DESKTOP
MOBILE
Design preferences are never uniform. They shift across regions, cultures and communities. In New Zealand, these differences are visible in how households approach furniture. Kim van Duiven of Asko has observed how Aucklanders, Cantabrians, and Wellingtonians gravitate toward different aesthetics, each reflecting broader social and cultural contexts.
Auckland’s appetite has often leaned toward bold leather tones, such as caramel with black accessories, drawing on international trends and cosmopolitan influences. This style speaks to the city’s global outlook and its openness to statement pieces that stand out within modern apartments or large open-plan homes.
Christchurch, by contrast, exhibits a preference for neutral and durable choices. Solid timber and more understated palettes tend to dominate, reflecting a regional culture that values practicality, resilience and subtlety. Kim notes that when caramel-toned furniture was introduced in Christchurch, it appealed more to international buyers than to local Cantabrians.
Wellington offers another variation. Known for its eclectic creative scene, the capital embraces mixing styles, often combining modern modular pieces with vintage or artistic accents. This pluralistic approach mirrors the city’s identity as a cultural hub, where individuality is as important as functionality.
These differences matter for both consumers and designers. They remind us that furniture does not exist in a vacuum but within localised contexts of taste, habit and identity. For retailers, acknowledging these variations enables more tailored offerings. For buyers, recognising regional preferences situates their choices within a wider national conversation about design, culture and place.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design will help you create a living room that feels comfortable and practical. You’ll learn how to get the basics right, add atmosphere, and make decisions with confidence. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design will help you create a living room that feels comfortable and practical. You’ll learn how to get the basics right, add atmosphere, and make decisions with confidence. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Kim, owner and director of Asko Design, one of Christchurch’s most beloved furniture stores. With a legacy that spans over 30 years and roots deeply tied to her own family story, Kim shares a personal and powerful philosophy: that furniture should not only serve a functional purpose, but also become an enduring reflection of your lifestyle, values, and personality.
Design preferences are never uniform. They shift across regions, cultures and communities. In New Zealand, these differences are visible in how households approach furniture. Kim van Duiven of Asko has observed how Aucklanders, Cantabrians, and Wellingtonians gravitate toward different aesthetics, each reflecting broader social and cultural contexts.
Auckland’s appetite has often leaned toward bold leather tones, such as caramel with black accessories, drawing on international trends and cosmopolitan influences. This style speaks to the city’s global outlook and its openness to statement pieces that stand out within modern apartments or large open-plan homes.
Christchurch, by contrast, exhibits a preference for neutral and durable choices. Solid timber and more understated palettes tend to dominate, reflecting a regional culture that values practicality, resilience and subtlety. Kim notes that when caramel-toned furniture was introduced in Christchurch, it appealed more to international buyers than to local Cantabrians.
Wellington offers another variation. Known for its eclectic creative scene, the capital embraces mixing styles, often combining modern modular pieces with vintage or artistic accents. This pluralistic approach mirrors the city’s identity as a cultural hub, where individuality is as important as functionality.
These differences matter for both consumers and designers. They remind us that furniture does not exist in a vacuum but within localised contexts of taste, habit and identity. For retailers, acknowledging these variations enables more tailored offerings. For buyers, recognising regional preferences situates their choices within a wider national conversation about design, culture and place.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design will help you create a living room that feels comfortable and practical. You’ll learn how to get the basics right, add atmosphere, and make decisions with confidence. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design will help you create a living room that feels comfortable and practical. You’ll learn how to get the basics right, add atmosphere, and make decisions with confidence. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Kim, owner and director of Asko Design, one of Christchurch’s most beloved furniture stores. With a legacy that spans over 30 years and roots deeply tied to her own family story, Kim shares a personal and powerful philosophy: that furniture should not only serve a functional purpose, but also become an enduring reflection of your lifestyle, values, and personality.
Related Articles
Choosing Comfortable Lounge Furniture for Outdoors
Relax outside with seating that suits your space
Choosing Outdoor Dining Furniture That Lasts
Find the right table and chairs for outdoor meals
Why furniture showrooms should feel like sanctuaries
Inside Asko’s philosophy of helping New Zealanders see and feel design before they buy
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.