Collection by Diana Budds

Hem: Minimalist Dream Furniture at a Price You Can (Almost) Afford

So you've graduated from Ikea, have a little coin to spend on furniture, but don't want to break the bank? Enter Hem, a European retailer of minimalist pieces designed for people who like clean lines and the flexibility of flat-pack pieces but loathe assembling things with an allen wrench. The price points are a bit higher than your Billy's and Karlstad's, but in return you won't have the same bookshelf and sofa as 90 percent of recent college grads. We've picked a few standouts from the line's inaugural collection, which debuted at Maison et Objet in Paris this fall.

The Alle table ($799) folds flat, is made from oak, and features joinery inspired by Japanese design. See how the piece collapses and sets up here. Like most pieces from Hem, some assembly, but no special tools are required.
The Alle table ($799) folds flat, is made from oak, and features joinery inspired by Japanese design. See how the piece collapses and sets up here. Like most pieces from Hem, some assembly, but no special tools are required.
The Storm Square pillow ($69 each) by Sylvain Willenz features a razzle dazzle pattern inspired by a camouflaging technique used by WWII ships. Hem uses a 3D weaving technique to achieve the texture.
The Storm Square pillow ($69 each) by Sylvain Willenz features a razzle dazzle pattern inspired by a camouflaging technique used by WWII ships. Hem uses a 3D weaving technique to achieve the texture.
Of-the-moment designers Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi have been raking in awards and collaborating with renowned companies like Christopher Farr, Gubi, and Ligne Roset. The duo created the three-legged Key table, which has a wood top ($199).
Of-the-moment designers Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi have been raking in awards and collaborating with renowned companies like Christopher Farr, Gubi, and Ligne Roset. The duo created the three-legged Key table, which has a wood top ($199).
The Geo Outline rug ($259) measures five-by-eight feet and is made from a wool-cotton blend. Your toes will thank you.
The Geo Outline rug ($259) measures five-by-eight feet and is made from a wool-cotton blend. Your toes will thank you.
For the tabletop, consider these turned wood bowls. $45–$160.
For the tabletop, consider these turned wood bowls. $45–$160.
Bainbridge Island–based designers Grain made created this mirror that nods to the nautical ($99).
Bainbridge Island–based designers Grain made created this mirror that nods to the nautical ($99).
A jellyfish-like fabric shade diffuses light in this piece by Kerstin Sylwan and Jenny Stefansdotter ($149).
A jellyfish-like fabric shade diffuses light in this piece by Kerstin Sylwan and Jenny Stefansdotter ($149).