Reshaping Furniture Design at King Living first appeared on Yanko Design.

When looking at options for furniture for their new or current house, people either look at the design and aesthetics while some prefer the more comfortable ones over the ones that would look good in their space. But of course there are those that can probably offer you both so wouldn’t you want to have something that looks good in your space and also is pretty comfortable that you’d want to use it for a long time?

Designer: Mudu Studios

SOLO is a concept for a furniture collection that could offer both comfort and design. The focal point of this collection is the plush upholstery that is seemingly placed on a pedestal because of the materials used. The collection includes an armchair, sofa, and a pouf, all of which feature a soft aesthetic, in contrast to the metal or natural veneer of the base which acts like a pedestal to showcase the luxuriously soft upholstery and textile. This contrast highlights the plushness of the seating while adding a touch of modern sophistication. Accent seams further enhance the visual appeal, adding subtle detailing and contributing to the overall character of the collection.

The collection’s expressive design language allows it to seamlessly integrate into a variety of interior styles, from contemporary minimalist spaces to more eclectic settings. The varied color palette offers a range of options to suit individual preferences and complement existing décor. A standout feature of the SOLO armchair is its innovative twist mechanism. This thoughtful addition enhances comfort and allows users to easily find their perfect lounging position, further emphasizing the collection’s focus on relaxation and well-being. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a harmonious balance between form and function. The elevated design not only adds visual interest but also contributes to the overall comfort by providing optimal support. The combination of soft textiles, a sturdy base, and thoughtful features like the twist mechanism in the armchair make SOLO a truly exceptional collection.

Alas, the SOLO collection is still a concept and they are currently looking for a manufacturer. But to have something that is visually attractive and seemingly comfortable should make it easy for them to eventually find someone that can make this design a reality. I am now currently dreaming of taking a nap on that sofa or reading a book for hours on that armchair or sitting on that pouf while chatting and drinking with friends.

The post Soft furniture concept lets you place comfort on a pedestal first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most chairs are designed for the everyday act of sitting – at a desk, relaxing, or enjoying a meal. But what about those who require a more dynamic and specialized seating experience? Painters, for example, often work on vertical canvases, require a chair that offers mobility, support, and freedom of movement. Industrial design student Teo Primo Frizzarin recognized this need and developed the “Leo” chair, a concept specifically designed for artists.

Designer: Teo Primo Frizzarin

Frizzarin, studying at ECAL (University of Art and Design Lausanne), focused his efforts on creating a chair that caters to the unique demands of working with a vertical surface. The Leo chair aims to provide painters with enhanced mobility and crucial arm support, essential for the creation of their masterpieces. The name itself, “Leo,” likely evokes the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci, hinting at the chair’s artistic purpose. The Leo chair draws inspiration from the form and function of a horse saddle. This design provides a stable seat while simultaneously granting the user greater freedom of movement compared to a traditional chair.

You get a conventional looking backrest but it also appears to be an arm support, which is probably what’s needed more. This support is not only adjustable in height but also in position, accommodating the varied postures and angles painters adopt while working. This adaptability is key, as artists often shift their positions and reach across the canvas as their work progresses. The prototype of the Leo chair showcases its mobility-enhancing features, including integrated wheels. These wheels allow the artist to easily maneuver around their workspace, retrieving paints, brushes, solvents, or other materials without needing to stand up and disrupt their creative flow. This thoughtful detail addresses the practical needs of painters who often require quick access to a variety of tools and supplies.

Frizzarin’s innovative design earned him a “Très Bien” mention for his diploma project, suggesting a promising future for the Leo chair. This recognition underscores the potential market for specialized furniture that caters to the specific requirements of artists. Currently, painters often rely on standard chairs, rolling chairs, or swivel chairs, none of which are perfectly optimized for the demands of their craft. The Leo chair offers a compelling alternative, potentially revolutionizing the way artists interact with their workspace. While still a concept, the Leo chair represents a significant step towards a more ergonomic and artist-centric approach to furniture design. It raises the question: will the Leo chair become the new standard for artists’ seating, or will it inspire further innovation in this often-overlooked area of design?

The post Leo concept chair lets painters have more mobility while working on canvas first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ever since I discovered the joys of bean bags, I automatically sit on one whenever I see one at a coffee shop, library, or at my friend’s house. There’s something really comfortable about sinking in almost to the floor on these mostly comfortable chair alternatives instead of sitting on a chair or couch. There are times when I can actually sleep in those things, although it’s not good for the back or neck afterwards. I sometimes want to take a peek inside though as to what are the materials there inside.

Designer: Shayan Ramesht

Transparent Bean Bag is what its name says it is. The concept is to have a bean bag that you can see what’s inside since the outer part is of a transparent, plastic material. There are two ideas behind this design: to use recycled materials and also to take advantage of the raw aesthetic of said recycled materials. They used the excess foam from a furniture workshop to not just reduce the carbon footprint that a normal bean bag would have but also to reduce the production cost since you just re-use what is already been discarded.

The usual bean bag has an emphasis on the outer wrapping as the main design. But this time around, the volumetric material (mass) that’s inside the bean bag takes center stage. It’s like seeing a bunch of different colored popcorn squished inside the transparent bag when you sit on it. There are several advantages to having a transparent bean bag. For one, it can be more aesthetically pleasing. You can also customize the “content” inside to show more colorful elements and fillers, or even a more minimalist approach. They can also blend in better with different kinds of surroundings, especially if you are able to customize what’s inside.

