Billy Hietanen or @nudemodular has quickly carved out a niche for himself in the world of contemporary furniture design, thanks to his playful approach to modularity and a steadfast commitment to minimalism. Rooted in Melbourne and inspired by Scandinavian sensibilities, his wooden furniture is as functional as it is visually refined. Each piece is built from high-quality plywood and designed for effortless assembly—no screws required—inviting users to mix, match, and reconfigure components like building blocks.

This philosophy of adaptability means the furniture grows with you, easily evolving to meet changing needs or tastes. With a focus on personalized finishes and intuitive construction, his furniture feels as much like a creative toolkit as it does a refined addition to the home. Here, we have curated a collection of five unique and impressive wooden designs by Billy Hietanen – each furniture piece is simple, versatile, and yet blessed with enduring appeal.

1. Cube Concept

The Cube Concept is all about modular freedom and hands-on creativity. Each face clicks together with sleek locking clips, letting you build, stack, or remix cubes for side tables, shelves, or seating—whatever your space craves. Each section can be used to create multiple combinations of seating arrangements, so the possibilities feel endless. It’s Billy Hietanen’s answer to furniture that’s never static—think bold, geometric vibes designed to adapt as your style shifts.

The cube concept offers an open invitation to experiment. Those simple corner and straight clips are an open call to play—move, swap, or add on as your mood changes, and we can’t wait to see how he modifies it further. It’s a system made for modern living, where every piece is a blank canvas for your personality and a perfect representation of the quintessential ever-evolving, interactive ‘nude modular’ energy.

What we like

• Each cube section can be combined or rearranged for countless seating and storage configurations.
• The simple locking system encourages creativity, making it fun to experiment and personalize your layout.

What we dislike

• The concept is still in development, and as the design evolves, some features or attachment methods may change.

2. Butterfly Stool/Chair

The Butterfly Stool/Chair is a rather popular and iconic piece in Billy’s modular collection. It’s crafted from hot-pressed, 6-axis CNC-machined Euro birch plywood and finished with clear Osmo oil. The design features a 3D-printed PLA chair adapter, enhancing its playful versatility. Its form is inspired by a butterfly’s wings, with gently curving lines that give it a light, sculptural presence.

This stool is all about flexibility and simplicity. It’s constructed from just a few universal components, allowing users to reconfigure, stack, and personalize each piece to suit their needs, echoing Billy’s “Lego-like” philosophy for furniture. Stackability makes it a space-saving solution, while the exposed structural elements celebrate a Finnish-inspired, minimalist ethos. The Butterfly Stool/Chair is available in multiple finishes, made to order, and intended as a functional, elegant addition to any modern home.

What we like

• Features a highly versatile and modular form that can be easily reconfigured, stacked, or used in various combinations.
• The minimalist and sculptural aesthetic with a modern look that suits many interiors.

What we dislike

• Limited comfort for prolonged sitting.

3. Magnetic Everychair Prototype

The Magnetic Everychair brings next-level flexibility to furniture design. The rather unique-looking chair doesn’t seem to possess any legs, and in fact features two massive magnets on its back. These strong magnets allow the chair to be attached to any surface, offering a portable and adaptable seating arrangement no matter where you are. It’s a statement in mobility and modularity—ready to transform at a moment’s notice to suit your needs.

You can move it around on a whim, making it perfect for anyone who loves to refresh their space or needs adaptable seating for modern living. With exposed structural lines and a crisp, Scandinavian-inspired profile, the Magnetic Everychair looks sharp in any setting. It’s a true expression of Nude Modular’s interactive ethos—a seat that’s as fun to use as it is to look at, and always ready for change.

What we like

• The magnetic back allows the chair to attach to various surfaces and be moved or repositioned with ease, perfect for dynamic spaces.
• Its legless form and exposed structure give it a bold, modern look that stands out in any interior.

What we dislike

• The chair’s functionality depends on finding suitable metal surfaces for attachment.
• The lack of legs and traditional support might not suit everyone, especially for longer sitting sessions or users seeking classic ergonomics.

4. Chaos Stool/Chess Table

The Chaos Stool/Chess Table is a clever dual-purpose piece crafted from clear-lacquered Euro birch plywood. Its standout feature is a machined top with a recessed chessboard pattern, which can be flipped over to reveal a smooth, flat surface. This allows the piece to function as both a compact side table and a casual chessboard, making it ideal for small spaces or anyone who appreciates multifunctional design.

With dimensions of 500mm in height and 370mm in both width and length, the Chaos Stool/Chess Table maintains a minimalist, geometric look that’s easy to pair with other modular pieces. The flip-top feature means you can instantly switch from game mode to everyday utility, reflecting Billy’s playful, flexible approach to furniture. It’s a practical, space-saving solution for modern living, where adaptability and creativity are always in demand.

What we like

• Acts as both a stool/side table and a chess table, offering dual functionality.
• The flip-top design lets you easily switch between a game surface and a smooth table, adding versatility and convenience.

What we dislike

• While ideal for smaller spaces, its modest dimensions may limit use as a primary table or for group chess sessions.

5. Screw-less Record Stand

The screwless record stand is a DIY-friendly furniture design that can be assembled entirely without screws. Instead of a ready-made product, Billy offers detailed manufacturing drawings, including PDF, STEP, and DXF files, allowing makers or enthusiasts to fabricate and build the stand themselves. This approach fits perfectly with his ethos of modularity and hands-on creativity, giving users the freedom to personalize or adapt the design as needed.

The manufacturing package provides all the technical details required for CNC fabrication or manual production, making it accessible for woodworkers and design hobbyists. The stand is designed to securely hold vinyl records in a minimalist, functional display, with an emphasis on clean lines and efficient assembly. This product appeals to those who want a custom, tool-free storage solution for their records and enjoy the process of building their furniture.

