Most of us don’t give much thought to our furniture until we move house or something breaks. But when you stop and look around your home, you might realise how many stories your furniture holds.

The dining table where your children did their homework. The armchair where you nursed your baby. The couch that’s seen years of birthdays and movie nights.

According to Kim van Duiven of Askö Design, that emotional connection is exactly the point. Good furniture isn’t just about style. It’s about meaning.

Designed for life, in every sense

At Askö, their design philosophy is “design for life.” Kim explains that it has a dual meaning. “It’s not just an aesthetic, but a purposeful way of living within your home”. It’s about creating a space that feels comfortable and personal. But it’s also about longevity. “Furniture for life. For a life, and furniture for living.”

When you choose well, your furniture doesn’t just serve a function. It supports your lifestyle and tells your story over time. You’re not buying something to fill a gap in a room. You’re choosing a piece that will stay with you, grow with you, and become part of your everyday rituals. Something that earns its place through use, love and familiarity.

Furniture that carries stories

Kim has a dining table at her Waiheke home that she sat at when she was five years old. At Askö, she often hears similar stories of furniture that stays in families for generations. The pieces we gather around don’t just support our lives physically, they anchor our memories. “It is the celebrations that you have around your table, it is the sofas you sit at on Christmas morning when you open your presents”. These are the things we come back to again and again. And when we move house or pass them on, those memories move with them.

Why it matters more than ever

In a world of fast furniture and constant trend cycles, Kim encourages people to buy differently. To slow down and choose carefully. Choose pieces that will last a lifetime.

Sustainability isn’t just about what something is made from, although that matters too. It’s about how long it lasts. Choosing solid wood instead of veneers. Quality fabrics instead of quick fixes. Timeless shapes and finishes that won’t go out of fashion in a season or two. Kim talks about protecting your furniture, maintaining it, and valuing it, rather than treating it as disposable.

Trends come and go. But a beautiful, well-made table or a sofa that’s truly comfortable will hold its value. You can layer with throws, swap out cushions, or shift accessories with the seasons. But the foundation stays the same. That’s what makes it sustainable. That’s what makes it worth it.

A space that feels like yours

Kim believes the best pieces aren’t just stylish or comfortable. They’re part of your identity. They reflect who you are, how you live, and what you value. And that’s exactly why they matter.

“You should be able to walk into the room of your house and feel that sense of my sanctuary”. That’s what furniture with feeling is all about. Not just making your home look beautiful, but making it feel like yours. Today, and for years to come.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.