# East-Meets-West-Inspired Layered Stools Nao Iwatmatsu Designs the Cornice Stools to Stack By Amy Duong | Published 2025-06-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cornice References: [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DHhLRVOz-ds/)  Tokyo-based designer Nao Iwamatsu has designed the Cornice stools after noticing that a stackable stool could not be found in a quiet way for refined spaces. It is inspired by a design which merges elements of the east and west: layered cornices. This is often found in Western architecture and in the beams of Japanese temples. The rhythm of this is sculptural when stacked, creating a sort of art statement in a space which highlights the product's elegance and premium build. Iwamatsu explains more on the Cornice chairs, “We are often moved by the intricate, repeating details found in architecture. “Yet, what truly captivates us is the artisans’ sensibility and breath of craftsmanship embedded within them.” Image Credit: Nao Iwamatsu ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 42% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hybrid Design Aesthetics:** Blending Eastern and Western design elements can redefine modern furniture aesthetics, appealing to global audiences seeking unique cultural amalgamation. - **Sculptural Functional Furniture:** Furniture that serves both utility and visual art transforms living spaces into curated environments, offering personalization through design. - **Artisanal Craft in Modular Seating:** Emphasizing craftsmanship in stackable furniture integrates art with practicality, catering to consumers valuing both function and aesthetic. ### Where This Applies - **Furniture Design:** Innovations in modular and hybrid design aesthetics can reshape consumer expectations and drive growth within the premium furniture sector. - **Home Decor:** The trend towards sculptural, art-like furniture pieces offers new opportunities for home decor companies to curate artistic living spaces. - **Architectural Interiors:** Drawing inspiration from architecture in furniture design can create seamless thematic integration within interior spaces, enhancing overall ambiance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fan-Shaped Stackable Stool Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stool-concept.md) - [Design-Forward Stackable Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stackable-stool.md) - [Stackable Cork-Like Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drum-stool-1.md) - [Multifaceted Geometric Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stackable-stools.md) - [Cultural Heritage-Inspired Stool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stool-design1.md) - [Highly Functional Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loki-stool.md) - [Sustainable Biophilic Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inspired-by-nature.md) - [Slitted Dynamic Stool Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/menow.md) - [Expressive Triple-Layer Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3ply-assemble-stool.md)