What we like

• The screwless design allows for quick, straightforward setup without the need for hardware or special tools.
• With detailed plans provided, users can personalize materials, finishes, and dimensions to match their style or space.

What we dislike

• Requires access to CNC equipment or woodworking skills, which may limit its appeal to non-makers.
• Since it’s a digital plan, users are responsible for troubleshooting and material sourcing on their own.

The post Top 5 Modular Wooden Furniture Designs For Customizable Living & Trendy Interiors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Earth-sheltered homes – often called “hobbit houses” in homage to J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved tales, are quickly becoming a top trend in sustainable architecture. These unique dwellings blend seamlessly into the landscape, offering homeowners peace, energy efficiency, and a closer connection to nature. If you’re searching for a home that’s as eco-friendly as it is enchanting, earth-sheltered living could be your answer.

This guide examines the practical principles behind this captivating architectural style. It shows how partially or fully burying a home can be a simple, actionable step toward a greener, more comfortable lifestyle.

Fundamentals of Earth Sheltering

Earth sheltering is an ancient architectural technique that partially or fully embeds a home into the ground. Beyond its visual charm, it is practical as it uses the earth’s natural thermal mass as insulation. The soil buffers the structure from extreme outdoor temperature swings, keeping interiors consistently comfortable.

Homes built into hillsides or surrounded by soil stay naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, reducing reliance on costly HVAC systems. By wrapping a home in this natural, perennial blanket, earth-sheltered designs offer remarkable energy efficiency and a living experience that conventional homes simply cannot match.

Just 20 minutes from Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, a small Eastern European country bordered by Romania and Ukraine, the Hobbit Wake Houses by LH47 ARCH rise quietly from the lakeshore near Panasesti. At first glance, they resemble grassy hills with glass “eyes.” Inspired by Tolkien’s hobbit dwellings, these three earth-sheltered cabins merge with the landscape, featuring living roofs that reduce energy use and visual impact. Built with straw bale walls, clay-and-straw plaster, lime wash, and local timber, they naturally regulate temperature and humidity while lowering the carbon footprint. Over time, grasses grow across custom rooftop meshes, making the cabins nearly invisible in their surroundings.

Inside, craftsmanship shines as Lemnaria, a local workshop, designed unique beds, shelves, and kitchens for each cabin, while ceramic artist Eugenia Burlacenco added handmade lighting and decor. Paired with panoramic lake views, these eco-cabins offer sustainable living rooted in tradition, storytelling, and harmony with nature.

Ensures Energy Efficiency and Comfort

One of the biggest advantages of a hobbit house is its outstanding energy efficiency. Surrounded by the earth, these homes benefit from a stable temperature, typically between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7–13 degrees Celsius) year-round, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling. This results in lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint, making it a win for both the homeowner and the planet.

Beyond energy savings, earth-sheltered homes offer unmatched comfort. The thick soil walls provide natural soundproofing, shielding the interior from outside noise. With steady temperatures and no harsh drafts, these homes create a cozy, serene sanctuary that promotes well-being and peace.

Set on a gentle slope, this uniquely shaped house channels hobbit vibes through a modern design approach. The structure flows seamlessly from ground to roof, with the surface rising naturally to form both the exterior and interior spaces. A dramatic glass strip runs from floor to ceiling, creating a continuous visual connection that floods the space with light and adds a sense of openness. At the entrance, two trees integrate with the architecture, blending the building into its surroundings and creating a harmonious transition between the outdoors and indoors. Elevated slightly above ground, the design also encourages natural ventilation, keeping the interior cool and comfortable.

The cabin’s black-and-wood color palette contrasts sharply with the surrounding forest, while its organic form helps it blend in. Inside, a modern, minimalist interior feels like a private spa retreat. The bedroom, framed by the glass strip, offers the most breathtaking view, making it feel as if the entire structure is floating.

Structural Considerations and Waterproofing

Building an earth-sheltered home requires a strong, specialized structure to support the heavy weight of soil above and around it. Standard wood framing is not enough; reinforced concrete or masonry is typically used to handle vertical and lateral loads. This ensures the home is safe, durable, and built to last for generations.

Equally crucial is waterproofing, and a multilayered approach prevents moisture problems, combining high-quality exterior membranes with effective drainage. Proper grading, perimeter drains, and sometimes protective layers like bentonite clay divert water away from the structure, keeping living spaces dry, healthy, and comfortable throughout the year.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, The Willow is a quirky tiny cabin with a hobbit-inspired charm, designed to give travelers a unique countryside escape. Surrounded by towering redwoods and abundant wildlife, it blends nature with luxury. Its unusual, sci-fi-inspired shape, with two rounded roofs, resembles a futuristic escape pod. Two large circular windows on the front facade frame sweeping views of the Welsh landscape, while a wooden deck creates an inviting spot to relax and take in the scenery.

Inside, The Willow feels spacious due to its open-plan design. The layout includes a cozy living area with a sofa and TV, a full kitchen and dining space, and a private bedroom for two. Two built-in sleeping pods provide extra space for additional guests. At night, warm patio lights illuminate the cabin, making it glow like a lantern, which is perfect for stargazing or enjoying a soak in the outdoor hot tub.

Designing for Light and Air Quality

Earth-sheltered homes are often thought to be dark and damp, but smart design completely dispels this myth. By orienting the home—usually south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere—and incorporating large, well-placed windows and sliding doors, natural light floods the interiors, creating bright, welcoming spaces where it is needed most.

Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is equally important. High-efficiency heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) supply fresh outdoor air while reclaiming energy from stale outgoing air. This ensures a steady flow of clean air throughout the home without compromising energy efficiency, comfort, or sustainability.

