my favourite…

New Zealand Based Furniture Makers , Homegoods Makers, & Craftspeople

New Zealand is home to a thriving community of talented makers who combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities. Our rich history of timber and wool materiality, fixed together with number eight wire, is still echoed in design today. From sustainable materials to innovative techniques, these artisans create pieces that showcase the unique character and cultural heritage of the country. In this blog post, we celebrate the craftsmanship and creativity of ten exceptional New Zealand-based makers who are shaping the future of furniture and homegoods design.

Finn Godbolt

Finn’s textiles and blankets blend luxury and textility with a sense of fun and wry humour. By utilising only high quality wool, Finn is able to tweak his own incredible patterns or collaborate on custom textiles on any scale (a rarity in New Zealand!) Finn is also a much beloved Studio Tutor and Knitting Technician at Auckland University of Technology.

You can find Finn Goldbolt here, or contact us for a custom collaboration.

David Trubridge

Classics pieces in NZ for a reason - David Trubridge is a world-renowned designer known for his elegant and ethereal lighting and furniture designs. Inspired by the natural forms and landscapes of New Zealand, his creations often feature organic shapes and sustainable materials. Trubridge's commitment to environmental responsibility and his innovative use of technology make his pieces both visually striking and eco-friendly. His Redwoods Treewalk Nightlights is one of my must-do’s when visiting New Zealand.

You can find David Trubridge’s work here.

the earnest workshop

Dan Gillingham honed his skills designing furniture for manufacturing companies including innovative bed designs for Design Mobel. Keen to pursue his own path and bring to life his vision of creating unique, individually crafted furniture pieces that would stand the test of time, Dan launched The Earnest Workshop in August 2012.

Hand-made in New Zealand using time-honoured techniques, each piece tells its own story and has its own unique look, feel and personality; allowing it to become part of not just your home but also your heart. Sourcing the finest materials, TEW goes back to basics, taking the time to get to know the fabric, fibre and being of each new creation.

You can find The Earnest Workshop here.

walmsley and cole

Walmsley and Cole are a small design studio run by husband and wife Faith Walmsley and Nick Cole based in rural Auckland, New Zealand. aith trained in Graphic Design and has worked in galleries and the textile industry and Nick is a Mechanical Engineer and Product Designer who has been working in Product and Packaging Design remotely for the European market.

Their whimsical forms and use of spindles and very 2023 colour palettes make me smile every time I see one of their distinctive pieces.

You can find Walmsley and Cole here.

snelling

Snelling (Formerly Douglas and Bec)is a family-run design studio known for their beautifully crafted furniture and lighting. With a focus on natural materials and traditional craftsmanship, their pieces exude a sense of refined elegance. Snelling's commitment to sustainability is evident in their choice of materials, which are sourced responsibly and crafted with exceptional attention to detail.

You can find Snelling here.

Resident

Resident is a New Zealand-based design collective that collaborates with renowned designers from around the world. Their furniture collection showcases a fusion of modern aesthetics and timeless craftsmanship. From statement chairs to sculptural lighting, Resident's designs reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

You can find Resident here.

Emile Drescher

Emile Drescher makes beautiful pieces, both small release objects and full scale custom out of NZ timbers and offcuts. His loaf mirrors (pictured above) are a personal favourite.

You can find Emile’s work here.

Conclusion

The furniture makers of New Zealand embody the country's spirit of innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability. From the ethereal designs of David Trubridge to the bespoke creations of Finn Godbolt, each artisan brings their unique vision and passion to the world of New Zealand design. Whether it's the use of sustainable materials, the celebration of natural forms, or the fusion of tradition and contemporary aesthetics, these exceptional makers are reshaping the industry and creating pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful.