There’s a certain allure to pieces that are defined by a story of locality. In the case of the Kovacs collection, that story begins in Ōtautahi.
The Kovacs story begins not with scale, but with conviction. When Stephen Kovacs established the business in Christchurch more than half a century ago, he brought with him a deep appreciation for European design and an unwavering belief in local craftsmanship — principles that continue to underpin the brand today.
That foundation has been carried forward and refined across three generations. Now led by siblings Hildy Kovacs and Johnny Kovacs, the company continues a way of working that places material integrity, local production, and enduring design at its core.
Working primarily with Southland beech, natural wool, and leather, Kovacs has developed a distinct and assured language. Across sofas, seating, and tables, bold colour is tempered by careful detailing; generous curves are resolved through a clear structural logic. There’s a quiet European sensibility at play, but it is grounded in something more immediate — a directness of material and making that feels inherently of its place.
Sustainability is not positioned as a feature but as a by-product of how things are made. Designing and producing from its Christchurch factory reduces travel distance; making pieces well ensures they last. Each design is custom for each customer, from style and sizing, to covering and finishes. It’s a pragmatic approach that favours longevity over turnover.
This is furniture designed for a lifetime; pieces that evolve with use, embedding themselves in the rhythms of daily life.