Nestled in the forested hills of June Farms, The Hobbit House is a cabin that masterfully blends rustic charm with modern design. Located in New York, its whimsical exterior—with a thatched roof and round doorway—evokes a fairy-tale aesthetic while maintaining a carefully considered architectural form that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The structure’s proportions, curves, and natural materials create a sense of intimacy and warmth, making it feel grounded within its woodland setting.

Inside, the design prioritizes comfort and functionality without compromising its storybook character. The open, well-planned interior includes a king-sized bed, European spa bathroom, and galley kitchen, enhanced by radiant heated floors, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Large windows and a private patio connect occupants to the forest outside, while the fire pit offers a focal point for outdoor gatherings.

Material Choices and Interior Aesthetics

The materials chosen for an earth-sheltered home should reflect its commitment to natural, sustainable living. Nontoxic finishes like low-VOC paints, natural wood floors, and exposed stone or concrete create a raw, textured feel while supporting health and well-being. These choices reinforce the home’s connection to the surrounding earth.

In terms of interior design, the goal is a warm, inviting space that softens the robust exterior. Warm lighting, cozy textiles, and abundant plants balance harder surfaces, enhancing comfort and brightness. A hobbit house embraces hygge, creating a serene, cozy atmosphere that nurtures both body and mind.

SaffronStays AsanjA Titaly is India’s first earth-shelter home, a two-bedroom underground villa offering panoramic views of Machindragad and Gorakhgad in Maharashtra. Machindragad and Gorakhgad are historic hill forts known for their scenic trekking routes, ancient ruins, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding Western Ghats, making them a popular destination for nature and history enthusiasts. Designed to blend luxury with nature, the villa features curved windows and skylights that fill the bedrooms with natural light, while both rooms open directly onto a pool. The poolside patio provides a spacious area for relaxation, games, and outdoor dining, seamlessly integrating the indoors with the surrounding landscape.

Adjacent to Titaly is the three-bedroom SaffronStays AsanjA Dragonfly, creating a cohesive estate of earth-sheltered villas. The project emphasizes sustainable, innovative architecture set within a natural environment, incorporating terraces, nature trails, and direct access to treks at Machindragad and Gorakhgad, allowing guests to experience the forts’ historic charm and panoramic views firsthand.

Earth-sheltered design combines sustainability, efficiency, and comfort. By harnessing the earth’s natural thermal mass and smart engineering, these homes create quiet, energy-efficient sanctuaries. Thoughtful, nature-integrated architecture proves that the oldest building material, the earth, offers one of the most innovative solutions for modern, eco-conscious living, blending timeless simplicity with cutting-edge performance.

The post Top 5 Benefits of Earth-Sheltered Hobbit Homes That Save You Money and Boost Comfort first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bag clips are the unsung heroes of the kitchen, usually buried in a drawer until you need to keep a bag of chips fresh or corral a half-used bag of pasta. Most of the time, these little gadgets are so forgettable that they end up lost, broken, or replaced by a rubber band in a pinch. It’s a classic case of a useful object that rarely gets the design attention it deserves.

The Note Clip by Studio17 Design for Joseph Joseph flips that script in a way that’s both playful and genuinely useful. This isn’t just another bag clip; it’s a multi-functional kitchen tool that brings organization, communication, and a dash of color to your daily routine. The Note Clip is designed to live out in the open, not hidden away, making it an everyday essential rather than a last resort.

Designer: Studio17 Design for Joseph Joseph

At first glance, the Note Clip stands out with its rounded, friendly shape and cheerful color options. The real innovation, though, is the dry-wipe writing face on the front. Paired with the included pen, this surface lets you jot down expiry dates, contents, or reminders right on the clip itself. When plans change, a quick wipe with a tissue gives you a blank slate for your next note.

The magnetic back is another thoughtful touch, allowing the Note Clip to stick to your fridge or freezer. Suddenly, your bag clip doubles as a message board, shopping list holder, or meal planner. The integrated pen holder at the top means you’re never scrambling for something to write with, and the whole setup stays visible and ready for action.

Of course, the Note Clip still does what a bag clip should, sealing bags tightly with a robust spring mechanism and wide jaws. The design is compact but strong, with a comfortable grip that makes it easy to use, even for kids or anyone with limited dexterity. You can stand it upright on a counter or shelf, or keep it on the fridge for quick access.

That said, the real magic happens when you start using the Note Clip as part of your kitchen routine. Label leftovers with the day they need to be eaten, plan out meals for the week, or leave a reminder for your housemates about what’s running low. It’s a simple way to reduce food waste and keep everyone on the same page, all without adding clutter or complexity.

You’ll notice how this design turns a humble kitchen accessory into something you actually want to use and display. The Note Clip proves that even the most overlooked objects can become everyday essentials with a little creativity and thoughtful design. It’s a reminder that the best kitchen tools aren’t always the flashiest; they’re the ones that make life a little easier, one note at a time.

The post Ingenious Simple Note Clips Turn Kitchen Clutter into Clever Organization first appeared on Yanko Design.

In the rolling hills of New York’s Hudson Valley, a striking cedar-clad cube emerges from the forest canopy like a modernist beacon. This is “House on a Hill,” a remarkable architectural achievement that represents both personal vision and professional innovation from FORMA Architects, the New York-based firm founded by Miroslava Brooks and Daniel Markiewicz.

What began as a dream of weekend escape became a five-year journey of architectural evolution. The story starts with two friends and business partners who found themselves renting in New York City during the pandemic, yearning for a sanctuary beyond the urban sprawl. Brooks and Markiewicz purchased a nine-acre wooded lot in Hillsdale, placing their distinctive cube house squarely in the center of a natural clearing, two hours north of Manhattan.

Designer: FORMA Architects

The path to completion was anything but straightforward. Originally envisioning a larger structure, the architects faced the harsh realities of soaring construction costs and labor shortages brought on by the pandemic. Rather than compromise their vision, they embraced the challenge, spending two years developing entirely new house plans before settling on their final design.

