Cornice Stacking Stools Echo the Beauty of Japanese Shrines


Stools are multifunctional objects, superb for small areas and adaptable as further seating, a facet desk, or perhaps a plant stand. However after they are available in multiples and might’t be stacked? That’s after they grow to be extra of a burden than an answer. Tokyo-based designer Nao Iwamatsu seen this hole within the fashionable furnishings market: a stackable stool that might quietly match into refined areas. The designer shares that “such stools mustn’t solely be playful or charming but additionally refined sufficient to enrich elegant interiors.” Thus, Cornice was born.

Three wooden nesting stools stacked together on a light surface, showcasing a minimalist design with round tops and angular legs

Cornice is impressed by an East-meets-West second: the layered cornices present in Western structure and the rhythmic beams within the ceilings of Japanese temples and shrines. By itself, Cornice already options an architectural stepped design, however when stacked, the impact is amplified. The rhythm turns into sculptural, a quiet but commanding assertion that highlights the piece’s magnificence and craftsmanship. “We are sometimes moved by the intricate, repeating particulars present in structure,” Iwamatsu notes. “But, what actually captivates us is the artisans’ sensibility and breath of expertise embedded inside them.”

Close-up of a wooden round tabletop with legs. The wood has a natural, dark grain pattern. The focus is on the corner where the leg meets the table

Stacked wooden frames of varying sizes arranged in an overlapping pattern against a plain background. The frames are made of wood with visible grain patterns

Sustainability additionally performs a key position in Cornice. Every stool is produced from slender wooden offcuts. The legs, constructed from 13mm-thick picket items, are bolstered utilizing domino joints – including power whereas permitting for flat-pack transport. Whereas the prototype is crafted from teak, Iwamatsu notes that oak and different varieties of wooden can supply a equally refined presence.

Wooden table components on display, including four legs, a circular tabletop, and three screws, against a plain background

A modern wooden stool with a geometric design, featuring interlocking circular and linear elements. The wood has a rich, natural finish

As compact dwelling continues to outline city – and even suburban – life, well-designed, space-saving furnishings is changing into more and more vital. With Cornice, Iwamatsu proves that elegant design and small-space options don’t need to be mutually unique.

Optical illusion of three wooden beams, appearing interconnected with two on the left, forming an impossible shape, against a light gray background

A person in a beige sweater and black pants holds a small wooden stool. They are wearing green socks

Disassembled wooden table components with three rectangular legs, one circular top, and four metal screws on a white surface

Close-up of a wooden round tabletop with legs.

A minimalist wooden shelving unit with a light wood finish, featuring asymmetrical design and narrow vertical lines against a plain background

Close-up of overlapping modern wooden furniture pieces against a neutral background

A round wooden stool with three legs set against a plain light background

Close-up of a wooden table featuring a round top and angled, decorative legs, set against a plain, light background

To be taught extra about Cornice by Nao Iwamatsu, go to naoiwamatsu.com and comply with at @naoiwamatsu.

Images courtesy of Nao Iwamatsu.

Because the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessive about discovering methods to dwell effectively + with intention via design. She’s in all probability sharing what she finds over on Instagram tales. You too can discover her at vytranyang.com.