In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Kim, owner and director of Asko Design, one of Christchurch’s most beloved furniture stores. With a legacy that spans over 30 years and roots deeply tied to her own family story, Kim shares a personal and powerful philosophy: that furniture should not only serve a functional purpose, but also become an enduring reflection of your lifestyle, values, and personality.

At the heart of Asko Design is the mantra “Design for Life” — a phrase Kim unpacks as both “design for living” and “design for a lifetime.” This dual meaning captures the essence of Asko’s approach: thoughtfully crafted furniture that’s meant to be lived with, loved, and passed down through generations. Whether it’s the dining table you sat around as a child or the armchair you relax in every night, Kim believes great furniture becomes the setting for life’s most meaningful moments.

Throughout the episode, Kim explores how furniture choices go far beyond aesthetics. She discusses:

• The emotional power of memory-making pieces that carry stories and tradition
• The importance of quality manufacturing, working with both New Zealand and international suppliers to offer durable and beautiful designs
• Why modern homes demand multi-functional and modular furniture to make the most of smaller spaces
• How the Asko showroom is designed to inspire and simulate real living, giving customers the confidence to envision how pieces will feel in their own homes

Listeners will also gain expert tips on designing specific spaces:

• Living rooms: How to balance scale, avoid clutter, and create layered, human-centred spaces
• Dining areas: Choosing comfortable chairs for long nights of conversation, and selecting the right table size and rug proportions
• Outdoor living: Making the most of small decks or patios with smart furniture choices, especially for New Zealand’s changing climate and compact urban homes

Kim also shares valuable guidance for homeowners planning a renovation or buying a new home. She encourages starting early, taking time to live with initial pieces, and avoiding the pressure to “complete” a room too quickly. Instead, she champions a slow, layered approach that lets your style emerge authentically over time.

A passionate advocate for injecting personality and soul into the home, Kim reflects on how furniture is more than decor — it’s a way of expressing who you are, how you live, and what you value. She also touches on the evolving role of staging and design advice, and how Asko partners with home stagers and interior designers across New Zealand to help both sellers and homeowners get the most from their spaces.

We also hear about Kim’s journey from growing up in her father’s furniture business to returning as its owner after building a successful leadership career elsewhere. Now fully immersed in Asko’s future, Kim combines her business acumen with a lifelong passion for design, helping customers across the country furnish their homes with intention and joy.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone building, renovating, or simply looking to make their house feel more like home. Kim’s message is clear: take your time, trust your instincts, and let your furniture tell your story.