Billy Hietanen or @nudemodular has quickly carved out a niche for himself in the world of contemporary furniture design, thanks to his playful approach to modularity and a steadfast commitment to minimalism. Rooted in Melbourne and inspired by Scandinavian sensibilities, his wooden furniture is as functional as it is visually refined. Each piece is built from high-quality plywood and designed for effortless assembly—no screws required—inviting users to mix, match, and reconfigure components like building blocks.
This philosophy of adaptability means the furniture grows with you, easily evolving to meet changing needs or tastes. With a focus on personalized finishes and intuitive construction, his furniture feels as much like a creative toolkit as it does a refined addition to the home. Here, we have curated a collection of five unique and impressive wooden designs by Billy Hietanen – each furniture piece is simple, versatile, and yet blessed with enduring appeal.
1. Cube Concept
The Cube Concept is all about modular freedom and hands-on creativity. Each face clicks together with sleek locking clips, letting you build, stack, or remix cubes for side tables, shelves, or seating—whatever your space craves. Each section can be used to create multiple combinations of seating arrangements, so the possibilities feel endless. It’s Billy Hietanen’s answer to furniture that’s never static—think bold, geometric vibes designed to adapt as your style shifts.
The cube concept offers an open invitation to experiment. Those simple corner and straight clips are an open call to play—move, swap, or add on as your mood changes, and we can’t wait to see how he modifies it further. It’s a system made for modern living, where every piece is a blank canvas for your personality and a perfect representation of the quintessential ever-evolving, interactive ‘nude modular’ energy.
What we like
- Each cube section can be combined or rearranged for countless seating and storage configurations.
- The simple locking system encourages creativity, making it fun to experiment and personalize your layout.
What we dislike
- The concept is still in development, and as the design evolves, some features or attachment methods may change.
2. Butterfly Stool/Chair
The Butterfly Stool/Chair is a rather popular and iconic piece in Billy’s modular collection. It’s crafted from hot-pressed, 6-axis CNC-machined Euro birch plywood and finished with clear Osmo oil. The design features a 3D-printed PLA chair adapter, enhancing its playful versatility. Its form is inspired by a butterfly’s wings, with gently curving lines that give it a light, sculptural presence.
This stool is all about flexibility and simplicity. It’s constructed from just a few universal components, allowing users to reconfigure, stack, and personalize each piece to suit their needs, echoing Billy’s “Lego-like” philosophy for furniture. Stackability makes it a space-saving solution, while the exposed structural elements celebrate a Finnish-inspired, minimalist ethos. The Butterfly Stool/Chair is available in multiple finishes, made to order, and intended as a functional, elegant addition to any modern home.
What we like
- Features a highly versatile and modular form that can be easily reconfigured, stacked, or used in various combinations.
- The minimalist and sculptural aesthetic with a modern look that suits many interiors.
What we dislike
- Limited comfort for prolonged sitting.
3. Magnetic Everychair Prototype
The Magnetic Everychair brings next-level flexibility to furniture design. The rather unique-looking chair doesn’t seem to possess any legs, and in fact features two massive magnets on its back. These strong magnets allow the chair to be attached to any surface, offering a portable and adaptable seating arrangement no matter where you are. It’s a statement in mobility and modularity—ready to transform at a moment’s notice to suit your needs.
You can move it around on a whim, making it perfect for anyone who loves to refresh their space or needs adaptable seating for modern living. With exposed structural lines and a crisp, Scandinavian-inspired profile, the Magnetic Everychair looks sharp in any setting. It’s a true expression of Nude Modular’s interactive ethos—a seat that’s as fun to use as it is to look at, and always ready for change.
What we like
- The magnetic back allows the chair to attach to various surfaces and be moved or repositioned with ease, perfect for dynamic spaces.
- Its legless form and exposed structure give it a bold, modern look that stands out in any interior.
What we dislike
- The chair’s functionality depends on finding suitable metal surfaces for attachment.
- The lack of legs and traditional support might not suit everyone, especially for longer sitting sessions or users seeking classic ergonomics.
4. Chaos Stool/Chess Table
The Chaos Stool/Chess Table is a clever dual-purpose piece crafted from clear-lacquered Euro birch plywood. Its standout feature is a machined top with a recessed chessboard pattern, which can be flipped over to reveal a smooth, flat surface. This allows the piece to function as both a compact side table and a casual chessboard, making it ideal for small spaces or anyone who appreciates multifunctional design.
With dimensions of 500mm in height and 370mm in both width and length, the Chaos Stool/Chess Table maintains a minimalist, geometric look that’s easy to pair with other modular pieces. The flip-top feature means you can instantly switch from game mode to everyday utility, reflecting Billy’s playful, flexible approach to furniture. It’s a practical, space-saving solution for modern living, where adaptability and creativity are always in demand.
What we like
- Acts as both a stool/side table and a chess table, offering dual functionality.
- The flip-top design lets you easily switch between a game surface and a smooth table, adding versatility and convenience.
What we dislike
- While ideal for smaller spaces, its modest dimensions may limit use as a primary table or for group chess sessions.
5. Screw-less Record Stand
The screwless record stand is a DIY-friendly furniture design that can be assembled entirely without screws. Instead of a ready-made product, Billy offers detailed manufacturing drawings, including PDF, STEP, and DXF files, allowing makers or enthusiasts to fabricate and build the stand themselves. This approach fits perfectly with his ethos of modularity and hands-on creativity, giving users the freedom to personalize or adapt the design as needed.
The manufacturing package provides all the technical details required for CNC fabrication or manual production, making it accessible for woodworkers and design hobbyists. The stand is designed to securely hold vinyl records in a minimalist, functional display, with an emphasis on clean lines and efficient assembly. This product appeals to those who want a custom, tool-free storage solution for their records and enjoy the process of building their furniture.
What we like
- The screwless design allows for quick, straightforward setup without the need for hardware or special tools.
- With detailed plans provided, users can personalize materials, finishes, and dimensions to match their style or space.
What we dislike
- Requires access to CNC equipment or woodworking skills, which may limit its appeal to non-makers.
- Since it’s a digital plan, users are responsible for troubleshooting and material sourcing on their own.