hm-LI Studio recently unveiled its latest three furniture collections, including the Weaving Series, the Le Sourire Series, and the Curl Series. These new series continue the studio’s signature approach of harmoniously blending art, architecture, and nature into creations that resonate with modern relevance and timeless appeal. The new series maintains hm-LI Studio’s minimalist aesthetic, emphasizing the natural texture and color of materials, while evoking deep emotional connections and a sense of calm for users.
Delving into the design language and form, the designer captures the essence of Oriental aesthetics while addressing contemporary functional demands. Focusing on the concept of ‘flow” or “fluidity,” the designs transition subtly from two-dimensional surfaces to three-dimensional forms, giving the furniture a sense of weightlessness and dynamic beauty. In terms of materials, with an emphasis on using wood material with natural textures, the designer explores the innovative fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design, aiming to impart unique textures to the furniture through the combination of different materials.
The Weaving Series showcases an elegant exploration of form, conveying a sense of rational fluidity through its interplay of lines and spatial perception: the clear direction and no specific starting or ending points of the chair, as if endlessly, evoking an infinite sense of extension and highlighting the infinite possibilities of furniture design. As the inaugural product in the series, the Weaving Chair, won the 2024 Red Dot Design Award and the silver of Muse Design Awards upon its debut.
The chair’s form and structure, clear and precise, are inspired by a personal experience of the designer, Haoming Li, while waiting in line. As he fiddled with a receipt, Li noticed the logical and modular aesthetic of the dynamic process of folding a flat strip of paper into a three-dimensional object. This dynamic process inspired him to immediately sketch the chair’s first concept on the back of the receipt, which later became its original DEMO.
With the precise manufacturing and the application of curved wood, the products can be taken apart during transportation. The distinctive mortise-and-tenon joints allow users to assemble it themselves, making it fun and interactive. The horizontal connectors of the chair feature intricate details inspired by traditional Chinese furniture’s “cheng” element, namely the doorjamb. The modern expression of this traditional Chinese element demonstrates Oriental aesthetics in a simple and subtle manner.
Each component of the Weaving Chair is meticulously crafted to showcase the fluidity of the wood. The chair’s backrest, seat, and legs are sliced together in the shape of bentwood, creating a sturdy and cohesive structure. The ergonomic design ensures comfort while adding to its aesthetic appeal and functionality.
The modular design of the Weaving Series allows it to adapt to various settings, including dining chairs, benches, and low chairs. Available in both adult and child sizes, the series caters to different age groups.
In terms of materials, the series offers a diverse range of options, from natural wood finishes to vibrant lacquer surfaces and soft leather fabrics, enriching the narrative of the space. Also, eco-friendly materials are used in the production process to ensure the safety and sustainability of the chairs. The designer is also experimenting with softer materials and metals, further exploring the impact of different materials on the structure of the weaving chair.
The Le Sourire Series redefines the aesthetics and functionality of solid wood furniture with its distinctive design and versatility. Inspired by the relaxed drape of fabric over a chair, the designer seeks to capture the fluidity of soft woven materials and recreate it in a solid and enduring form.
The designer’s appreciation of Oriental aesthetics stems from the influence of his family’s passion for traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting. The graceful movement of brushstrokes, the subtle transitions between thick and thin lines, and especially the interplay of strength and softness have profoundly shaped his understanding of abstract lines in modern design. These elements are reflected in the fluidity and dynamic lines of the Le Sourire series.
Drawing from natural curves, the series uses solid wood to showcase smooth and flowing forms. Utilizing CNC solid wood carving technology, the connection between the backrest and seat is hidden beneath the seat surface, creating a seamless visual effect that gives the illusion of the backrest floating. This breaks the heavy impression typically associated with solid wood, presenting a light and cohesive form that evokes a sense of air flowing through the suspended space.
Functionally, the Le Sourire Series offers a high-back design with a three-dimensional curve that provides excellent support and comfort. The low-back or backless designs make the product versatile enough to be used as stools and bedside tables. The understated wooden chairs can easily blend into various interior styles, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. The Le Sourire Series also won the silver award of Muse Design Awards.
The Le Sourire Series also comes with various material options for the surface, including natural wood oil and traditional Chinese lacquer, offering different styles and visual effects.
The Curl Series draws inspiration from the fluid curves in nature, breaking away from traditional flat designs. The cabinet doors appear to have a life of their own when opened. The elegant curves, reminiscent of wind flowing through paper, not only enhance visual appeal but also serve as an integrated handle for easy opening. The series continues the concept of weaving and explores the possibilities of multi-facet through grids. The graceful curves and multi-directional door openings enhance user interaction and spatial flexibility, while the well-organized grid design on the façade offers diverse storage solutions to meet various needs.
In terms of appearance, the Curl Series combines wooden and metal structures and achieves a balance between solid volume and industrial lightness. The innovative use of curved doors and woven-shaped panels breaks the monotony of flat surfaces, demonstrating restrained elegance and a timeless style. The absence of additional handles creates a sleek and user-friendly design. With its unique design language, this series not only creates a rich sense of depth and dynamic beauty visually, but also achieves new heights in functionality and user experience, winning the gold award of Muse Design Awards.
