Wood may be one of the most ubiquitous materials in furniture design, but in the hands of Haoming Li, it becomes a limitless canvas for personal expression. In her latest trio of collections for hm-LI Studio, Li reimagines this humble material through three distinctive lenses: the precision and fluidity of bent wood construction in the Weaving Chair Series, the calligraphy-inspired elegance of the Le Sourire Chair, and the interplay of curves and grid patterns in the Curl Cabinet Series. Each piece transforms wood into a storytelling medium, showcasing how creativity can breathe new life into even the most familiar materials.
Whether it’s a chair, stool, or cabinet, Li’s designs are deeply personal, rooted in her background, heritage, or even the mundane moments of everyday life. The Weaving Chair Series, for instance, was inspired by an unexpected moment: folding and playing with a receipt while waiting in line. “This idea of transforming flatness into volume became the core of the piece,” Li explains. “I believe that design should be approachable yet profound, allowing people to feel a sense of connection with the piece.”
Crafted using bent wood construction and a unique mortise-and-tenon joinery system, the Weaving Chair invites intimate interaction, as users assemble the piece themselves before use. Its design also pays homage to Li’s Eastern roots, embodying the Chinese concept of “枨” (a traditional furniture structural element). Available in a variety of finishes and forms – including dining chairs, benches, and stools in both adult and children’s sizes, the Weaving Chair has already won a prestigious Red Dot Award 2024 for its innovative design.
The Le Sourire Chair Series also draws from Li’s cultural heritage, highlighting the elegance and artistry of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. The chair’s fluid, organic forms echo the graceful brushstrokes of calligraphy, with lines tapering into delicate ends that mimic the lift of a brush. Silk, a revered material in ancient China for its strength and refinement, also inspired the chair’s folded curves, imbuing it with a sense of timeless sophistication.
To achieve the seamless connection between the backrest and seat, Li utilized CNC solid wood carving technology, creating a gravity-defying “floating” effect that lends a lightness to the solid wood construction. The chairs are available with high backs for support, as well as lower backed or backless options that can serve as benches or side tables. Offered in a range of finishes, including the traditional Chinese lacquer, the Le Sourire Chair Series bridges past and present through its expressive form.
Continuing her exploration of wood forms, Li’s Curl Cabinet Series combines curved surfaces with a woven grid pattern. Designed with modularity in mind, the collection adapts to any space, offering configurations that range from expansive sideboards to compact bedside tables. Multi-directional doors enhance user interaction and provide flexible storage solutions. With its subtle curves of the door fronts and the modern grid detailing, the Curl Cabinet Series transforms into a striking focal point in any room.
Through her collections, Li demonstrates that her designs are an expression of identity and experience. “For me, design is not just about form; it’s about creating something that resonates on a personal level,” she shares. “I draw a lot of inspiration from my upbringing and my experiences working in both large-scale architecture and intimate furniture design.” With the Weaving Chair, Le Sourire Chair, and Curl Cabinet Series, Li continues to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, crafting pieces that invite connection and reflection while redefining what wood furniture can be.
To learn about Haoming Li’s latest collections, visit hm-li.com.
Photography by hm-LI Studio via v2com.
