Most of the time, I’m not really particular when it comes to chair design. As long as I’m able to sit on it comfortably and am able to rest my weary body on it, I consider it a perfect piece of furniture. There are times though when the design idea behind it also plays a factor in judging a chair or stool, even though it may not look the easiest place to sit in.

Also, sometimes the best design ideas are the simplest ones. Zhang Wenhan’s UNO collection proves that point beautifully, and honestly, I can’t stop looking at these little sculptural stools. They’re like candy-colored mushrooms that somehow managed to win a Red Dot Award, and I’m completely here for it.

Designer: Zhang Wenhan

Here’s what makes UNO special: each piece is made from a single injection mould. One mould, one continuous form, no seams, no visible joints. Just a smooth, flowing shape that starts with a wide, stable base and tapers upward into a slightly tilted top surface. That little tilt isn’t just for looks, either. It’s a subtle ergonomic touch that makes these surprisingly comfortable to perch on while keeping that sculptural vibe intact.

The genius is in how uncomplicated everything is. We’re so used to furniture that requires assembly instructions, allen wrenches, and a weekend afternoon of frustration. UNO flips that script entirely. Each stool arrives as a complete, ready-to-use piece. No hardware, no fuss, no leftover screws you’re not quite sure what to do with. What really gets me excited is the color range. UNO comes in this perfectly curated palette that spans from soft, muted tones to bold, punchy hues. Think buttery yellows, dusty pinks, rich terracotta, and deep blues. The kind of colors that look sophisticated on their own but become genuinely playful when you start mixing them together. And that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do.

The whole concept revolves around modularity and personalization. You can grab a few in complementary shades for a cohesive look, or go wild and create a rainbow arrangement that brings instant energy to any room. Want to switch things up next season? Just rearrange them. Move them from the living room to the patio, cluster them by the entryway, or scatter them around a dining table for extra seating when friends come over.

Speaking of indoor-outdoor versatility, that’s another win for UNO. The clean silhouette and balanced proportions mean these stools look equally at home next to your mid-century modern sofa or on your balcony beside some potted plants. They harmonize with vibrant spaces without competing for attention, and they add a pop of personality to neutral rooms without overwhelming the palette. I love furniture that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still maintains a sense of sophistication. UNO nails that balance. There’s something inherently joyful about the shape, almost toy-like in the best possible way, but the proportions and execution keep it firmly in grown-up design territory. It’s the kind of piece that makes visitors smile and ask where you got it.

The injection moulding process is worth appreciating too. This manufacturing method allows for that seamless, monolithic quality that gives each stool its distinctive character. No visible construction, no parts that might loosen over time, just solid, reliable design that’ll look the same years from now as it does the day you bring it home. And can we talk about how these photograph? Every angle is good. That gradual taper creates interesting shadows and silhouettes, making UNO as much a design object as functional furniture. It’s the rare piece that works just as well as a sculptural accent when nobody’s sitting on it.

What Zhang Wenhan has created with UNO is refreshingly straightforward design that doesn’t sacrifice personality or versatility. In a world where we’re constantly told we need smart furniture with built-in charging ports and convertible configurations, there’s something deeply satisfying about a stool that’s just genuinely well-designed. One form, endless possibilities, zero complications. Whether you need extra seating, a side table, a plant stand, or just a pop of color in the corner, UNO adapts without requiring you to adapt to it. That’s the mark of truly thoughtful design, and it’s exactly why this collection deserves all the recognition it’s getting.

The post This One-Mold Stool Just Made Modular Furniture Playful Again first appeared on Yanko Design.