In the heart of Sydney, the King Living Design Studio works behind the scenes, designing furniture that embodies the authentic Australian way of life.  

Led by Founder David King, the in-house team leverages over five decades of innovation, merging simplicity with function to enhance the lives of our customers globally. 

Here, we talk with the vibrant team of Australian furniture designers behind the King Living brand to learn what drives and defines their practice.

Australian design team  

For the design team at King Living, their work is more than a job; it's a passion.  

"Being part of a team that values innovation, sustainability, and the Australian way of life is incredibly rewarding," shares Design Development Manager Tanya Rechberger.  

“Each design project starts with intentionality. We're not just thinking about the aesthetics; we're considering how it will enhance the lives of those who use it.” 

In the world of King Living, furniture is not just an object but a way to express a more conscious, balanced, and beautiful way of living.  

"Our designs aim to capture the understated beauty of the Australian landscape and lifestyle, bringing it into homes around the world,” Tanya explained. 

“Through careful consideration of form and function, we strive to design furniture that brings comfort for life and becomes part of life's most memorable moments.”

The Australian way of life  

Since 1977, authentic Australian design has been a driving factor behind the King Living story. And today the Australian way of life continues to inspire our furniture designers. 

"Our design philosophy is deeply embedded in our Australian heritage," shares Senior Designer Alinta Lim. 

“This inspiration is particularly reflected in our adaptable, modular designs that showcase a relaxed aesthetic, in tune with the Australian ethos of comfort and versatility.” 

“The Jasper Sofa is a prime example of modular design which embraces a relaxed look – and it’s still a best-seller 20 years on.” 

From left to right: King Living Design Development Manager Tanya Rechberger, Senior Designer Alinta Lim, Designer Zara Fong, Designer Dominic Harrison and Senior Designer Sebastian Clarke.

The King Living vision is to express a more conscious way of living to inspire balance in the home and, in doing so, define a new state of Australian living.  

For the Design Studio, simplicity is a fundamental design principle that reflects this vision.  

"Simplicity by design is about achieving harmony and order, making space for what truly matters," explains Designer Zara Fong. “We believe simplicity is the ultimate art form.”

This principle is woven into every aspect of the design process, ensuring that each piece embodies intention and understated beauty.   

Featuring the Plateau Outdoor Sofa in Pearl Beach Linen and Earth Powdercoat and Plateau Outdoor Coffee Table in Teak and Earth Powdercoat. 

Indoor-outdoor living 

The Australia lifestyle is built on a love of indoor-outdoor living, and this continually inspires elements of product design. 

The Plateau Outdoor Sofa, a recent addition to the outdoor collection, showcases an ideal blend of lifestyle flexibility and timeless design.  

“We envisioned the Plateau Outdoor Collection as a celebration of modern outdoor living, combining our hallmark of innovative design with the flexibility required by contemporary lifestyles,” shares Designer Dominic Harrison.

“We aimed to craft pieces that would empower individuals to curate their outdoor spaces as extensions of their interior style, ensuring each arrangement is as unique as the individuals themselves.”

The diverse landscape also shapes fabric colour palettes and patterns, reflecting the country's natural beauty.

"The natural beauty of Australia, from its sun-drenched beaches to its lush hinterlands, inspires the colours and textures we choose.” shares Dominic.

“This gives us the opportunity to bring the Australian essence into homes around the world."  

Featuring the Jasper Bed in Whiteley Riverstone and Lume Smart Light.

Design innovation  

Through integrated technology, the Design Studio can create unrivalled levels of customised personal comfort.  

One of the ways this is achieved is through the innovative Smart Pocket™ design.   

"The Smart Pocket™ is a game-changer in how we interact with our living spaces," shares Tanya.  

“You can charge your device, have ambient lighting, and a sleek table surface all integrated into your sofa or bed. It's about bringing technology closer to you in the most intuitive way.”  

By integrating these elements directly into sofas and beds, the design team can offer a solution that maximises space efficiency while keeping living spaces organised and free from clutter.  

“It's a reflection of our belief that technology and great design can come together to create furniture that truly enhances the way we live.” 

King Living Designers Ryan McGoldrick (left) and Pearson Bulmer (right). Featuring the Heritage Extension Dining Table.

Showcasing the team’s dedication to innovation, the new Heritage Extension Dining Table incorporates the exclusive softTouch Extension Technology™. 

“A large extension leaf is typically quite heavy to operate, and we wanted to improve this experience,” Designer Ryan McGolderick explains. “We designed Heritage with our exclusive softTouch Extension Technology™ to deliver an effortless result that is unique in the marketplace.”

“We’re proud of the exceptional quality of Heritage and how simple and effortless we have made the experience to transition to the full table width and back again,” Designer Pearson Bulmer added. “It’s a piece to keep for generations.” 

Featuring Founder David King and the King Living Design Studio team.

Taking Australian design global 

The King Living commitment to simplicity, quality, and comfort has made the brand a household name in Australia and also resonated with customers worldwide. 

"Our goal is to enhance and simplify our customers' homes, bringing them comfort and a timeless aesthetic that adapts to their lives," Tanya shares. 

“Simplicity is at the heart of every design, and understated beauty is a visual narrative that translates across the globe.” 

To learn more, explore: 

• Top 6 hallmarks of quality furniture design 
• King Living wins four Good Design Awards 
• Milan Design Week: Behind the scenes at Salone del Mobile