Maintenance can also be better for this kind of bean bag since the transparent plastic material is often water-resistant and easy to wipe off. It would be nice also if the material inside can be replaced eventually, although that may defeat the idea of using more sustainable materials. This is a pretty interesting kind of item to have in my space and the Architecture Masterprize seems to think so too since they chose it as one of the best products last year.

The post Transparent Bean Bag gives you a more sustainable and aesthetic seat first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Sharp coffee table boldly defies the ordinary, emerging as a striking piece of modern art. It challenges traditional ideas about furniture, positioning itself as a daring statement. Crafted for those who embrace life beyond the conventional, this table is for individuals who set their own style standards and are unafraid to break societal norms, offering a fresh perspective on home decor.

Rooted in a desire to redefine the role of furniture, the Sharp collection stands as a testament to this vision. This table is a declaration in itself, merging industrial steel with a sleek black finish to create a captivating contrast. The result is an “uncomfortable beauty” that draws the eye and sparks conversation, offering a luxurious experience that proudly embraces its bold, unrefined essence.

Designers: Nikita Gorshkov, Alexandra Ivanets (Primitive Buro)

The allure of the Sharp table lies in its unique design, characterized by stark, deliberate geometry. Minimalistic in detail yet impactful in presence, its narrow lines and abrupt edges create an aura of tension and strength. The black color scheme transforms the table into a commanding visual centerpiece, dictating the ambiance of the room and asserting its presence rather than simply blending in.

Steel, chosen for its timeless and resilient qualities, serves as the perfect medium for the Sharp table. It embodies strength and durability, while the black finish enhances its monolithic presence, lending an air of intimidation and elegance. Each table is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring every piece is unique, with its own distinct personality and character, making it a truly one-of-a-kind addition to any space.

Most eye-catching are the jagged, teeth-like feet of the table, giving the piece of furniture an imposing presence bordering on frightening. It also boggles the mind, given those pointed ends, how the table can stand so stably, let alone support the weight of a person sitting on it. Yes, it can be used as an impromptu bench, though one would wonder who would be daring enough to tempt fate.

This is why the Sharp Coffee Table is crafted for those who are fearless in making bold statements with their interiors. It attracts those who find beauty in rawness and simplicity, and who embrace the freedom that comes with rejecting conventional stereotypes, making it a perfect fit for the daring and adventurous. For those who dare to defy convention and embrace their unique sense of style, the Sharp Table offers an unparalleled experience, inviting you to explore new horizons in interior design and self-expression.

The post Revolutionize Interiors With This Bold Steel Coffee Table for Unconventional Spaces first appeared on Yanko Design.

Inspiration often emerges from unexpected sources. A walk in a forest can have you stumbling on fungi that become the inspiration for a new kind of sustainable material. Watching a crowded concert could give you an idea for the next big social media app. Those “aha!” moments often lead to interesting designs, even for the most mundane household items.

One such innovative fusion is the Grip Hanger, a clothes rack that draws its design from the unique forms found on sport climbing walls. These walls mimic the natural rock formations climbers encounter, yet they are crafted with intentional shapes to enhance grip practice and skill development. It’s almost a very loose and random association between two uses of the word “hang,” and yet it yields quite a stunning implementation that can add a bit of joy to your everyday life.

Designer: Junho Kang

Unlike the randomness of natural rocks, the holds on climbing walls are meticulously designed to challenge and train climbers. The Grip Hanger cleverly incorporates this concept, with its “Hold” component mirroring the playful shapes of climbing holds. Their seemingly deformed shapes hide a deeper meaning to them, something you might not realize unless you take a closer look.

This whimsical design gives the hanger itself a distinctive personality, Its hook mimics the way climbers’ hands grasp these holds, with thin metal fingers trying to grip those stone-like holds. This subtle design adds a touch of sport climbing flair to any room, or at least makes you pause and wonder why a hanger would look that way.

Constructed from bent sheet metal, the clothes rack itself mirrors the angular, rugged aesthetic of artificial climbing walls. Its raw, brutalist design speaks to the architectural style often seen in urban landscapes, making it a bold statement piece. This edgy design goes beyond mere looks and provides sturdy support and a unique visual appeal that catches the eye.

The Grip Hanger stands out with its modular functionality, featuring perforations that allow for the attachment of detachable shelves. This adaptability makes it not only a stylish addition but also a practical solution for organizing clothes and accessories. The design invites users to think creatively, transforming a simple clothes rack into an engaging, interactive piece of home decor.

This innovative design challenges the conventional view of everyday objects, infusing them with creativity and fun. The Grip Hanger encourages us to look beyond traditional designs and embrace the unexpected, turning a mundane item into something extraordinary. Its playful yet functional approach serves as a reminder that inspiration can be found anywhere, even in the most unexpected places.

It also demonstrates how anything can be a source of inspiration and ideas, even the ones you least expect. Its blend of sport climbing elements and practical functionality makes it a standout piece, adding character and charm to any space. The Grip Hanger is a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when creativity meets everyday utility.

The post Sport Climbing Meets Design: The Playful Hanger for Active Homes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Levito redefines expectations for furniture design, presenting itself as much more than a chair, it’s a bold statement piece that bridges art and functionality. Designed for installations and exhibitions, Levito challenges perceptions, inviting viewers to engage with its dual-sensory experience. This innovative creation transforms a simple act, like sitting, into an exploration of balance and contrast.