The resulting structure exemplifies FORMA’s signature approach: deliberate architectural planning combined with typological exploration and a touch of whimsy. Standing on a modest 700-square-foot footprint, the house maximizes space through clever vertical design, minimizing foundation costs while maintaining both livability and aesthetic appeal.

The exterior presents as a perfect cube, its cedar cladding naturally weathering to blend with the surrounding forest hues. Strategic incisions in the building envelope create a dynamic interplay of orthogonal and oblique lines, establishing a dialogue between the man-made structure and its natural environment. These carefully planned openings frame views of the surrounding woodland while flooding the interior with natural light.

The House on a Hill represents more than just weekend accommodation; it embodies a new model of shared domesticity and sustainable living. Born from the architects’ desire to address both the economic challenges of homeownership and their need for a deeper connection with nature, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can create maximum impact with minimal environmental footprint.

The vertical layout maximizes the relationship between interior and exterior spaces, with each level offering different perspectives on the surrounding landscape. The compact design reduces both construction costs and ongoing environmental impact, proving that architectural ambition need not require expansive square footage.

Completed in 2025, the House on a Hill stands as a testament to the power of architectural vision combined with practical problem-solving. It showcases FORMA’s ability to create spaces that are simultaneously rational and magical, grounded in reality yet inspiring wonder.

The post This Perfect Cedar Cube In Hudson Valley Delivers Ultimate Weekend Living first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most robot vacuums beg for your forgiveness with their awkward, boxy presence, but the Roborock Qrevo CurvX asks for a place in your home like a well-chosen piece of furniture. It enters the conversation not just as another appliance, but as a statement on what home technology should be. With its softly arched silhouette and a philosophy that puts people, not just specifications, at the forefront, the Qrevo CurvX is engineered to disappear into your life, not just your room corners. It feels like the robot vacuum for those who think about how form and emotion, not just about function.

The design philosophy behind the CurvX is described with terms like “surface tension” and “soft architecture,” which sounds more like a museum exhibit than a home appliance. Looking at the unit, you can see what they mean. The docking station abandons the rigid, tower-like structure of its peers for a continuous, fluid curve that houses the water tanks and dustbin. It’s a quiet, elegant form that flows seamlessly into a living space, looking less like a piece of machinery and more like a minimalist sculpture. This is a direct response to a world where smart devices are often cold, visually intrusive objects. By embracing a rounded silhouette and muted tones, Roborock seems to be asking a fundamental question: how should a piece of technology feel when it lives with you? The answer, apparently, is that it should feel like it belongs.

Designer: Roborock

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This thinking goes deeper than just aesthetics, reflecting a core principle of humanistic design and “soft technology.” The idea here is that the machine should adapt to the human, not the other way around. It’s a philosophy born from asking how a device can respect the emotional and cultural rhythm of a home. This translates into tangible features that reduce the friction between you and the technology. The CurvX operates with a brushless motor and optimized hardware that significantly cut down on noise, making it a quiet collaborator rather than a noisy servant that interrupts your conversations or concentration. The fully automated dock is another manifestation of this warmth; by handling nearly all the dirty work of emptying, washing, and drying, it removes the mental and physical burden of maintenance. It’s a thoughtful approach where the technology aims to be considerate, anticipating needs and fading into the background, allowing you to simply enjoy a clean space without constantly tending to the machine that creates it.

Of course, a beautiful object that fails at its primary job is just an expensive paperweight. While the Qrevo CurvX speaks in soft aesthetic tones, it performs with absolute confidence. Beneath that sculptural exterior lies a flagship-level cleaning system that seems to address nearly every common complaint about robot vacuums. The power behind the operation is its 22,000Pa HyperForce suction system. That number might sound abstract, but for context, it represents a level of force capable of lifting dirt and allergens from deep within carpet fibers, a task where many lesser robots struggle. It’s the kind of power that translates to a visibly cleaner floor, not just a surface-level tidy up.

This raw power is channeled through a cleverly designed Dual Anti-Tangle System. Anyone who has ever owned a robot vacuum, especially with pets or long-haired family members, knows the tedious ritual of flipping the robot over to cut away a tangled mess of hair from the brush roll. The CurvX system uses a unique split-brush design that works to prevent hair from wrapping in the first place, directing it straight into the dustbin. This is one of those quality-of-life features that transforms the ownership experience from one of constant maintenance to one of genuine automation. The robot just works, leaving you to do anything else.

Mopping has also received a significant upgrade. The system uses dual spinning mop pads that scrub floors with consistent pressure, a far more effective method than simply dragging a wet cloth around. What truly sets it apart, however, is its intelligent auto-mop lifting capability. When the robot detects it is moving from a hard floor to a carpet or rug, it lifts its mop pads by a full 10 millimeters. This small action is a huge deal; it prevents the robot from dragging a wet, dirty mop across your carpets, allowing it to vacuum and mop an entire mixed-surface floor plan in a single, uninterrupted run.

The intelligence extends to the Multifunctional Dock 3.0 Thermo+, which is the brains and pit crew of the entire operation. After a cleaning run, the robot returns to the dock, which automatically empties the robot’s dustbin into a larger bag. It then washes the spinning mop pads with 176°F (80°C) hot water to dissolve grime and kill bacteria, followed by a hot air-drying cycle to prevent mildew and odors (based on testing carried out by TUV Rheinland on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli under default self-cleaning mode, over 99.99% of bacteria or the spinning mops are effectively removed). It even refills the robot’s onboard water tank for the next mopping session. This comprehensive self-maintenance cycle means user interaction is reduced to occasionally changing the dock’s water and dust bag, pushing the system much closer to a true set-it-and-forget-it reality.

