06 Nov 2024
hm-LI Studio, led by founder and designer Haoming Li, is thrilled to unveil three innovative furniture collections: the Weaving Chair, the Le Sourire Chair, and the Curl Cabinet Series. Each collection reflects hm-LI Studio’s distinct design philosophy, merging art, architecture, and nature to create furniture that inspires reflection and engagement through timeless, minimalistic forms.
A vision of minimalism and natural materials
hm-LI Studio’s new collections emphasize natural textures and calming colors, encapsulating a modern yet culturally resonant approach to furniture design. Haoming Li’s background in architecture and her rich cultural heritage influence every piece, blending Eastern aesthetics with the functional needs of contemporary design. The studio’s unique approach uses weaving techniques and geometric forms to explore the balance between two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, producing visually compelling and lightweight furniture.
New Collection Highlights
Weaving Series
The Weaving Chair Series showcases a delicate exploration of form and structure through flowing lines and spatial fluidity. The first piece in this series recently won the prestigious 2024 Red Dot Award. Inspired by a spontaneous moment—when designer Haoming Li folded and played with a receipt while waiting in line—the concept behind the Weaving Chair reflects the transformation of a flat surface into a dynamic three-dimensional object.
The Weaving Chair is designed for precision, with bent wood construction allowing for disassembly and transport. Its unique mortise-and-tenon joinery system invites users to participate in the assembly, adding an element of interaction. Drawing on the Chinese aesthetic concept of “?” (a traditional furniture structural element), the chair incorporates subtle Eastern influences in a modern, minimal design language. The collection offers dining chairs, benches, and stools in adult and children’s sizes, with a variety of material options from natural wood finishes to colorful lacquers and textiles.
Le Sourire Series
The Le Sourire Chair Series redefines the aesthetic and practical use of solid wood furniture. The design is deeply influenced by Haoming Li’s architectural background, where the understanding of structure, space, and form plays a central role. This architectural foundation brings a strong sense of balance and precision to the design, ensuring that each piece is not only visually appealing, but also structurally sound.
Additionally, Haoming draws inspiration from her family’s heritage in traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. This cultural influence is reflected in the chair’s flowing, balanced lines, which evoke the graceful brushstrokes of calligraphy. The fluidity and elegance of these lines transform the solid wood into a soft, almost organic form, as though capturing the essence of movement within a static object. Inspired by the gentle flow of silk, the folds of the chair speak of softness in a fleeting moment—curves that symbolize both strength and refinement.
Using CNC solid wood carving technology, the Le Sourire Series achieves a seamless connection between the backrest and seat, creating a visually “floating” effect that reduces the perceived heaviness of solid wood. Ergonomically designed for comfort, the high-backed version provides support, while variations with lower backs or no backs are perfect for benches or side tables. The series comes in a range of finishes, including natural oils and traditional Chinese lacquer, where strength and elegance unite in perfect harmony.
Curl Series
The Curl Cabinet Series explores the interplay of form and function with its distinctive curved surfaces and woven grid patterns. The series enhances user interaction with its multi-directional opening doors, offering flexible storage solutions in a variety of configurations. The elegant curves and minimalist grid design bring a sense of order and sophistication to any space.
Combining wood and metal elements, the Curl Cabinet strikes a balance between industrial lightness and solid construction. The modular design can be adapted to different spaces, from larger sideboards to smaller bedside tables. Customizable surface finishes range from traditional wood veneers to bold Chinese lacquer finishes, allowing each piece to reflect the unique aesthetic of its environment.
Interview with Haoming Li – Bridging Tradition and Modernity
Haoming Li, whose work has already garnered international acclaim, spoke about the inspirations behind these new collections.
“My designs stem from a fascination with the interplay between structure and fluidity, deeply influenced by the forms and philosophies of traditional Chinese art,” she explains. “The Weaving Chair, for instance, was inspired by a simple moment—folding a receipt—and this idea of transforming flatness into volume became the core of the piece. I believe that design should be approachable, yet profound, allowing people to feel a sense of connection with the piece.”
Li’s expertise and dedication have earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, the Design Shanghai Picks Award, and several MUSE Design Awards. Her work is rapidly establishing hm-LI Studio as a noteworthy player in the international design community.
“For me, design is not just about form; it’s about creating something that resonates on a personal level,” she adds. "I draw a lot of inspiration from my upbringing and my experiences working in both large-scale architecture and intimate furniture design."
Three New Furniture Collections
- Weaving Chair
- Le Sourire Chair
- Curl Cabinet Series