From large, sturdy sideboards to compact bedside tables, the modular design of the Curl Series extends its application across different settings and personalized options for the finishes are available. Besides traditional wood veneers, which seamlessly integrate into modern home interiors, materials like Chinese lacquer and burlwood introduce unique characters to the product, creating distinctly different visual styles. The Curl Series, paired with its timeless design language, make it adaptable to a variety of interior styles and spaces.
Overall, the new series from hm-LI Studio embodies the fusion of modern aesthetics and Oriental Zen philosophy, pursuing simplicity with depth. Emphasizing natural textures, philosophy of imagery and linework, the designs provide a profound emotional and visually calming experience. The concept of flow/fluidity is skillfully translated into the language of furniture design through the dynamic beauty of nature. In terms of craftsmanship, the series highlights structural lightness and breathability. By adjusting material thickness and utilizing space cleverly, the furniture achieves a visually lighter appearance while enhancing its beauty and functionality. This exploration and application of fluidity enriches the design language and offers users a multi-dimensional sensory experience and emotional connection.
Product name: The Weaving Series
Manufacturer: hm-LI Studio
Product type: Chair
Contact: zzmediapr01@gmail.com
Designer: Haoming Li
Use: Seating, Dining, Relaxation, Work
Applications: Residential, Office, Hospitality, Commercial, etc.
Characteristics: With the precise manufacturing and the application of curved wood, the products can be taken apart during transportation. The distinctive mortise-and-tenon joints allow users to assemble it themselves, making it fun and interactive. The horizontal connectors of the chair feature intricate details inspired by traditional Chinese furniture’s “cheng” element, namely the doorjamb. The modern expression of this traditional Chinese element demonstrates Oriental aesthetics in a simple and subtle manner. Each component of the Weaving Chair is meticulously crafted to showcase the fluidity of the wood. The chair’s backrest, seat, and legs are sliced together in the shape of bentwood, creating a sturdy and cohesive structure. The ergonomic design ensures comfort while adding to its aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Format: Dining chairs, benches , stools
Material: Lacquer, Leather Fabrics, Bent Plywood, Bronze, Walnut Wood Veneer
Size: H: 79.1cm / W: 50cm / D: 50.9cm. For Kids: H: 57.3cm / W: 37.3cm / D: 35.7cm
Color: Different colors available for commission
Shape: Ergonomic
Price: USD800+
Product name: Le Sourire
Manufacturer: hm-LI Studio
Product type: Chair, table
Contact: zzmediapr01@gmail.com
Designer: Haoming Li
Use: Seating, Storage
Applications: Residential, Hospitality
Characteristics: Drawing from natural curves, the series uses solid wood to showcase smooth and flowing forms. Utilizing CNC solid wood carving technology, the connection between the backrest and seat is hidden beneath the seat surface, creating a seamless visual effect that gives the illusion of the backrest floating. This breaks the heavy impression typically associated with solid wood, presenting a light and cohesive form that evokes a sense of air flowing through the suspended space.
Functionally, the Le Sourire Series offers a high-back design with a three-dimensional curve that provides excellent support and comfort. The low-back or backless designs make the product versatile enough to be used as stools and bedside tables. The understated wooden chairs can easily blend into various interior styles, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.
Format: stools, bedside tables
Material: Cherry Wood, Ash Wood, Natural Wood Oil, Traditional Chinese Lacquer
Size: H: 88cm / W: 49.6cm / D: 55.5cm. H: 62.5cm / W: 49.6cm / D: 55.5cm
Color: Different colors available for commission
Shape: Ergonomic
Price: USD1000+
Product name: The Curl Series
Manufacturer: hm-LI Studio
Product type: Cabinet
Contact: zzmediapr01@gmail.com
Designer: Haoming Li
Use: Storage, decoration
Applications: Residential, Office, Hospitality, Commercial
Characteristics: In terms of appearance, the Curl Series combines wooden and metal structures and achieves a balance between solid volume and industrial lightness. The innovative use of curved doors and woven-shaped panels breaks the monotony of flat surfaces, demonstrating restrained elegance and a timeless style. The absence of additional handles creates a sleek and user-friendly design.
From large, sturdy sideboards to compact bedside tables, the modular design of the Curl Series extends its application across different settings and personalized options for the finishes are available. Besides traditional wood veneers, which seamlessly integrate into modern home interiors, materials like Chinese lacquer and burlwood introduce unique characters to the product, creating distinctly different visual styles. The Curl Series, paired with its timeless design language, make it adaptable to a variety of interior styles and spaces.
Format: curl cabinet, sideboard
Material: traditional wood veneers, Chinese lacquer, burlwood, Stainless steel
Size: H: 94.2cm / W: 178.2cm / D: 50cm. H: 59.8cm / W: 178.2cm / D: 50cm
Color: Different colors available for commission
Shape: curl
Price: USD1200+