Two of the most innovative features are the ones you can’t immediately see. The first is the industry-first AdaptiLift Chassis. This system allows the robot to physically lift its own body to clear obstacles like tall thresholds between rooms, a common barrier that can trap other robots. Observers have noted this gives the CurvX an impressive ability to navigate complex homes without getting stuck. The second is its RetractSense Navigation System, which includes a FlexiArm side brush. On most round robots, cleaning corners and edges is a persistent weakness. The CurvX’s side brush can dynamically extend outwards, actively reaching into corners and along baseboards to sweep debris into the path of the main brushes, ensuring a more thorough clean where it matters most.

All of this hardware is guided by a sophisticated brain. The Reactive AI 3.0 Obstacle Recognition uses a forward-facing camera and structured light to identify and avoid common household objects, identifying up to 108 types of obstacles. It builds a detailed map of your home, allowing for customized cleaning schedules, no-go zones, and room-specific settings, all controlled through a user-friendly app. At just 3.14 inches (7.98 cm) tall, its ultra-slim profile lets it glide under low furniture, cleaning the hidden spaces that are often missed. It all comes together to create a machine that is not just powerful, but also perceptive and respectful of its environment. The Roborock Qrevo CurvX doesn’t ask you to choose between a clean home and a beautiful one; it offers both, proving that cleanliness isn’t just about a dust-free floor, it’s about an aesthetic home too.

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The post Get Ready For Humanism-inspired Robot Vacuums That Blend Into Your Home Decor first appeared on Yanko Design.

If you’re a fan of beautifully designed appliances, the BØYD espresso machine concept from NYZE Studio is sure to catch your eye. This striking espresso maker isn’t available just yet, but it brings a fresh vision to what home coffee brewing could look like. With a blend of architectural flair and everyday functionality, the BØYD concept turns the idea of an espresso machine into a sculptural centerpiece for any modern kitchen.

At first glance, the BØYD espresso machine concept commands attention with its bold, minimalist form. NYZE Studio has taken a less-is-more approach, stripping away unnecessary details for pure geometric lines and smooth curves. The result is an appliance that feels more like a piece of modern art than a traditional coffee maker, inviting you to imagine it as a statement piece on your countertop.

Designer Name: NYZE Studio

But the BØYD isn’t just about aesthetics. Even as a concept, its design is rooted in thoughtful ergonomics and user experience. The handle is perfectly arched for a natural grip, and the simple interface means you won’t be fumbling with a dozen buttons before your first cup. It’s easy to picture how this machine would simplify your morning routine, making coffee preparation intuitive rather than overwhelming.

One of the standout features of the BØYD concept is its smart use of space. The compact footprint is ideal for contemporary kitchens, where counter space is precious. Despite its small size, the design suggests it could deliver all the performance you’d expect from a high-end espresso machine. The clean layout keeps everything within reach, supporting a smooth workflow whether you’re making a quick single shot or brewing for guests.

Material choices are another highlight of the concept. NYZE Studio’s renderings show a blend of brushed metal and matte surfaces, creating a refined contrast that’s both modern and warm. This tactile approach not only looks inviting but hints at a satisfying experience each time you interact with the machine. There’s a sense of timelessness in the BØYD’s design. Many espresso machines chase passing trends, but this concept feels like it could fit seamlessly into any era or kitchen style. It’s easy to imagine it aging gracefully, becoming a fixture that you look forward to using day after day.

For coffee lovers who appreciate both form and function, the BØYD espresso machine concept is a refreshing take on home brewing. It’s a vision that understands the ritual of making coffee, offering a seamless blend of tactile pleasure and visual delight. While it remains a concept for now, it’s exciting to think about how designs like this could shape the future of espresso at home.

The post Espresso machine concept is a minimalist design for the modern coffee lover first appeared on Yanko Design.

Functional greenery is reshaping interior design by integrating nature with utility. These innovative products incorporate live plants into everyday items such as lighting, furniture, room dividers, and wall art that enhance form and function. Beyond their aesthetic design, these designs promote well-being, improve air quality, and support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Let’s explore how these biophilic product designs enrich modern environments with greenery that is both functional and beautiful.

1. Nature-Infused Furniture Design

Furniture integrated with planters beautifully merges function with nature, transforming ordinary pieces into living, breathing design elements. Tables with built-in planters, benches with herb gardens, and sofas with plant pockets invite greenery directly into our everyday routines. These designs not only save space but also infuse a biophilic vibe into the home or office décor.

Beyond visual aesthetics, such multifunctional furniture promotes a healthier indoor environment by improving air quality and encouraging a deeper connection to nature. It redefines the role of plants in interior design, which is a step beyond decorative add-ons.

Designer Pei-Ju Wu’s Oasis is a clever fusion of planter, lamp, and a primary working table that is integrated into one sophisticated piece of furniture for the modern home. It serves as a functional workstation while bringing greenery and soft lighting into your everyday environment. Water is poured through a central funnel on the tabletop, which channels it to the soil below. Through capillary action, plants naturally absorb moisture, while excess water flows to a hidden tray and evaporates back into the air.

An LED strip built into the planting area provides essential light, controlled by a timer to support plant growth and also serve as ambient or task lighting. The foliage drapes gracefully like a living tablecloth, adding a calming presence to your workspace. Finished in dark grey with a green-tinted glass top, Oasis transforms nature into a design statement, where furniture and greenery coexist beautifully in one purposeful, multi-use creation.

2. Greenery Lit with Purpose

The innovative fusion of lighting and plants in contemporary design is reshaping indoor greenery. Once limited to greenhouse settings, grow lights are now incorporated into everyday items such as lamps, shelves, and wall installations. These integrated lighting solutions provide the necessary spectrum for photosynthesis, allowing plants to grow and flourish indoors, even in areas with limited natural light or during darker seasons.

