Melissa and Anthony Killen are the brains (and the beauty) behind Armidale-based Killen Furniture + Kitchens. The business prides itself on its ‘Made to live. Built to last’ motto, which captures the very essence of what this design duo are all about – creating and manufacturing joinery for home and commercial fit-outs that are strong, functional and beautiful. Here, Melissa and Anthony share four key things design has taught them along the way.
Our homes are important to our everyday existence and wellbeing
The past few years have been profoundly enlightening, albeit forced upon us as a result of the pandemic, and the construction industry has been a place of huge activity. People are investing in home renovation and new home projects that are, more closely than ever before, a true reflection of who they are – and that’s incredibly exciting.
Bespoke design matters
It’s not a buzzword, it’s not something that should be overlooked, it’s crucial to the design process from start to finish. Your experience and the end product should be completely unique to you; your needs and wants, your budget and your vision. The process is a creative and collaborative one where all the components need to line up for a successful production (just like a hit musical!)
Slow design should be celebrated
Kudos was once given to how ‘cheaply’ a build or renovation could be achieved, but the new standard is shifting toward how sustainably-driven and enduring it will be. Our environmentally-sustainable practice produces cabinetry and furniture that will last. Slow design is inherent to our philosophy, where strong consideration is given to the longevity of a project both in function and aesthetics. Ultimately, we feel compelled to help reduce the waste and landfill that comes from a lack of planning, forethought and a consumerist approach to buying where a ‘cheap’ product or trend item is given precedence over something that requires a bigger investment in time, money and effort.
Beautiful design is for life
We should feel free to live in, on, among and beside all forms of beautiful design. Our pieces are created with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, hardware with a lifetime warranty and design that promotes the longevity of the product. Do we think our kitchens and furniture pieces are beautiful? Absolutely. But they’re not ‘wall art’, they’re not something to be seen but not touched. They are for living. They are practical and robust. And we’re proud to create thoughtful, authentic, livable spaces and investment pieces that will enrich our lives for many years to come.
Killen Furniture + Kitchens | 5 Wright Place | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6771 5665 | Website | Instagram | Photography Studio LJ
Steph Wanless
Editorial Director. Grammar-obsessed, Kate Bush impressionist, fuelled by black coffee, British comedy and the fine art of the messy bun.
