STORY
The Vision Behind Kett: Justin Hutchinson's Design Philosophy
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Justin Hutchinson, the design director of Kett, has contributed to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and gained international recognition. His work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions like Melbourne Now at the National Gallery of Victoria. From his beginnings as a production hand to his roles as in-house designer, lecturer, and business founder, Justin brings a wealth of experience to his position as Kett’s Design Director. After co-founding Kett in 2016, he built a furniture portfolio that celebrates his local craftsmanship, reflecting the Australian lifestyle and ethos, anchored by a design philosophy grounded in critical thinking and the importance of good design.
The Kett brand was created amidst the lush greenery of the Abbotsford Convent and has since relocated to the vibrant suburb of Brunswick, Melbourne. This area, with its rich history of making, from textiles to ceramics and glassware, provides the perfect backdrop for the brand. Justin leads a talented team of designers dedicated to creating timeless collections using only the highest quality materials. Kett’s mission is to enhance everyday lives through designs that endure, developing each concept through careful research, reflection, and a commitment to function and durability.
“In a world crowded by poorly made things, it is a pleasure and a privilege to spend each day working on products that are designed to last.” – Justin Hutchinson
Explore Kett’s furniture collections and experience the seamless blend of craftsmanship and functionality. The Otway Porcelain Table with its sleek porcelain top and timber base paired with the Otway Armchairs is a great example, featuring soft curves and elegant proportions. Together, they create an inviting dining experience, blending warmth, durability, and refined design, underscoring the brand’s emphasis on essential principles and simplicity.
The Otway Porcelain Table with its sleek porcelain top and timber base pairs perfectly with the Otway Armchairs, featuring soft curves and elegant proportions. Together, they create a stylish and inviting dining experience, blending warmth, durability, and refined design.
A Timeless Australian Aesthetic
Kett Furniture embodies an unmistakable Australian sensibility. The design philosophy is deeply inspired by the nation’s diverse landscapes, from its rugged coastlines to its serene bushlands. This connection to nature forms the foundation of Kett’s timeless aesthetic, celebrating simplicity, warmth, and authenticity.
The Australian landscape’s influence is evident in every piece, with designs that capture the essence of the country’s raw beauty. This is showcased through the tones, textures, and materials used throughout the collections, especially evident in the curated upholstery, powder coat, and timber finish colours inspired by our mountains, cities, deserts, and oceans.
This approach ensures a sense of place and belonging, making Kett’s collections truly reflective of Australian design. The furniture integrates effortlessly into modern homes, honouring the natural world while providing practicality and comfort – an approach that focuses on essential function and respect for the environment.
Justin Hutchinson sketching designs alongside 3D-printed models, showcasing the design process behind Kett’s innovative furniture collections.
From Nature to Design
The Portland Coffee Table and Feathertop Sofa work together seamlessly to create a luxurious yet laid-back environment. Portlands curved design echo silhouettes of the rugged headlands, a tangible example of how designers can draw on nature to shape inviting interior spaces.
The Portland Coffee Table and Feathertop Sofa work together seamlessly to create a luxurious yet laid-back environment.
The Frame Living System: Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Designed for flexibility and longevity, Frame is built to move with you. Its adaptable installation methods suit various interior walls, from plasterboard to masonry. Additionally, the extensive selection of materials and finishes ensures Frame complements diverse interior styles, making it a timeless and practical addition to the home.
The Otway Trestle Coffee Table, Otway Sofa, and Otway Side Table are defined by their soft timber profiles and elegant proportions. Each piece combines the warmth of natural timber with sleek, refined lines, creating a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic. The gentle curves and thoughtful design of the Otway collection add a sense of balance and harmony to any environment, while maintaining a timeless appeal that complements both modern and traditional interiors. Together, these pieces reflect a serene, inviting context that feels both luxurious and grounded in nature.
The Otway Trestle Coffee Table, Otway Sofa, and Otway Side Table are defined by their soft timber profiles and elegant proportions. Each piece combines the warmth of natural timber with sleek, refined lines, creating a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic. The gentle curves and thoughtful design of the Otway collection add a sense of balance and harmony to any space, while maintaining a timeless appeal that complements both modern and traditional interiors. Together, these pieces create a serene, inviting environment that feels both luxurious and grounded in nature.
Design Process and Craftsmanship
Kett’s design journey begins with initial sketches and evolves through close collaboration with skilled craftspeople and local makers. From concept to creation, every stage embodies a dedication to quality, precision, and innovation. Design Director Justin Hutchinson champions a process of refinement, paring back each idea to its essence to create timeless, functional pieces.
Each Kett creation represents a culmination of thoughtful innovations, resulting in designs that are authentic, precise, and uncompromising. Through reductionism and clear direction, Justin and his team ensure every detail reflects the brand’s design philosophy, applying critical thinking to solve central problems in furniture design.
By partnering with local, European, and Indonesian makers, Kett celebrates the rich heritage of Australian craftsmanship while embracing global influences. This collaborative approach blends artistry and practicality, producing furniture designed to endure and enhance everyday lives.
Made locally in Australia, the Otway Bed features a solid oak timber base and a fabric headboard, combining natural materials with thoughtful design. Paired with the Otway Night Table, this collection creates a warm, authentic atmosphere that enhances any bedroom. The rich timber tones and soft textures bring a sense of calm and elegance, making the space feel both inviting and grounded in nature, demonstrating how a carefully developed value system can guide consistent quality.
Material and Form: Honest Materials and Craftsmanship
Kett’s commitment to honest materials is evident in its use of solid timber and timber frame construction. These elements provide strength and character, while the upholstery process adds a layer of refinement, revealing the brand’s focus on essential form and function.
Each piece highlights the beauty of natural materials, celebrating their inherent qualities. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reinforces the brand’s dedication to sustainable and ethical design, emphasising society’s growing desire for responsible production.
The photography of Portland’s rugged landscape beautifully captures the natural tones and textures found across the coast, which directly inspired the Portland Collection. The earthy hues of weathered rocks, sandy beaches, and windswept coastal grasses are reflected in the collection’s design, with soft, natural materials and refined finishes that evoke the serene yet rugged spirit of the landscape. These elements bring a sense of calm and connection to nature, ensuring the Portland pieces embody the essence of coastal living in every detail. Image by Nicole Reed
Distinctive Design Elements
Signature design elements distinguish Kett’s collections. Gentle curves, rounded corners, and distinct lines create a harmonious blend of elegance and functionality. Thoughtfully curated colour palettes further define the furniture’s own identity, ensuring each piece complements a variety of interiors.
These distinctive details reflect Kett’s commitment to creating furniture that is both visually striking and highly functional, enriching the spaces it inhabits.
Discover Kett’s furniture collections and enhance your living spaces with designs that reflect the heart of Australian craftsmanship.
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