Furniture for life: why we’re flocking to local, custom-made furniture
Written by
28 October 2024
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4 min read
The key to sustainable interiors lies in slow furniture
The primary practice of the ‘slow furniture movement’ is valuing the hand-crafted methods and sustainable materials of long-lasting, custom-made furniture within our interiors. This approach values quality and durability over convenience, going against the grain of disposable or ‘fast’ furniture within our culture to one of ageless design.
Rod Hanna, owner of custom-design furniture company Designers’ Collection, speaks with ArchiPro about the sustainable benefits of local, hand-crafted furniture. "New Zealanders are striving to be more environmentally conscious with their home designs, and furniture is a large part of that,” says Rod. “Furniture should be built to last by withstanding daily use and seasonal trends.”
Rod notes that his clients often return after a decade or two, not to replace their furniture but to refresh it. “Essentially, we build designer pieces that are built to last; we know this because we have clients return after 10 to 20 years to re-upholster the sofas we made for them. For most of these pieces, the furniture is in great condition; they just want to change it up with a new look," Rod adds.
How to source sustainable ‘slow’ furniture for your next project:
1. Buy and support local manufacturing
Start by exploring the local area for furniture manufacturers, stores and artisans. For 40 years, Designers’ Collection has been working with local manufacturers, all located within a convenient 20-minute drive of its Auckland showroom.
Adding to the appeal, local manufacturing not only supports local artisans but also ensures quality control, timely delivery and after-purchase service.
"We generally turn around custom pieces within six to eight weeks," Rod explains. “It’s about the same timeframe you’d expect for furniture from general stores, but the difference is that our pieces are customised to the client’s needs and project.”
2. Source furniture made from sustainable materials
The key to this approach is sourcing furniture from eco-friendly materials such as timber. Rod explains, "We use a variety of timbers in our designs, but American ash is a favourite because it's readily available and performs well in our cooler climate.”
Designers’ Collections upholstered frames use high-grade pine, which is plantation-grown and sustainably sourced in New Zealand. “It's a crop constantly being milled and replanted on the North Island,” Rod adds.
3. Choose timeless and custom design
Customisation lies at the heart of long-lasting design. Investing in pieces that suit the clients’ taste and space ensures that the item will be enjoyed and retained for years to come.
Rod shares that while specifiers can purchase items directly from the Designers’ Collection showroom, most opt for a tailored experience. "Designer's can buy pieces off the showroom floor if they’re in a hurry, but the majority of the time, we customise the pieces," he notes.
“From size to fabric and finishes, the ability to personalise a piece ensures it fits perfectly into each unique space. This is especially important in a country like New Zealand, where the scale of housing and architectural styles can vary greatly.”
The Queensbury project
According to Rod, New Zealanders are conscious of the environmental impact of furniture, and disposable furniture is losing its appeal to consumers. By incorporating these sustainable slow furniture practices, specifiers and homeowners ensure that furniture doesn’t just serve a momentary need but becomes an enduring part of the property.
A shining example of Designers’ Collection's collaborative and bespoke approach is the Queensbury Project in Central Otago. Partnering with Nicola Manning Design, the team worked from the early stages of the project to create furniture that would complement the home’s aesthetic.
The result is a stunning blend of showroom designs and custom pieces, including a bespoke dining table, numerous coffee tables, and ottomans, all tailored specifically for the project. The collaboration between the designer, artisans and Designers’ Collection allowed for a seamless integration of function and style.
A unique experience for designers
The Designers’ Collection Auckland showroom is designed to be a creative hub. "We work closely with interior designers and specifiers, often partnering with them for entire projects. Our showroom is designed to be a calm working environment where designers can bring clients, spread out samples and plans, and finalise their design preferences," says Rod.
It’s this personalised service and the company’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship that continue to position Designers’ Collection at the forefront of New Zealand’s bespoke furniture market.
Are you looking for quality bespoke furniture for your next project? Visit the Auckland showroom at 8 George St, Parnell, Auckland or contact Designers’ Collection on ArchiPro today.