King Living founder David King on how thoughtful furniture design meets long-term sustainability.
With the recent opening of its new Northwest Portland showroom, Australian furniture retailer King Living brings its signature modular design and engineered comfort to the Pacific Northwest. Founded in Sydney in 1977, the family-owned company began when David King and his mother, Gwen, started making simple foam chairs by hand and selling them at local markets — an experience that taught King the power of thoughtful design rooted in real, everyday needs. “Walking the streets of Sydney, I often saw broken, discarded furniture,” King says. “It felt wasteful. I wanted to create something better. Furniture that could evolve, be repaired and last for generations.” Here King shares how that early philosophy continues to shape the brand’s approach to innovation, flexibility and “living smartly” today.
King Living is known for its modular sofas and engineered comfort. What drives your innovation process?
Innovation has always been central to King Living. It begins with curiosity and a constant desire to improve how people live. Because we design and manufacture everything ourselves, we have complete freedom to innovate. Modularity is at the heart of what we do. It represents freedom. The furniture evolves with its owner and adapts to changing homes and lifestyles. From the steel frame to the tailored removable covers, every element is built to perform beautifully and endure for decades. That combination of thoughtful design, advanced engineering and craftsmanship is what truly defines innovation at King Living.
How do you approach the intersection of design and technology, particularly in furniture that adapts to how people live today?
We view technology as something that should enhance comfort, not distract from it. The goal is seamless integration. Our designs incorporate intelligent systems that work quietly in the background, from adjustable headrests and hidden storage to smart accessories with charging and lighting. What makes our approach different is that our smart accessories are not built into the furniture permanently. They are designed to attach and detach easily, giving customers the freedom to add, remove or upgrade features as their needs change. It is the opposite of built-in obsolescence. This flexibility ensures that our furniture remains made for the way people truly live today and in the future.
What does “living smartly” mean to you in the context of furniture design?
To live smartly is to live simply and purposefully. It means creating furniture that adapts to your lifestyle and improves your everyday experience. Smart living is not about complexity or trends. It is about flexibility, longevity and comfort that feels effortless. At King Living, we design furniture that moves with you, evolves with your space and simplifies your life. When design, technology and craftsmanship work together, that is when living smartly truly begins.
Can you share any insights about King Living’s approach to longevity and designing furniture that lasts generations rather than seasons?
Longevity has always been part of our story. When I first started making furniture in Sydney in the 1970s, I saw broken pieces left on the street and thought there had to be a better way. I wanted to create furniture that people could live with for a lifetime, not just a few years. Our steel frame became the foundation for that vision. It is engineered for life and backed by a 25-year warranty. Every piece is built with renewal in mind. Covers can be replaced, modules rearranged and components refurbished through our King Care service. Because we oversee everything from design to aftercare, we can ensure our products continue to perform beautifully for generations. Our aesthetic is also timeless, to ensure our furniture remains visually relevant over the years.
What role does craftsmanship play in an increasingly digital and fast-paced industry?
Craftsmanship is at the core of who we are. Our craftspeople bring decades of experience to their work, from the way a seam is sewn to how a cushion is shaped. Every piece is made with care and attention to detail. That is what creates the feeling of quality you notice the moment you sit down. In a fast-paced world, craftsmanship reminds us to slow down and appreciate products that are made to last.
Where do you see residential design headed in the next decade?
Homes are becoming more flexible and more intelligent. I see a future where furniture responds to how we live, adjusting to our comfort and integrating with technology in ways that feel invisible. At the same time, people are seeking authenticity and timelessness. The next decade will be about combining the best of both worlds: advanced technology that enhances our lives and craftsmanship that connects us to something real.
You’ve brought King Living to three locations in the U.S. now. What makes a city or region the right fit for the brand?
Expanding into the United States has been a personal goal of mine for many years. It’s truly an incredible milestone for King Living and is a testament to our design quality and global appeal. The United States is also the largest furniture market in the world — the opportunities are endless. We look for places that value authenticity, great design and sustainability.
What excites you most about engaging with designers and homeowners in the Pacific Northwest?
People in the Pacific Northwest have a deep appreciation for design that feels genuine and functional. They care about where things come from and how they are made. That mindset aligns closely with ours. I look forward to collaborating with local designers who value quality and innovation, and to helping homeowners create spaces that are beautiful, flexible and built to last. There is a shared understanding here that great design should make life better.
What kind of experience can Portland showroom visitors expect?
A King Living showroom is designed to inspire. Visitors can experience the comfort of our designs firsthand, see the craftsmanship up close, and explore endless configurations and fabric options. Often, our visitors are delighted to discover just how vast the customization options are. Our team is there to guide, not sell. We want customers to take their time, understand the design and feel confident knowing they are investing in something built to last.
What product or collection do you think is most visually interesting and why?
The Jasper sofa is a perfect example of what makes King Living unique. It is visually calm and timeless yet highly functional. It combines refined aesthetics with hidden intelligence. There is storage within the platform, technology integration and modular flexibility that allows it to be rearranged in countless ways. That balance of form and innovation is what King Living design is all about.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone investing in their home furnishings today, what would it be?
Buy once and buy well. Choose comfort, quality, timeless design and flexibility. Invest in pieces that can evolve with you and stand the test of time. A well-made sofa should not be something you replace every few years. It should be something you live with and grow with for decades.
