At the Brunswick-based design studio Kett, the core of their inspiration lies in the concept of ‘place’.
Establishing a connection with place serves as a pivotal influence, infusing vitality into our environments by seamlessly blending the outer and inner spaces. This fundamental idea of ‘place’ continues to be the primary catalyst behind Kett’s innovative designs, exemplified in their latest furniture range named Portland. Meticulously crafted in the local workshop, Portland stands as a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to employing top-notch materials and exemplary craftsmanship, incorporating solid timbers, natural elements, and gentle contours. Kett’s continual focus on artisanal expertise guarantees not only a visually pleasing and practical collection but, guided by the theme of ‘place’ the Portland assortment enables us to cultivate a deep sense of interconnectedness, fostering a feeling of being truly at home.
Being the initial enduring European settlement adorned with more than 200 19th-century structures, a significant number fashioned from bluestone, Portland, a coastal township in Victoria, possesses a distinctive historical importance in Australia. Encompassing the spirit of the place, Portland reveres the resilient cliffs hugging the sea, drawing inspiration from the hues, textures, and forms prevalent in the surrounding landscape to shape these latest releases.
With a wealth of almost two decades in the field, Design Director Justin Hutchinson advocates for homegrown design and production. According to him, the essence of the Portland collection centers around the dependence on local craftsmen. Their careful attention and advanced methods contribute authenticity and character to every piece.
Every design undergoes a meticulous handcrafting procedure, placing a strong emphasis on precision and detail. Drawing on knowledge and techniques transmitted from one artisan to the next, the processes employed to achieve the remarkable curved solid timber legs and polished soft edges evident across the collection highlight the elevated level of expertise invested in the creation of each piece.
In instances where specific items demand craftsmanship beyond Kett’s local capabilities, such as the Portland armchair, they are skillfully crafted in Italy. These pieces then receive their final touches in Melbourne through two specialised workshops.
The launch of the Portland collection has sparked the creation of fresh timber stain choices and coloured lacquers. ‘Smoked Oak,’ a deep timber stain mirroring the charred tones found in the natural landscape, provides an option that falls between Kett’s original finishes—Natural, Light Walnut, and Exhibition.
The modern lacquers in subtle tones, such as Mangrove and Ocean, introduce a contemporary touch while retaining the essence of natural grains. These recent incorporations seamlessly marry natural beauty with modern design, providing the opportunity for personalisation in each piece.
Every design narrates a story through symbolism, presenting a distinctive perspective on the landscape and the rich history of Portland.
The inspiration for the design of the Portland Arc Dining Table is drawn from the scenic bays in the region. The graceful, curved legs of the table symbolise the shelter these bays offer to tall ships navigating turbulent waters. Additionally, the shape of the tabletop pays homage to the numerous vessels finding secure anchorage in Portland’s harbor, weaving a narrative through its elegant form.
The Arc Dining Table comes in multiple sizes, with the largest being 4.2 meters long. Mirroring the Arc design, Kett has also designed the Arc coffee table.
The design of the Portland Coffee Tables features three solid oak legs, forming a gentle curve to support a solid oak or ceramic top. Inspired by the rocky outcrops along the shoreline, they embody the connection and contours of the bays that seamlessly merge land and ocean. Meticulously crafted by hand, these tables, offered in two heights, allow the interlinking curvature of the legs, presenting themselves either as a cohesive singular piece or a dynamic cluster with diverse sizes and finishes.
The Portland Pedestal Dining Table honours three defining headlands in the region, with distinctive sections around its base. Inspired by the iconic lighthouse, the pedestal table commemorates its vital role in guiding ships from Adelaide to Melbourne via Portland.
Kett’s Portland collection, crafted locally, transcends mere aesthetic allure. Through meticulous attention to detail, the use of quality materials, and a fusion of ‘Place,’ each piece guarantees longevity and timeless charm, crafting a narrative that seamlessly becomes a part of your space. This collection surpasses conventional design boundaries, celebrating nature, craftsmanship, and the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality, positioning Kett as a standout in Australian furniture design.
Discover the Portland collection by heading to any Cosh Living showroom, viewing online or downloading the Portland Lookbook.