At first glance, Levito’s design may seem unstable, even precarious. Its structure consists of two separate components connected by wires, giving the impression of fragility. This visual uncertainty is an intentional artistic choice, crafted to spark curiosity and encourage deeper engagement. Despite appearances, Levito is structurally sound, providing tactile comfort and stability. This intentional contrast, visual instability versus physical reliability, forms the heart of Levito’s identity.

Designer: Choi Pil-jae and kmuid graduate

Levito offers a two-stage experience that separates perception from interaction. Initially, viewers are drawn to its striking aesthetic, questioning its usability and marveling at its unconventional construction. This stage engages the mind, encouraging curiosity about its functionality. The second stage begins when one sits on Levito. Here, its true ingenuity shines: the interconnected parts allow for a subtle, fluid sway along its axis, evoking the sensation of floating on a cloud. This gentle motion surprises and delights, transforming skepticism into trust.

By emphasizing this interplay between appearance and experience, Levito elevates itself from furniture to an experiential design piece. It challenges users to reconsider traditional notions of function and aesthetics, offering a sensory journey that blurs the boundaries between art and utility. Levito’s unique form and functionality make it ideal for galleries, exhibitions, or modern living spaces, where it seamlessly integrates bold artistic expression with everyday practicality.

For those who value innovative design, Levito is more than an object; it’s an invitation to explore the relationship between comfort and curiosity. It embodies the idea that furniture can be more than utilitarian—it can provoke thought, inspire wonder, and deliver delight. By merging visual intrigue with tactile pleasure, Levito sets a new standard in furniture design, offering an experience that is as engaging as it is functional. Whether admired for its artistry or appreciated for its comfort, Levito transforms the way we interact with the objects in our lives.

The post Levito Chair Keeps You Wondering And Provides You With A Multisensory Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

There are chairs that look very pretty and artsy but are probably not the most comfortable place to sit on. I’m the kind of person that would care more about a chair’s functionality rather than its design, as long as it’s comfortable and would let me sit on it for a long time. But there are those that also can be both and this new one from furniture brand Heller seems like it is.

Designer: Hlynur Atlason

The Limbo Chair is something that you can use either indoor or outdoor. Its “swooping, sculptural form” makes it look like an art piece you can find at a museum but since it’s a chair foremost, it was also designed to “balance flexibility and support, playfulness and durability.” They say it’s comfortable enough to be able to use it while you’re resting, reading a book, or just sitting without agenda.

The other special thing about this chair is that it is 100% recyclable. It uses a high percentage of recycled plastic polyethylene blend. What percentage of the material this is depends on the color, with black being the highest. It is available in warm and neutral colors like black, bone, sand, terra cotta, wheat, and cantaloupe, to blend in whatever environment you place it in.

The chair seems to be low enough for you to relax in, although I don’t know if I can last in it even though I’m not the tallest person. It will look good though if you add it to your space especially if one of the available colors matches your aesthetics.

The post Limbo chair brings style to your space in a sustainable package first appeared on Yanko Design.

Given how many hours a day and how many days a week people work in front of their desks, the need for comfortable and ergonomic chairs is more important today than ever. Although work-from-home arrangements have made it possible to pick your own chair, that isn’t true for offices that buy generic chairs in bulk to keep costs down. While almost all manufacturers promise comfort, not everyone defines that word the same way.

A chair with an ergonomic yet cost-effective design would be great, but it would be even better if people could customize it to their own comfort without breaking the bank. That’s the kind of office chair heaven that this concept tries to envision, and unsurprisingly, it uses a modular design to solve that kind of problem.

Designer: Byeongjun Kang

To some extent, the typical computer chair with four to five wheels and height-adjustable backrests already has the foundations of modularity. They’re often flat-packed and require some assembly, so it’s just one step away from adjusting that design to accommodate other parts. You just need the right connections to use.

FP, or “First-Party,” Chair concept design uses a rail system to make that not only possible but also easy. The seat and the backrest are the main modular parts that can be removed and replaced by any compatible design. It starts out with completely flat designs, but these can be swapped out for ones with cushions, curves, and armrests. Anything that can fit that rail system will do as long as it keeps the chair balanced.

The base is also replaceable, though the options are probably fewer. You have the typical caster for movability or a flat platform for stability. The latter can probably be screwed down as well, which might be necessary for some mass installation. There isn’t much wiggle room for differentiation here, especially since the need for stability is even greater.

The FP Chair doesn’t differ from those mass-produced office chairs in terms of packaging convenience or assembling complexity. There are also still some limits to what modular designs can be used, such as the balance of the chair and its stability. As with any modular system, it will also depend on just how many third-party designs take advantage of this feature, though given the need for personalization and customization, one can easily imagine how big that market could be.

The post Modular office chair concept lets you define your own sense of comfort first appeared on Yanko Design.

Whether you’re working from home or from your cubicle in the office, a lot of times we’re expected to work continuously during official work hours. But as numerous studies have proven, we need to take a break every once in a while to just rest our eyes, mind, and body. It’s easier to do it at home but when you’re in the office, you need to find your space or uncomfortably like your head on your table.

Designers: Subin Kim, Dami Seo, Da young Yoon, Sieun Cha, Gayeon Kim

Despite the negative connotation associated with the name, Lazy is a concept for a desk that will let you be “lazy” when you need to take a break. It’s a work desk and chair that has some additional features that lets you rest without needing to move somewhere else. Ideally of course you should step away when you want a break, but for those times when you can’t, then this is an alternative.

