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Two separate but complementary design movements have given birth to a new furniture market. The minimalist design trend embraced simpler shapes and structures, making DIY or do-it-yourself furniture more accepted than ever. But even flat-packed furniture has started to sway to the opposite side, adding to the complexity of not just the design but the assembly of these products. While that definitely has some aesthetic appeal, it came with the price that such furniture was comfortable and flexible, especially when it comes to moving from place to place. With the transition from lockdown trends to the migration crisis, a group of Ukrainian designers set out to create a set that goes back to the roots of flat-packed furniture, putting the focus back on simplicity, portability and easy self-assembly.
Designer: YourForRest
“Simple” doesn’t have to mean boring. Combining simple shapes can result in interesting forms that are as pleasing to the eye as complex curves or crossing lines. However, the simplicity of this furniture collection is not only in the optics. The more important feature of simplicity is the patented fastening system which, unlike other DIY furniture, makes it easy to put pieces together without nails or screws.
“Lightness” is the dominant theme of this set, as the name suggests. The EasyStory collection consists of six products that can stand alone or complement each other. They are easy to assemble and pleasing to the eye, but they also feature non-trivial shapes like arcs and curves. That said, there are no hidden tricks or compartments for each piece, with all of its features and spaces easy for anyone to see.
EasyBed is a low bed that perfectly matches the low EasyTray. Likewise, EasyDesk is an uncomplicated work surface that you can use together with the EasySeat stool. EasyHanger is an open cabinet with space for shoes below and other items above, while EasyTable is a single-layer side table with horizontal bars crossing its legs to give it a more interesting silhouette. All six parts are made of natural ash wood and coated with a matte water-based varnish.
The EasyStory furniture collection uses an overlap of horizontal and vertical pieces to create its various forms and it is this simple design that helps make it more understandable and accessible. More than just its static form, however, the design places great emphasis on ease of assembly and transport, two essential qualities when people are constantly on the move, such as when evacuating their homes due to disasters or wars.