Beyond functionality, integrated lighting highlights the natural beauty of greenery, turning plants into living focal points. Whether used in workspaces, homes, or public interiors, this fusion of light and nature enhances ambience, supports wellness, and brings a calming, biophilic presence into our built environments.

LUMISO is a thoughtfully designed indoor planter that combines smart functionality with elegant design. Equipped with integrated grow-lights that replicate the full solar spectrum, it ensures your herbs, greens, and small plants receive the optimal balance of light and UV rays needed for healthy growth. Ideal for homes with limited outdoor access, LUMISO takes the challenge out of indoor gardening by providing consistent, plant-friendly lighting year-round, even during low-light winter months.

Beyond its role as a planter, LUMISO also functions as a stylish desk lamp. Emitting cool and warm light, it creates a pleasant ambience while supporting your plants. A simple button at the base activates the grow-light, and the bulbs are easily replaceable, ensuring long-term use. Compact and versatile, LUMISO fits seamlessly on desks, countertops, or windowsills, making it the perfect addition for plant lovers who want to integrate greenery and light into their modern living spaces.

3. Green Space Separators

Plant dividers are versatile design features that blend natural greenery with space definition and offer a serene and stylish way to separate areas within open-plan interiors. Whether in homes, offices, cafés, or studios, these green partitions break up large spaces without feeling heavy or intrusive. They bring in natural texture, cleaner air, and a biophilic presence that softens modern interiors.

Beyond their visual appeal, these dividers serve important practical purposes that provide privacy, reduce ambient noise, and support focus in shared environments. They help establish subtle boundaries between zones like workstations, dining areas, or lounge spaces, while maintaining an open, airy feel.

The Limbus GreenFrame by Kauppi & Kauppi for Glimakra of Sweden is a thoughtfully designed, multifunctional piece of office furniture that brings greenery, light, and privacy into modern workspaces. Crafted from minimalist ash wood, the rectangular frame functions as a floor screen divider, plant holder, and lighting fixture all in one. It holds up to three potted plants and features integrated LED lighting along the top, designed to support plant growth indoors, especially in low-light conditions or during the winter months.

Beyond aesthetics, the GreenFrame enhances office acoustics and visual comfort. The plants naturally absorb and diffuse sound, creating quieter, more focused zones within open-plan offices. For greater acoustic control, the frame can be fitted with a sound-absorbing board in place of the plants. Precision CNC-milling hides the power cables and adapter, keeping the design clean and seamless. The Limbus GreenFrame is more than a divider as it is a living element that nurtures wellbeing and productivity indoors.

4. Garden-inspired Wallscapes

Botanical Wallscapes transform living plants into interesting wall art, blending nature with design to create dynamic, ever-changing displays. By using vertical planters, mounted frames, or modular panels, these green installations bring life and texture to otherwise flat walls. Whether composed of cascading ferns, succulents, moss, or flowering species, they add a natural focal point to homes, offices, or public spaces.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these living artworks purify air, improve indoor humidity, and introduce a calming, biophilic element to interiors. Customizable in size, shape, and plant selection, Botanical Wallscapes offer a beautiful, sustainable way to merge art, wellness, and greenery.

Gromeo is a compact, self-sustaining living wall system designed by Habitat Horticulture to bring the joy of gardening into modern urban homes. Ideal for apartments with limited space or light, Gromeo comes fully planted with greenery specifically selected to thrive in your home’s unique light conditions, whether you have bright windows or none at all. It features a one-gallon built-in water reservoir and uses Growtex’s water-efficient wicking technology, allowing plants to absorb moisture through capillary action and stay hydrated for up to three weeks without any electrical or plumbing setup.

Made from sustainably sourced maple wood and recycled materials, Gromeo is as eco-conscious as it is stylish. It comes ready to install with mounting hardware and drywall anchors for easy setup. The system offers different plant palettes, from low-light-loving ferns and palms to sun-seeking cacti and grasses. With minimal maintenance and a clean, natural aesthetic, Gromeo makes indoor gardening effortless, accessible, and beautifully integrated into any living space.

5. Botanical Sculptural Accents

Plants can play multifunctional roles in home décor when integrated into sculptural accessories like vases, fish tanks, candle holders, and picture frames. These hybrid objects combine function with greenery, transforming everyday items into living design statements. A vase may double as a planter, a fish tank can become a lush underwater garden, and picture frames or candle holders can host small succulents or moss, adding organic texture to flat surfaces.

These plant-infused designs bring nature indoors in subtle yet creative ways, improving air quality and ambience. They offer a harmonious blend of utility, beauty, and biophilic charm for modern interiors.

AQUA is a thoughtfully designed multifunctional aquarium that redefines the traditional fish tank by integrating sculptural aesthetics, plant display, and aquatic habitat into one cohesive unit. With its clean, geometric form and refined material finishes, AQUA blends into modern interiors, serving not only as a functional home for aquatic life but also as a sculptural accessory that enhances the overall décor. It offers a sophisticated alternative to conventional tanks, which often disrupt the visual harmony of a space. Most importantly, AQUA is engineered to maintain an optimal and healthy environment for fish, ensuring its elegant form does not compromise function.

Available in a variety of sizes, proportions, and finishes, AQUA is adaptable to diverse interior styles and spatial needs. Its artistic presence makes it an eye-catching element in any room, while its built-in plant feature adds a touch of greenery.

By merging form and function, these planter-integrated designs bring nature indoors in creative, space-saving ways. They offer more than just visual appeal as they support healthier living and connect us to the calming presence of greenery in our daily environments.

The post Top 5 Biophilic Product Designs To Adapt Functional Greenery for Wellness and Style first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Kickstarter kitchen gadget scene has been flooded with “smart” devices that promise to revolutionize home cooking, but most end up being overpriced versions of things we already have. Air fryers with apps, pressure cookers with Bluetooth, ovens with touchscreens. They’re fine, but they’re incremental improvements at best. The Agari AI Cooker breaks that mold entirely by combining multiple cooking methods into something that’s genuinely different from anything else on your counter.