The desk has a cushion on the upper left part which lets you take a nap or even just lay your head down and close your eyes. Laying your head on a wooden desk is not that comfortable but the cushion should be a better option. Under the table are strings that lets you swing your feet around if you need some movement. There’s also a gap in the desk where you can place your laptop when not in use or books, notebooks, documents that you don’t need at the moment.

The chair that is part of the Lazy furniture matches the table. My one complaint with this though is that it doesn’t have a backrest so it might be uncomfortable if you’re sitting at your desk for some time. But otherwise, I’m looking forward to having a cushion ready at the desk for my daily nap.

The post Desk lets you be “lazy” when you need a break first appeared on Yanko Design.

Two trends that have been making its way to furniture concepts and designs are minimal and modular. Sometimes the two are not able to work together since the latter needs more elements thereby defeating the purpose of the former. But there are also times when when product designers are able to blend the two together.

Designer: Liam de la Bedoyere

The Swivel Side Table is a concept that seems to take elements from both design schools. It’s actually a conceptual evolution of hits previous concept design for a Split side table and you can see that he brought ideas from that previous experiment to the, well, side table. It’s an interesting concept that lets the user sort of customize the side table to their preference.

This time around, there’s a central metal frame which serves as the core and the main flat surface to place your coffee, book, or whatever it is that needs a side table. It looks just like a typical low cocktail table type. But what makes this concept unique is that you place CNC-cut wooden disks around the frame that is able to slide and pivot. You can swivel and customize how you arrange it and even create nooks for small items and a book or two.

Depending on the way you swivel the disks around, you either get just a usual round side table or a puzzle piece-like piece of furniture. It’s interesting to see what the designer will come up with next, side table-wise.

The post Side table concept lets you swivel and personalize your furniture first appeared on Yanko Design.

I am not a fan of scooters in a sense that I will never get on one. But whenever I see a Vespa, I am tempted to go back on that promise (until I remember how scared I am of two-wheeled vehicles) just because it’s very pretty and stylish. Now if I could have this aesthetic on something that I can actually use, then I would be happy.

Designer: Bel & Bel

The Scooter Chair is a swivel chair that repurposes parts of vintage Vespas to create a piece of furniture that may be as stylish as these luxury scooters. Each piece is handmade and can be customized to how you want it to look so it is also a luxury chair and may be more expensive than your regular, office swivel chair. But at least you can say you have the most stylish chair in your office if you get one.

Aside from being stylish, it is created to also be comfortable and sturdy since you will probably sit on it at least 6 hours a day. The seat is also ergonomic with its foam and upholstery finished with ribbed seams. It also has an adjustable height piston and a reclining mechanism for times when you need to rest and relax.

The customizable options include the color of the exterior structure, the type and tone of the upholstery (natural or synthetic leather), type of base (fixed or with wheels). You can also add some extra details to make it more luxurious like chrome-plated armrests, logos on the back, intermittent riders, or an original 8″ wheel and sideband. Of course all of this means you’ll have out a bit more compared to regular swivel chairs.

The post Swivel chair uses repurposed retro Vespas for parts first appeared on Yanko Design.

Coffee tables these days aren’t just places to put down books and drinks. They’re often the center of a room, specifically a living room, both in location and in design. They do more than just add visual interest in a space but, in many homes, also reflect the owner’s tastes and sometimes their aspirations.

That’s especially true if you get the opportunity to design your own coffee table or get someone to do it for you. This wood and glass design, for example, tries to capture feelings of welcoming warmth as well as structural strength. And what better way to represent those ideas than by putting the semblance of a glorious mountain right in the center of your living room.

Designer: Prerna Panjwani

The Rock of Gibraltar is a majestic sight that inspires awe not just with its height but with its distinctive shape as well. It’s almost like a ship resting in the ocean and a testament to the Earth’s geological history. It isn’t as imposing as other mountains, making it the perfect fit for a coffee table design.

The Vista coffee table, however, doesn’t simply mold or carve the shape of the mountain. It instead assembles layers of rosewood panels cut to the rough shape of the Rock of Gibraltar. The layers are held together by a few sticks of wood, creating very visible gaps in between each step.

The resulting aesthetic is similar to those cardboard topographic maps some students are told to make for their science projects. It’s almost like an artistic representation of a geographic form, leaving just enough details for our minds to fill in the gaps. At the same time, this layered design is like a metaphor for the natural formation of the mountain itself, built up layer by layer over hundreds if not thousands of years.

The Vista coffee table tries to combine the lofty image of mountains with the grounding materials of wood. It’s definitely a conversation starter among guests seeing it for the first time, or even between friends revisiting memories of the table’s arrival. Perhaps an unintended feature of the design is the gaps that can be used to hold or hide objects, almost like the man-made structures that have been built around the mountain, also a metaphor for the clutter that humans create around nature.

The post Topographic wooden coffee table puts the Rock of Gibraltar in your room first appeared on Yanko Design.

Meditation is known to offer mental well-being benefits by encouraging the observation of thoughts neutrally before refocusing attention on the breath or another focal point. Essentially, meditation encourages observing thoughts and emotions without fixating on positives or avoiding negatives. Even though meditation doesn’t demand equipment, meditation apps, cushions, chairs, pods, and innovative products could provide a helpful start and assist in sustaining the routine.

