DOMO nature, co-founded in Paris in 2004 by Yu Hongquan and Yanan Lai, continues to position itself as a design voice shaped by both Eastern cultural thinking and contemporary spatial needs. Yanan Lai reflects on how the brand's philosophy extends beyond product design into a broader interpretation of lifestyle, materiality and cultural expression.
Rather than treating design as a purely functional exercise, DOMO nature frames it as a holistic spatial language that connects aesthetics, nature and individuality. This approach, rooted in what the founders describe as a sensitivity to materials and living environments, informs how the brand engages with both Chinese and European markets.
© DOMO Nature Yanai Lai, Co-founder of DOMO Nature
Integrated spatial thinking
For Yanan Lai, DOMO nature's foundation lies in an integrated understanding of space, where products are not isolated objects but part of a wider environmental composition. 'The design theme aims to bring nature, harmony, aesthetics, and a sense of independent individuality into every functional space,' she explains.
This thinking is closely tied to the brand's interpretation of Eastern cultural heritage. As Lai notes, 'We strive to express the intrinsic beauty of materials and adhere to an appropriate design approach to uphold the pursuit of ultimate beauty.' The emphasis is less on formal excess and more on restraint, balance and coherence across interiors.
The brand also positions itself as an early advocate of what it describes as integrated system design in China. 'DOMO nature is a pioneer in advocating and actively practicing the integrated system design concept,' says Lai, underlining how product development is linked to spatial continuity rather than standalone solutions.
© DOMO Nature
Material honesty and restraint
Materiality remains central to DOMO nature's design language, particularly its focus on natural surfaces and textures. The brand's approach is grounded in what Lai calls a respectful engagement with the resources it uses. 'DOMO nature has always adhered to the concept of green design, holding deep reverence for the materials bestowed by nature and the Earth,' she explains.
Rather than transforming materials into highly artificial finishes, the studio prioritises their inherent character. 'We emphasise the natural texture of materials and shape each one according to its inherent character,' Lai says. This process reflects a belief that design should reveal, rather than obscure, material authenticity.
She adds that this approach allows products to sit more comfortably within interiors over time. 'We aim to create works that perfectly complement the natural beauty and tonal quality of the materials themselves,' she notes, linking sustainability with long-term aesthetic relevance rather than short-term visual impact.
© DOMO Nature
Cultural identity in design
As DOMO nature expands into European markets, questions of identity and cultural positioning become more prominent. For Lai, the goal is not to translate Chinese design into European codes, but to maintain a consistent internal design language. 'We hope to present a brand from China that offers design-driven products for people who pursue a quality lifestyle,' she explains.
She is cautious about superficial cultural references in design. 'We firmly avoid deliberately attaching cultural labels to our work,' Lai says. 'Artificial, surface-level gestures cannot genuinely express respect for one's own culture.' Instead, the brand relies on what she describes as an internal design instinct.
This instinctive approach is framed as a kind of "mother tongue" in design expression. 'Using our mother tongue to express our understanding of contemporary life is what allows us to develop our unique identity in a globalised market,' Lai adds, suggesting that authenticity emerges through consistency rather than stylistic adaptation.
© DOMO Nature
Final perspective
Looking ahead, DOMO nature's ambitions in Europe centre on everyday relevance rather than symbolic presence. Lai describes a clear intention to integrate design into lived experience. 'We aim to bring our most life-oriented design products into the daily lives of European consumers,' she says.
The objective, she adds, is to create moments of resonance within different cultural contexts. 'We hope to infuse lifestyles with a distinctive sensibility and deliver a sense of surprise and delight,' Lai reflects. In doing so, DOMO nature positions design not as a statement, but as a quietly embedded part of contemporary living.
More information:
DOMO nature
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www.domonature.com
+86 10 643 227 11
+86 10 648 388 87
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