When most people think about rest, the first things that come to mind are a good night’s sleep or a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea. For many of us, though, rest isn’t always so straightforward. We catch brief naps on buses, lean against subway windows, or even try to relax with our heads down on library desks. Modern life is full of these fragmented, spontaneous pauses, yet our environment rarely supports them. Office furniture and public seating are hardly designed to make these moments comfortable, leaving us perpetually tired with few real ways to recharge.
This is where the ANEW project by designer Hojun Lee comes in. ANEW aims to transform the ordinary items we use every day into tools for relaxation, not just function. Instead of creating new products, the idea is to rethink what already exists and give it a new purpose: rest. ANEW is about finding “a second rest” in daily life, those little moments when we need a break but can’t retreat to our beds. Think about all the things you carry or use during a typical day. ANEW focuses on four familiar items and reimagines them as objects that invite relaxation, even if only for a few minutes.
Designer: Hojun Lee
First, there are the headphones. Traditionally, headphones are just for listening to music or podcasts. Lee’s design takes them further. These headphones feature an accordion-like flexible headband that covers the back of your head for extra stability, along with speaker covers made of soft, fluffy material. The ear cushions are designed to reduce pressure, making it easier to relax and listen comfortably, whether you’re leaning against a wall or taking a quick nap on the go.
Next is the umbrella. Usually, it’s just a way to shield yourself from rain or sun. ANEW’s umbrella, however, unfolds into a semicircular shape with a sturdy frame and plush interior, creating a cozy, private shelter. The same fabric that keeps you dry now doubles as a comforting place to lean and rest, turning a functional accessory into a portable retreat.
The bag is another everyday item that gets a rest-inspired makeover. Bags are normally just for carrying things, but ANEW’s version adds cushions and support structures to the back. This means you can use the bag as a makeshift pillow or backrest when you need to lie down or lean against something. By combining the shape of a hat to shield your eyes and a waist support, the bag becomes a perfect companion for quick naps or restful pauses anywhere.
Finally, there’s the book. Many people have used a book as an impromptu pillow, despite the discomfort. ANEW’s book design replaces the hard cover with a soft cushion. Whether you’re reading or taking a break, the book now supports your head and neck, blending knowledge and comfort in one simple object. Through ANEW, Hojun Lee invites us to imagine a world where the items we already carry help us find rest in unexpected places. By giving these everyday objects new roles, ANEW makes relaxation accessible, anytime and anywhere.
The post ANEW reimagines everyday objects for rest and relaxation first appeared on Yanko Design.