Designer: Lee Ye Chan

1. Meditation Chair

For anyone seeking a momentary escape from stress, the “Goyo” chair offers a compact solution. This avant-garde piece draws inspiration from Tibetan singing bowls used in meditation, featuring a rounded steel design that cocoons you in tranquility. The chair’s bowl-like shape, complemented by a smooth maple wood seat and stand, cocoons you, shielding you against stressors. Its ergonomically angled backrest and seat enhance comfort during meditation, while the option to strike the bowl produces soft, soothing sounds. While it has museum-like appearance, the chair is designed for relaxation and comfort, providing a peaceful oasis within a hectic day.

2. Outdoor Chair

Designer: Eun Whan Cho (Mootaa)

The Amplification Of The Senses Chair is a uniquely designed public seat along Seoul’s Han River. It enhances the environment’s natural sounds to create a relaxing ASMR experience. Crafted to encourage reflection and tranquility, the chair’s megaphone-shaped backrest amplifies river and nature sounds while blocking peripheral vision for focused serenity. Made from recycled plastic waste, it’s an eco-friendly effort that cleanses both the environment and the mind. Nature-focused, sustainable, and calming, these chairs redefine relaxation and environmental responsibility.

3. Meditative Pods

Designers: Deepak Chopra, Yves Behar, fuseproject for OpenSeed

The Iris pod, designed by Deepak Chopra and Yves Behar, offers a tranquil sanctuary amid bustling environments. As remote work reshapes office dynamics, integrating purposeful breaks has gained significance. Iris pods, a collaboration between OpenSeed, Deepak Chopra, fuseproject, and Yves Behar, address this need. These meditation pods, located in high-traffic areas like offices, cocoon users in peaceful isolation. Studies reveal that using Iris pods enhances workflow and meditation benefits. The pods feature essential oils, immersive sound and light tech, and guided meditations curated with Chopra’s expertise.

Designers: Mike & Maiike

A collaboration between a design studio and Headspace has birthed the Headspace Pod – a unique furniture piece designed for public spaces like offices, universities, and lobbies. Resembling a large curved mailbox, it offers a cushioned seat and backrest for comfortable meditation sessions. Free from screens or plugs, the pod promotes distraction-free meditation, aided by built-in directional audio. Three buttons inside the pod allow you to choose from 10-minute sessions for relaxation, refreshment, or focus. While not fully enclosed, its ergonomic design aims to provide a calming and focused atmosphere. Tailored for breaks in various public spaces, the Headspace Pod introduces a new way to meditate.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

Experience nature-infused meditation with the Lakeside Meditation Pod by architect Thilina Liyanage. Resembling an egg or conch shell, this outdoor space floats on a lake, immersing yoga practitioners in natural tranquility. The pod accommodates up to 5 individuals and an instructor, accessed via a short staircase. Crafted from wood and composite panels, it blends seamlessly with its environment. Liyanage’s biophilic design approach shines through, harmonizing architecture and nature. The pod’s unique aesthetic and lakeside position offer a serene setting for meditation, capturing the essence of both design and mindfulness.

4. Yoga Friendly Cushion

Designer: Zmind Design

The Float Meditation Cushion ingeniously supports ergonomic comfort in yoga poses like the simplified lotus (padma asana) and kneeling (vajra asana). Molded foam achieves an ideal blend of firmness and comfort, enabling lengthy meditation without ankle or knee strain. Like an ergonomic office chair for meditation, the Float ensures proper limb, hip, and spine alignment, negating yoga mat-induced slouching. Rooted in ancient Indian and Japanese practices, the cross-legged and seiza kneeling poses offer digestive benefits, flexibility, improved blood flow, posture enhancement, focus, anxiety reduction, and energy revitalization. Welcoming beginners, the cushion aids in adopting these postures comfortably on any surface. Designed for simplicity and portability, it incorporates a strategic handle-like cutout, akin to a yoga mat’s convenience. Emphasizing optimal meditation posture, the cushion accommodates seated and kneeling positions and incorporates a magnetic attachment for added lumbar support by extending the backrest.

5. A Foldable Bed

Designer: Yves Behar for Opus

Integrating ‘Spatial Sound and Vibration with Established Healing Techniques’, the Opus SoundBed presents a distinct folding design that compacts to ottoman pouf dimensions. Designed by acclaimed designer Yves Béhar of fuseproject, the bed transcends being merely a therapeutic tool, resembling a chic accessory adaptable to any room and easily unfurled for meditation and healing. When fully expanded, the bed aims to offer an immersive home experience that rejuvenates the body and rejuvenates the nervous system. Through comprehensive body vibrations and spatial sound, it introduces an enhanced therapeutic approach that aids in stress reduction and the release of happiness-associated hormones.

6. Meditation Headset

Designer: Layer Design for Resonate

In today’s stress-ridden world, a tech-integrated meditation headset offers much-needed solace. Layer Design’s LightVision headset, crafted for Resonate, transforms meditation into an enchanting experience. LED lights create dynamic visuals that emerge as biomorphic patterns, engaging closed eyes to trigger the brain’s frequency-following response. Wrapped in textile casing, the minimal, ergonomic design comfortably envelops the face, fostering distraction-free tranquillity. While its effectiveness raises intrigue about potential eye strain, if resolved, this headset could be the stress-relieving catalyst sought by the modern world. By merging sensory input and technology, it elevates meditation routines, potentially ushering in a new era of mental well-being.

