Haoming Li, an innovative designer at hm-LI Studio, transforms the versatile material of wood into a medium for personal storytelling and creative expression through her latest trio of collections. The Weaving Chair Series, Le Sourire Chair, and Curl Cabinet Series exemplify her ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, reflecting her personal heritage and experiences. Li’s work invites users to engage with familiar materials in new ways, showcasing the potential of wood as an artistic canvas.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Haoming Li
Studio: hm-LI Studio
Collection: Weaving Chair Series, Le Sourire Chair, Curl Cabinet Series
In the Weaving Chair Series, Li draws inspiration from a simple act: folding a receipt while waiting in line. This everyday moment evolved into a concept where flatness transitions into volume, using bent wood construction and a distinct mortise-and-tenon joinery system. These chairs are designed for user interaction, requiring assembly before use, and are available in diverse forms such as dining chairs, benches, and stools that cater to both adults and children. Honoring Li’s Eastern roots, the series incorporates the traditional Chinese structural element “枨,” and has already received the prestigious Red Dot Award 2024 for its innovative design.
The Le Sourire Chair Series is a tribute to the elegance of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. Reflecting the fluidity of these art forms, the chairs feature flowing, organic lines that resemble graceful brushstrokes. Inspired by silk’s history of strength and refinement in ancient China, the chair’s curves reflect timeless sophistication. Li achieves a seamless connection between the chair’s backrest and seat using CNC solid wood carving technology, creating a “floating” effect that introduces lightness to the solid wood structure. This collection offers high-back options for support and lower-back or backless versions that serve as benches or side tables, all available in various finishes, including traditional Chinese lacquer.
Li’s Curl Cabinet Series further explores wood’s possibilities, combining curved surfaces with a woven grid pattern for a visually striking effect. Designed with adaptability in mind, the cabinets can be configured to suit spaces ranging from expansive sideboards to compact bedside tables. Their multi-directional doors enhance user interaction and provide versatile storage solutions. The series’ subtle door front curves, combined with modern grid detailing, make the Curl Cabinet Series a captivating focal point within any room, embodying a harmonious blend of form and function.
Throughout these collections, Li emphasizes that her design philosophy extends beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating resonance on a personal level. Her upbringing and experience in both large-scale architecture and intimate furniture design strongly influence her work, enabling her to bridge traditions and innovation. Through her unique approach, Li crafts pieces that invite personal connection and encourage reflection, redefining the potential of wood furniture.
Li’s creations exemplify how wood, a ubiquitous material, can be reinvigorated with profound creativity and cultural significance. Her ability to fuse traditional influences with modern techniques results in furniture that not only serves practical purposes but also speaks to deeper narratives and identities. For more on Haoming Li’s latest collections, those interested can explore her work further by visiting hm-li.com.