Agari feels like a fair amount of overkill when compared to your regular oven, but then again, microwaves were fairly overkill when they launched too. However, it’s been half a century since microwaves became a thing, and now the new buzzword is AI. Agari, however, doesn’t use AI the way you expect it to. It performs a quick 3D scan of your food to judge its size, shape, and even understand what the food is, using AI. It then automatically executes a two-stage cooking process that mimics what high-end restaurants do but with zero input from you. It pressure-cooks at precise temperatures (often around 84°C for vegetables, or 50-65°C for meats) to get that edge-to-edge doneness you’d expect from sous vide, then instantly transitions to a 285°C (550°F) sear that delivers a perfect crust in under a minute. The result is restaurant-quality reverse searing without the skill, timing, or multiple pieces of equipment that process normally requires.

Designer: David Velan

Click Here to Buy Now: $699 $1099 ($400 off). Hurry, only 121/200 left! Raised over $847,000.

The technical approach is what separates Agari from the pack. Traditional reverse searing involves cooking something low and slow in an oven, then finishing it with high heat on a grill or cast iron pan. It’s a technique that produces incredible results, but it requires you to monitor temperatures, time the transitions perfectly, and have the experience to know when each stage is done. Agari automates all of that decision-making by using 3D scanning to detect the food’s type, shape, thickness, and starting temperature. The AI processes this data and calculates the exact cooking time and temperature needed for both stages.

The pressure cooking element is crucial here because it’s what allows Agari to achieve sous vide-like results without the plastic bags and water baths. By cooking under pressure at that precise 84°C temperature, it locks in moisture while cooking faster than traditional sous vide methods. The double-wall design is equally important because it enables the device to transition from gentle pressure cooking to intense searing heat in under a minute, something that would be impossible with a standard oven or even most combi units.

This isn’t just about steaks, either. Agari’s approach works particularly well for vegetables, which are notoriously difficult to get right at home. The precision low-temp cooking followed by that 285°C sear creates vegetables with a crispy exterior and tender interior, the kind of texture that requires serious technique when done manually. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, even thick asparagus benefit from this treatment in ways that simple roasting or steaming can’t match.

Agari essentially combines five different cooking methods: it has the precision of a sous vide circulator, the speed of a pressure cooker, the convection capabilities of a fan oven, the low-temperature control of a smoker, and the high-heat finishing power of a salamander broiler. Most home cooks would need separate devices and considerable skill to coordinate all these elements. Agari does it automatically based on what it sees when it scans your food.

The device appeals to different types of cooks for different reasons. For experienced home cooks, it eliminates the guesswork and timing challenges of manual reverse searing while delivering more consistent results than they could achieve by hand. For novice cooks, it provides access to advanced techniques without requiring any knowledge of temperature curves, resting times, or searing methods. You literally put food in, press a button, and get results that would normally require years of practice to achieve consistently.

The automation aspect goes beyond simple presets. Most “smart” cooking devices still require you to select what you’re cooking, how thick it is, or what doneness you want. Agari’s 3D scanning removes even those decisions. It identifies what you’ve put inside and makes all the calculations automatically. The AI component isn’t marketing fluff; it’s actually doing the work of analyzing the food and determining optimal cooking parameters based on physical characteristics rather than user input.

Beyond the technology, Agari addresses the practical realities of modern life. For busy professionals and parents, it offers genuine time savings. You can place food inside, press one button, and walk away without monitoring, flipping, or stressing about timing. This convenience helps families reduce their reliance on restaurant meals and takeout, which costs the average family thousands per year. It also tackles the challenge of getting kids to eat healthier; the perfectly crispy-yet-tender vegetables it produces can win over picky eaters, and the low-temperature pressure cooking preserves more vitamins and minerals than traditional high-heat methods.

Unlike the Dreo ChefMaker or Anova Precision Oven, which rely on precise dry heat, Agari uses pressure to accelerate low-temperature cooking before searing. This pressure-assisted approach significantly reduces cooking time compared to methods like sous vide, which can take hours, while maintaining the same moisture retention. The device is built around reverse searing, but its hardware and AI make this single technique accessible to anyone and applicable to all proteins and vegetables.

What’s particularly interesting is how Agari democratizes a technique typically reserved for high-end restaurants. Reverse searing requires a mastery of heat management and timing that most home cooks struggle with. Agari removes that barrier, promising Guga-quality steaks every time without the collection of paraphernalia and slow B-roll footage.

Agari is designed to fit into most kitchens without dominating the counter space. At 19.9″ L × 14.4″ W × 16″ H, it’s roughly the size of a large microwave. The 10-inch diameter cooking chamber with 8.4-inch depth provides dual cooking levels, so you can handle multiple items or larger cuts. The 1500-1800W power requirement works with standard North American outlets, though a 2400W option will be available for homes with 20-amp kitchen circuits. The device operates across a wide temperature range of 110°F to 550°F (43°C to 299°C) with fast transitions between those extremes.

For the nerds, the AI technology uses dual 3D cameras with food recognition algorithms, controlled through a built-in 7-inch tablet interface. The 15 PSI pressure system handles the low-temperature cooking phase, while a 3-liter internal water reservoir means no plumbing connections are required. At 41 pounds, it’s substantial but not unmovable, and the food-grade stainless steel cooking chamber should handle daily use without issues. Wi-Fi connectivity enables app integration and firmware updates, keeping the device current as the AI algorithms improve.

The device represents a noticeable shift toward true cooking automation rather than just connected appliances. Instead of adding remote monitoring or voice commands, it actively reduces the steps you need to take. It’s a fundamentally different philosophy from most smart kitchen devices, which tend to add features rather than remove complexity. The Agari handles the ‘thinking’ before the cooking, and for seasoned chefs, the app still promises granular control to fine-tune custom cooking algorithms.