7. Desktop-Friendly Zen Garden

Designers: Project Rotate x Yuki Kawae

Scaled for desktop Zen gardens, Project Rotate and Zen Garden artist Yuki Kawae collaborate on a collection of Kawaerakes and hand rakes. These downsized tools bring the meditative art of sand raking to compact spaces. Groove and ridge sets, each comprising six handheld rakes, offer diverse sand designs with their natural wood handles and white trimming. Kawae’s traditional hand rakes, featuring longer handles, allow for intricate designs. Completing the set is a sand leveller for a fresh start. Project Rotate’s simple yet innovative rake profiles amplify creative possibilities, enhancing the Zen Garden experience with intuitive tools for mindfulness and imagination.

8. Hand-held Meditation Device

Designer: MindNap

The portable MindNap device enhances meditation by guiding deep breathing. With thumb-placed metal pads detecting biosignals, it vibrates gently for inhaled and exhaled cues. Paired with an app, one can choose from creativity, focus, relaxation, or energy settings. By analyzing internal cues like heart rate and BMP, it tailors breathing patterns to desired states, reducing stress and anxiety while improving focus and creativity. It energizes too, boosting blood flow. Available in two colors, the MindNap includes a portable leather case for on-the-go clarity and sanity in today’s demanding times.

9. Zen Alarm Clock

Designer: Mudita

For non-morning people, the Mudita Bell calming alarm clock offers a natural wake-up call based on circadian rhythms. It replaces pre-sleep phone scrolling with its E-Ink screen, reducing blue light exposure. Minimalist design soothes eyes pre-bed and upon waking. With acoustic sounds, it gently wakes without irritation. The clock tracks air quality and suggests improvements like humidifiers for healthier sleep. It also includes preset meditation timers, promoting overall wellness.

10. Breathing Assistive Stone

Designers: Wenxi Qi and Hengbo Zhang

Ayama, an iF Design Talent Award-winning device, aids anxiety with rhythmic breathing. Resembling a stone, it expands and contracts using integrated motors for pranayama techniques, clearing energy channels to induce calm. Intuitive and adjustable, Ayama offers modes like ujjayi and kapalabhati to combat stressors, enhancing focus and tranquility. The wireless charging zen garden serves as a reminder for emotional well-being. By simplifying pranayama, Ayama empowers users to battle anxiety’s challenges, promoting relaxation and balance through a button-press and controlled breath.

To initiate your meditation practice, try experimenting to discover what aligns with your personality and daily routine. Begin with straightforward techniques, gradually extending your session time, without feeling obligated to engage in lengthy sessions.

The post Top 10 Products That Elevate Your Meditation Practice first appeared on Yanko Design.

Governors Point, an exclusive residential enclave, sits on a pristine 125-acre peninsula in Washington’s Salish Sea. Envisioned by acclaimed architect Omer Arbel, this unique community offers an exquisite mix of luxury living and deep respect for the environment. The development features 16 custom waterfront homes that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Each home is crafted to celebrate the raw beauty of the area, ensuring it complements rather than overpowers the natural setting.

Designer: Omer Arbel

Governors Point’s history adds depth to its current form. Originally, the site was slated for over 300 homes and multiple marinas, but a transformative partnership between design entrepreneur Randy Bishop and the Whatcom Land Trust shifted its destiny. Their focus was on conservation, turning Governors Point into a haven for both residents and nature.

Exterior Design: Blending With Nature

The exterior of each home at Governors Point reflects Omer Arbel’s innovative approach to merging architecture with nature. The homes are placed strategically along the peninsula, with some landward facades partially buried to reduce their visual presence and make them part of the landscape.

On the west-facing side, a “cloudlike” exterior skin made from cedar burl offcuts adds a striking visual feature. These cedar pieces, described as “boulder-shaped modules,” are mounted on metal standoffs and gently sway, creating a kinetic effect. Over time, moss and lichens will grow on these surfaces, adding a living, evolving element to the design.

Roofs are designed to allow the forest to grow over them, making the homes seem like natural extensions of the landscape. This design choice also offers energy efficiency, as the forest provides natural insulation.

Paths leading to the homes are discreet, guiding residents through nature in a way that contrasts the enclosed feeling of the homes—often opening up dramatically to views over the cliffs. These paths are set between retaining walls, enhancing the contrast between entering underground spaces and emerging to cliff-edge views. Landscaping is restricted to just 3,000 square feet per 1.5-acre lot, ensuring that most of the natural flora is preserved. This careful planning maintains the native beauty of Governors Point, keeping ecological integrity at the forefront.

The design also respects the existing kayak route along the shoreline, ensuring that the natural recreational pathways remain unobstructed and inviting for kayakers.

Interior Design: Seamless Flow Indoors and Out

The interior of each Governors Point home reflects Arbel’s commitment to creating harmony between luxury and nature. The homes are capped at 2,900 square feet, maintaining a modest size that fits within the environment.

Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows bring in sweeping views of the Salish Sea and San Juan Islands, flooding rooms with natural light. These windows create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, making the landscape a natural part of the home’s interior.

The living room design beautifully showcases this philosophy, featuring woven leather chairs and a low-profile marble coffee table. The living area opens directly to the outdoors, framed by boulder-like modules connecting the home to the natural world. The use of earthy tones and tactile fabrics throughout the living room maintains a sense of warmth and cohesion, while built-in shelves add functionality without overwhelming the space.

