Founded in 2017, Kett is a design studio focused on furniture with a timeless quality for both indoors and out. The Kett indoor collections are designed in Melbourne, and are predominantly made in Australia, with supplementary partners in Italy.
Kett is headed by leading Australian designer Justin Hutchinson. Justin's furniture career has helped define some of our most loved landmarks and has been recognised both internationally and locally in exhibitions such as Melbourne Now, presented at the National Gallery of Victoria. His experience spans almost two decades from production hand, in house designer, lecturer and business founder into a highly experienced Design Director who with the support of his team looks to execute on every detail.
Above: Justin Hutchinson in the Kett Brunswick studio
In 2017, Kett released its inaugural collections Johanna and Otway. The collections have since gained considerable interest for their crafted excellence and refined design.
Above: Johanna Occasional Chair, Otway Trestle Coffee Tables, Otway Sofa, Otway Entertainment Unit & Otway Round Coffee Tables Porcelain
The Kett team originally began in a design studio in the historic Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne. The Convent is a multi-arts precinct, surrounded by the tranquil, natural scenery of the Yarra River, Collingwood Children’s Farm and winding walking trails. The precinct houses many studios and workshops within it, a hub of creativity and collaboration.
Above: The Kett studio team on the Abbotsford Convent Grounds. Views of the historic architecture and natural surroundings. Photography by Haydn Cattach.
Being surrounded by other creatives and small design businesses is integral to the creative output of each Kett collection, fostering the exchange of ideas and inspiring innovative designs. In 2021 Kett’s Design Studio has found a new home in Brunswick, Melbourne, an area with a rich history of making, from textiles to glassware, ceramics, and brick.
Above: The historical Brunswick Brick Tile & Pottery Company
Each Kett design is the result of many small innovations, producing an uncompromising level of authenticity and precision. As the Design Director at Kett, Justin and his team focus on reductionism, employing sketching, a process of paring back, and cultivating a clear direction for each piece.
Above: Inside the New Brunswick Studio
The Australian landscape has always been the primary inspiration for the Kett team. Beloved locations on the Victorian coastline were the starting point of Kett’s very first collections, and remains at the heart of their current releases. Engrossing themselves in the landscape, Kett distilled the essence of these regions into distinct lines, shapes and colour palettes that capture an unmistakable Australian sensibility. From the understory of the giant forests of Cape Otway, to the coastal grasslands of Johanna beach, each collection becomes a story of place.
Above: Landscape Photography for Kett's Portland collection by Nicole Reed
‘Inside Looking Out’ is one of Kett’s core concepts. It speaks to the products enduring connection to the surrounding environment, as well as to Kett’s commitment to designing spaces that are considered across the boundaries of indoors and outdoors – so they flow seamlessly throughout the home.
Above: Landscape Photography for Kett's Portland collection by Nicole Reed
“The act of drawing upon place to inform the collection allows us to bring the outdoors inside. From place we gain a sense of the importance of colours, shapes and form that are akin to a sense of our own identity.” – Justin Hutchinson
Above: Details of 3D models & Sketches inside the Brunswick Studio
In the studio, the Kett team work across a range of mediums to develop and refine their concepts. In the studio you will find hand-crafted scale models, sketches pinned on idea boards, samples of timbers and fabrics, 3D product renders in various stages of development.
Their creative process reflects experimentation and a comprehensive attention to materiality.
Kett focus on creating collections that are honest in their use of materials and united in their craft. Justin and his team maintain close relationships with the local makers who produce their furniture collections to ensure the quality, durability and beauty of the materials in each piece.Many talented craftspeople across Melbourne contribute to the construction of one Kett sofa.
Above: Kett offer a wide range of upholstery, timber stain, ceramic and powder coat colour options all inspired by the colours in our beautiful Australian landscape
From those who create the timber frames, to the stainers, to the fabric houses and upholstery team, numerous expert hands are involved in the process.
“It is one of the most important things about buying Australian furniture, buying local. You aren’t just supporting the Kett brand, but you’re supporting the incredible array of local businesses that work together to achieve the end result. It’s a network of artisians that rely on each other, and one that Kett are proud to be a part of.”
Above: Inside Ketts local timber workshop
Each Kett design is the result of many small innovations, producing an uncompromising level of honesty and precision. Kett endeavours to translate materials and form into a strikingly considered and timeless design.
Above: Otway Bed, Otway Night Tables, Johanna Ottomans & Indre Lamp by Rakumba
‘Otway’ is a long treasured collection by Kett. Spanning across sofas, dining tables, dining chairs, lounge chairs, storage pieces, beds and coffee & side tables, the Otway has consistent details that echo through the range. Rounded corners and simple lines combined with durable porcelain, rich timber frames and tailored upholstery helped to establish the Kett aesthetic – soft in profile and refined in approach.
Furniture by Kett is designed with the goal not just to be loved for one trend cycle, or for one home - but designed to be passed down and cared for by future generations to come.
Above: The Erskine Bed in the Gruyere Project by Rachcoff Vella
“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
Above: Portland Arc Dining Table & Johanna High Back Chair Photography by Tatjana Plitt
In 2019, Kett investigated modular storage systems, to provide seamless furniture for the home or office. The result was the Frame Living System, an innovative set of modules that offers a personalised solution to furniture and joinery needs.
"As a painting arrests a landscape so too Frame captures the room by enhancing its aesthetics and function. An otherwise blank wall becomes a functional work of art that is constantly changing via our daily interactions. Technology disappears and the room becomes a stage." - Justin Hutchinson
Above Frame Living System, completely designed and made in Australia.
Hanging effortlessly from the wall, Frame Living integrates storage and technology – no messy cords or powerpoints in sight, and plenty of room to exhibit treasures and store everyday essentials. Completely made in Melbourne, the materials are free of formaldehyde, phenols, solvents, PVC or melamine. Shortlisted in one of Australia’s most notable design awards, IDEA – the Frame Living System is another development in the Kett story that is evidence of their commitment to considered, thoughtful design and local manufacturing.
Above: Frame Living System Featuring light walnut timber, Mangrove powder coat & ceramic surface
Kett is exclusively available through Cosh Living. Experience the furniture in our beautiful showrooms across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.