# Whimsical Smiling Stools Jaime Haydon’s Smile Stool is Playful and Minimalist By Kalin Ned | Published 2021-06-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smile-stool References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2021/03/23/smile-stool-jaime-hayon-benchmark-dezeen-showroom/) & [benchmarkfurniture](https://benchmarkfurniture.com/product/smile-stool/) It is not often that designers strike the perfect balance between [daring whimsicality and minimalist chic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hmli), however, the Smile Stool by Jaime Haydon is a perfect example of what happens when this equilibrium is struck. The piece is effortlessly functional while injecting a certain bright playfulness into the space it occupies. Moreover, it would fit perfectly in any home interior. Jaime Haydon designed the Smile Stool for UK brand [Benchmark](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/migo-chair) for its solid furniture collection. The piece is made out of high-quality American cherry wood. Moreover, the good-naturedness inherent in this design is also communicated in its form. For instance, Haydon strategically chose to work with “[rounded forms and a curved underside](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bubble-stool)” and this, in turn, added to a sensibility that makes the Smile Stools “inviting to touch.” Image Credit: Dezeen ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Minimalist Whimsy:** Designers can explore the potential to strike a balance between playful, whimsical styles and understated, minimalist aesthetics to inject personality into functional pieces. - **Curved Forms:** Incorporating curved and rounded forms into furniture design can add a tactile and inviting element. - **Natural Materials:** Utilizing high-quality, natural materials such as cherry wood can enhance both the aesthetic and functional value of furniture design. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Furniture:** Furniture designers and manufacturers can incorporate the elements of minimalist whimsy, curved forms, and natural materials into new and existing product lines. - **Home Decor:** Home decor brands can offer unique and playful pieces such as the Smile Stool to consumers looking to inject personality into their living spaces. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can use furniture like the Smile Stool to add personality and a tactile element to spaces, while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wheeled Bright Stumpy Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stump-stool-1.md) - [Visibly Undulating Stool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concave-stool.md) - [Highly Functional Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loki-stool.md) - [Ultra-Chic Minimalist Seating Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-seating-design.md) - [Colorful Dual-Purpose Stool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/s1-stool.md) - [Horse-Inspired Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-falabella-stool.md) - [Whimsical Stool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-design-review.md) - [Joyfully Inspired Multipurpose Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/girard-stool.md) - [Nature-Inspired Minimal Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capture-the-light.md)