The materials used throughout the homes, like locally sourced wood and stone, add warmth and texture, while low-VOC paints and reclaimed wood floors keep the building process eco-friendly.

Fixtures from Arbel’s design firm, Bocci, are featured throughout, including custom glass pendants that bring a unique glow to the rooms. The collaboration between Omer Arbel and Bocci goes back nearly two decades, allowing Bocci’s luxurious finishes to integrate seamlessly into Arbel’s architectural projects. Skylights and open floor plans ensure that natural light fills every corner, enhancing the spaciousness while connecting each room to the outdoors.

In the kitchen, an elegant concrete finish defines the space, with natural textures continuing to enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. This description is based on conceptual design elements rather than a confirmed source from the images or documents provided. Large windows frame views of the sea, while the design focuses on subtle built-in features, such as hidden storage and a minimalist aesthetic, ensuring the kitchen is functional and stylish.

The Parametric Approach: Architecture With Variation

Omer Arbel takes a parametric design approach at Governors Point—meaning the homes are crafted within a set of guidelines that allow for natural variations. Each home follows core principles but adapts to the specific conditions of its location.

For example, cedar burl offcuts on the west-facing facades are arranged within set parameters but come together in unique compositions. This gives every home its personality while maintaining a consistent architectural language across the community.

Arbel’s process involves setting constraints and letting materials and site-specific factors guide the final design. This approach allows the architecture to adapt to the environment, making each home a reflection of its surroundings.

It turns construction into a creative, evolving process that celebrates unpredictability and uniqueness. Arbel also extends this parametric philosophy to interior fixtures, using materials like copper and glass to adapt to the living spaces’ flow.

The master bedroom continues the organic design language with a feature wall that mimics the boulder-shaped modules seen outside. The furniture, including the bed and integrated shelving, balances the ruggedness of natural materials and refined craftsmanship. Custom Bocci lighting adds a sculptural quality, casting soft light that enhances the serene atmosphere.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Governors Point is a model of sustainable architecture, with 98 of the 125 acres set aside as a nature reserve managed by the Whatcom Land Trust. This area features a 2.5-mile public access loop trail, allowing residents and visitors to explore the peninsula’s stunning natural beauty, including access to beaches and viewpoints on both sides.

Keeping most of the land as a nature reserve helps protect local ecosystems, balancing development and conservation.

Each residence is capped at 2,900 square feet, with an additional 1,100 square feet allowed for garages or outbuildings. By limiting the size of the homes and restricting manicured landscaping, the development ensures that the natural surroundings remain untouched as much as possible.

Using sustainable materials, such as repurposed cedar burl offcuts for exterior cladding, reduces waste and promotes regional resource efficiency. Governors Point also bans using pesticides and harmful chemicals, protecting the local flora and fauna.

Energy efficiency is key in architectural planning, with large windows designed to optimize passive solar heating while offering stunning views. The project maintains a low-density footprint by limiting the development to only 16 homes on the 27 developed acres, reducing habitat disruption and preserving wildlife corridors.

The design blends the homes into the landscape with natural features like buried facades and forest-covered roofs, setting a new standard for eco-conscious luxury.

The post Governors Point is the Ultimate Eco-Luxury Escape You’ll Wish You Lived In first appeared on Yanko Design.

Every once in a while, I’ll come across a horror story on my feed about accidents involving furniture toppling over and badly hurting someone. As a regularly clumsy person, it is not outside the realm of possibility that I may be a victim of this someday. The STURDY Act (Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth) is a welcome development for kids and grown-ups alike. IKEA has now become the first to apply this into their new furniture line.

Designer: IKEA

The Storklinta and Gullaberg collection from IKEA come with their patented Anchor and Unlock mechanism which took into consideration the aforementioned STURDY Act’s guidelines. This way, they have made sure that their furniture are safe especially for young kids but still have the design and style associated with the Swedish brand. When properly installed, this mechanism lets you use the items as they’re meant to be used without the risk of it tipping over, even when multiple drawers are opened.

The Gullaberg collection is classic IKEA with its framed sides, tapered legs, and white and gray finishes. There are several dressers, chests, wardrobes, nightstands, and combinations available in the collection. The Storklinta has a more sleek and contemporary design and also comes with chests, drawers, bedside tables, and wardrobe combinations with the PAX system. These furniture come with clean, integrated handles.

Both collections are already available in the IKEA US stores and online but there are still some items that have limited stocks. They will also be launching more safety-enhanced designs later this year. As always, these are items that are self-assembled so you still need to be able to follow instructions on these Anchor and Unlock mechanisms for the furniture to be truly safe.

The post IKEA unveils Anchor and Unlock safety mechanism in two new collections first appeared on Yanko Design.

Space Perspective offers life-changing trips to the edge of space in the world’s first carbon-neutral spaceflight. This spaceship dubbed Neptune features a breathtaking design. It’s a capsule with special UV reflective coated largest glass windows ever flown to space providing occupants an unparalleled view from the space lounge inside containing eight state-of-the-art chairs designed both for comfort and aerospace experience.

The innovative seating solution for Neptune’s passengers is visibly inspired by the lounge chairs. It seamlessly merges the luxury and comfort of the lounge chair with the safety requirements of space travel to ensure the guests have not only a comfortable seat but a safe one at that.