For anyone serious about home cooking but frustrated by the time, skill, or equipment barriers to achieving restaurant-quality results, Agari offers a compelling solution. It won’t replace every cooking method, but for the specific technique it’s designed around, it delivers results that most home cooks simply can’t achieve manually. That focused approach, combined with genuinely innovative automation, makes it one of the more interesting kitchen devices to emerge in years.

Agari is currently available through Kickstarter with early bird pricing starting around $699 for backers, with retail pricing expected to be significantly higher once the campaign ends. The device is scheduled to ship globally in late 2025, with black and yellow color options available initially and four additional colors planned.

Click Here to Buy Now: $699 $1099 ($400 off). Hurry, only 121/200 left! Raised over $847,000.

The post RIP Sous Vide… This AI-Powered Oven Can Precisely Reverse-Sear And Slow-Cook Anything first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most tiny homes cram living spaces into predictable layouts, but one Romanian company decided to turn that concept literally upside down. The Tiny Getaway by Eco Tiny House is a compact dwelling that’s redefining how we think about small space living through its innovative “upside-down” layout, proving that sometimes the best solutions come from breaking conventional wisdom.

What sets the Tiny Getaway apart from countless other tiny homes flooding the market isn’t just its compact 7.2-meter footprint—it’s the bold decision to flip traditional home design on its head. While most tiny homes follow conventional layouts with bedrooms tucked into lofts and living spaces anchored to the ground floor, the Tiny Getaway places the living room upstairs and situates the primary bedroom below.

Designer: Eco Tiny House

Family-Focused Functionality

This reverse approach isn’t merely a design gimmick. The elevated living space creates an airy, open feel that makes the 23.7-foot structure feel significantly larger than its modest dimensions suggest. The upstairs lounge doubles as an office space, addressing the growing need for flexible work-from-home environments that many tiny home dwellers require.

Unlike many tiny homes designed primarily for couples or solo adventurers, the Tiny Getaway specifically targets families. The dual-gallery design provides separate sleeping areas for parents and children—a crucial feature often overlooked in the tiny house movement. This thoughtful separation addresses one of the most common complaints about tiny living: the lack of privacy.

The home’s kitchen comes fully equipped with modern amenities, including an induction cooktop, oven, sink, and dishwasher, proving that downsizing doesn’t mean sacrificing convenience. An optional deck extends the living space outdoors, effectively doubling the home’s functional area when weather permits.

Eco Tiny House has positioned itself as more than a manufacturer—they’re sustainability advocates. Founded in 2017, the company describes itself as a “holistic solution provider” focused on creating homes that minimize environmental impact while maximizing livability. The Tiny Getaway represents their flagship achievement, now in its third generation after continuous refinement based on customer feedback and real-world testing.

Sustainable Success Story

The exterior combines thermally treated ayous wood with steel construction and a sloping metal roof, creating a structure that’s both aesthetically pleasing and built to last. This attention to materials reflects a broader industry shift toward quality over quantity in the tiny house market.

The Tiny Getaway proves that successful tiny home design requires more than just shrinking a traditional house. It demands reimagining how spaces function, flow, and serve the people who inhabit them. In an era of housing uncertainty, solutions like the Tiny Getaway offer hope that thoughtful design can create comfortable, sustainable homes regardless of size.

The post The Tiny Getaway: How An Upside-Down Design Is Revolutionizing Small Space Living first appeared on Yanko Design.

Taiwan is facing two significant environmental challenges: the persistent problem of plastic waste and the limitations of industrially biodegradable plastics like PLA, which require specialized facilities for decomposition. As calls for more natural, truly biodegradable materials grow louder, the re-ing Bamboo Fiber Plates project by DOT Design Co Ltd stands out as a refreshing solution.

Unlike traditional tableware made from plastic or even PLA, re-ing Bamboo Fiber Plates are crafted entirely from 100% plastic-free bamboo fiber. Bamboo is a remarkable material for several reasons. It grows quickly, reaching maturity in just six years without the need for pesticides. This makes it a highly renewable resource. Additionally, bamboo naturally possesses antibacterial properties and impressive structural stability, making it ideal for food-related uses.

Designer Name: DOT Design Co Ltd

The design of these plates goes beyond just sustainability. Each piece features a diamond-patterned surface that not only enhances durability but also makes stacking simple and space-saving. The use of natural, food-grade pigments brings a soft, refined texture to the tableware. These pigments give the plates a welcoming look that fits in beautifully with both casual meals and more sophisticated settings. The collection’s round and oval shapes strike a balance between practicality and visual charm, catering to modern tastes and everyday needs.

By focusing on bamboo fiber, the project is taking an important step in reducing the use of mixed plastics and problematic PLA materials. The goal is to encourage more sustainable consumption habits and to set a new standard for contemporary tableware. Every plate used helps lower our dependence on plastics, eases the strain on landfills, and brings sustainability into our daily routines in a tangible way.

The re-ing Bamboo Fiber Plates are the result of a close collaboration between Taiwan’s top bamboo material manufacturers and experts in sustainable design. This initiative is about much more than a single product as it represents a platform for the circular economy, connecting industrial production, innovative design, and consumer awareness. By creating a closed loop where materials are thoughtfully sourced, designed, used, and eventually returned to nature, the project is making a real impact.

Looking ahead, the vision for re-ing extends far beyond bamboo or even Taiwan. The team hopes to adapt and expand this circular design approach by using other regional, plant-based resources around the world. While bamboo is the starting point, this innovation could evolve into a global movement, inspiring new lifestyle choices rooted in sustainability and respect for diverse culinary cultures.

The post Plates made from bamboo fiber brings sustainability to your table first appeared on Yanko Design.