Made here, made to last

For Kovacs director and furniture designer Hildy Kovacs, that was the case with the Elton sofa. She began to feel that modern furniture had become too uniform, lacking personality.

“Designers are constantly influenced by what surrounds them,” Hildy says. “I was beginning to tire of the sleek contemporary aesthetic That opened the door to exploring something with a little more character and warmth.”

Turning that idea into a finished piece is a highly technical and deeply considered process. Kovacs often starts by visualising the end product in detail before any frame is built or fabric chosen. Dimensions, upholstery, stitching, suspension systems and internal engineering are all mapped out early.

“The process starts with the appearance and works backwards. If the skeleton isn’t correct, the finished product won’t be either. Getting the foundation right is what creates a piece that sits beautifully, looks effortless, and feels exceptionally well-tailored.”

Once the core concept is established, Hildy often steps away from it. “It is remarkable how many solutions present themselves when you are not actively searching for them. It may sound random, but it works for me.”

Every decision, from seat height and depth to pattern making and upholstery, affects not only how a sofa looks but how it feels to live with.

“Dimensions can be one of the biggest challenges,” Kovacs says. “Achieving the right proportions, seat heights and depths is crucial for both comfort and aesthetics.”

This level of refinement is made possible by keeping the entire process close to home. Every Kovacs piece is designed and manufactured in Christchurch.

“We design with the New Zealand demographic in mind, with comfort always at the forefront,” says Kovacs. “A piece may look beautiful, but in the long term it is comfort, craftsmanship and durability that people remember.”

In-house manufacturing brings tighter quality control and a direct connection to craft, reinforcing a longer view of design. Sustainability naturally follows from creating enduring pieces.

Ultimately, Kovacs focuses on furniture that becomes part of everyday life, timeless pieces made to remain relevant and loved for years rather than replaced. “Our furniture is built to last.