Designer: Of My Imagination

Dubbed Aerospace Seat SPN-01, these eight dark-blue chairs in the space lounge are lightweight, functional, and safe. While meeting travel safety standards, these chairs also provide umpteen luxury courtesy of the floating backrest, ergonomic flexibility, and modular cushioning.

These aerospace seats blend a modular pad system with adjustable cushions for ergonomic comfort. Owing to their contoured shape and arced headrest, the chairs nicely cradle their passengers during the critical phases of launch and landing. Due to their positioning (each facing outwards) in the roomy space lounge, each seat has a panoramic 360-degree view through the large capsule windows.

Whilst being designed to comfort anxious passengers in their cocooning environment, the Aerospace Seat SPN-01 is easy to repair and has adjustable features to balance comfort with functionality. Designed by @ofmyimagination the chairs are twined in pairs inside of the space capsule designed to promote conversation and foster shared experiences. The chairs are placed adjacent to each other to encourage passengers to speak with each other. Each set of chairs features a mini wooden table in between that doubles as a desk. Every chair has a storage section underneath where passengers can stow their personal belongings.

The post This chair with floating backrest, ergonomic flexibility, and modular cushioning is designed for space travel first appeared on Yanko Design.

Herman Miller is known better for its consortium of office chairs than for gaming chairs. But its gaming division: Herman Miller Gaming, has a new, artistic vision to turn some eyes its way. The furniture giant has partnered with FAILE, a brainchild of Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller, to revive the nostalgia of the Arcades, Ataris, and Nintendos of the ‘80s through painting and printmaking approach on chairs, wooden Joysticks, and printed posters.

The initial idea for Herman Miller and FAILE collaboration was to work with the prints collection of the former. McNeil and Miller, however, saw varying opportunities in the furniture maker’s gaming repertoire and besides gaming-inspired printed posters and tangible painted joysticks with whimsical game-like characters, they have gone ahead to give colorful art love to Herman Miller’s ergonomic gaming seat.

Designer: Herman Miller Gaming x FAILE

Brooklyn-based collaboration between artists Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller, FAILE, has been blurring the lines between fine art and popular culture through painting and printmaking. The choice of material is little of significance, since their collaboration since 1999, the two artists have worked with a range of materials ranging from traditional canvas to sculptures, from window pellets to wooden boxes and their idea of transforming the Embody Gaming Chair into a piece of exceptional art is therefore no surprise.

McNeil and Miller have characterized 12 variants of the Embody, using its seat and back as the canvas of distinction similar to skateboard decks. According to the duo, through the artwork, they intend to bring to ‘Herman Miller Gaming that which was not in the digital realm but captured some of the character making of gaming.’ This also extends into the creation of joysticks, which have a tactile wood feel and personality of their own that uniquely comes to life depending on the setting they’re used in.

FAILE and Herman Miller have created 100 unique characters, based on drawings and doodles. Each of these is handcrafted and painted with hand for uniqueness. While the chairs are designed exclusively for the Herman Miller Gaming archives, and are not available to purchase. Joysticks and prints are available for preorder and will go on retail starting October 1 for $995 and $250 respectively. If you want an experience of the artistic collection before committing to it, you can check them out in an installation in New York from September 27 through September 29.

The post Herman Miller Gaming x FAILE artistic gaming chairs and character joysticks are impressive first appeared on Yanko Design.

Anyone who has owned a cat will know the truth about who is really the master and who is the pet. Although they can definitely be cuddly and sentimental, furry felines are also known to be temperamental and territorial. And by that, it usually means that any place in the house can be their territory. All kidding aside, cats tend to love squeezing into tight spaces, even when you’ve already provided a lush, comfy, and unfortunately very open bed. Embracing the behavior of cats and how they can be central to owners’ lives, these concept designs envision furniture for humans that cats will appreciate, or rather, cat furniture that just happens to be usable by humans.

Designer: Jing-Cyuan Tang

For reasons unfathomable to all except their regal kind, cats love to squeeze into cramped spaces. Of course, they’ll still enjoy plush beds, but give them a box or a tube and their natural instincts kick in. So why not just design sleeping furniture that appeals to this behavior directly instead? Bonus points if it can also be used by their human owners, potentially letting them bond even better when resting in the same place.

That may be the thinking behind this rather unusual set of cat-friendly furniture design concepts. Or perhaps they’re human-friendly cat furniture designs. Either way, these chairs will be enjoyable to both parties, though their maintenance will probably be less so for humans. The common theme these chairs have are the armrests that act like dark tunnels, enticing cats to go inside to nap. There’s ample space for a cat or even two, so it’s not exactly a cramped and uncomfortable space at all.

Two variants of these armchair designs exist. Perhaps the more interesting one of the two has an armrest that goes around the back of the chair, creating a single tunnel that cats can walk through from end to end. There is also a more modest version where the armrests swap out tunnels for shelves, allowing owners to put other things on the side that won’t be used by the cat, presuming the cat doesn’t claim that space and pushes the vase off the shelf.

There is even a stool design where the very low backrest curves inward, creating that same tunnel shape where the cat can lie inside behind you. Truth be told, the seats don’t look too comfortable, especially with the backrests so low. They might have been unintentionally designed with feline comfort as the priority, showing who the real master of the house is. That said, they are indeed interesting designs and, to some extent, quite feasible, though the question of how to clean up after the cat inside those armrests still remains.

The post Quirky chair concepts are made for both humans and their feline masters first appeared on Yanko Design.