Introducing Portland: furniture that cultivates connection

For Brunswick design studio Kett, connecting to ‘place’ is a concept that breathes life into our spaces, connecting the exterior with the interior. This concept remains the main creative driver behind Kett’s designs, who have just unveiled Portland, their brand-new furniture collection, featured at Cosh Living.

GALLERY  

Crafted locally, Portland is a testament to the brand’s commitment to using high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship, through the use of solid timbers, natural materials and soft curves. This not only ensures a collection that is both beautiful and functional, but, driven by the narrative of ‘place,’ allows us to foster a profound sense of connectedness, creating a sense of belonging within the home.

As the first permanent European settlement with over 200 19th-century buildings, many constructed from bluestone, Portland, a coastal town in Victoria, holds a unique historical significance in Australia. As a collection, Portland pays homage to the rugged cliffs that embrace the sea, utilising the tones, textures, and shapes prevalent throughout the landscape to inform these brand new releases.

Design Director Justin Hutchinson, who has nearly two decades of experience, champions local design and manufacturing. He believes that at the heart of the Portland collection lies the reliance on local artisans, whose meticulous care and advanced techniques bring authenticity and character to each piece.

Each design undergoes a rigorous handcrafting process, emphasising attention to detail. With knowledge and techniques passed down from one maker to the next, the methods used to achieve the incredible curved solid timber legs and refined soft edges seen throughout the collection showcase the high level of skill that goes into crafting every piece.

Each design weaves a narrative through symbolism, offering a unique perspective on the landscape and Portland’s rich history. The Portland Arc Dining Table draws inspiration from the picturesque bays in the region. Its elegant, curved legs symbolise the shelter these bays provide to tall ships navigating turbulent waters, while the tabletop shape pays tribute to the numerous vessels finding secure anchorage in Portland’s harbour. The Portland Coffee Tables showcase a design with three solid oak legs, creating a subtle curve that provides support for a solid oak or ceramic top. Drawing inspiration from the rocky outcrops along the shoreline, they represent the connection and contours of the bays that unite land and ocean. 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.

The introduction of the Portland collection has also inspired new timber stain options and coloured lacquers. ‘Smoked Oak,’ a dark timber stain that mirrors charred tones seen in the natural landscape, offers something in-between Kett’s original finishes—Natural, Light Walnut, and Exhibition. The Contemporary lacquers in subdued tones, including Mangrove and Ocean, add a touch of modernity while preserving the echoes of natural grains. These new additions blend natural beauty with contemporary design, allowing personalisation in each piece.

Kett’s locally crafted Portland collection goes beyond mere aesthetic appeal. With meticulous attention to detail, quality materials, and a fusion of  ‘place’ each piece ensures longevity and timeless allure, weaving a narrative that becomes part of your space.

For more information visit Cosh Living, coshliving.com.au

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