In 1906, McKenzie & Willis was founded by Joseph Willis and R. S. McKenzie. Starting life as real estate agency that also auctioned and sold second hand furniture, we quickly evolved into a business focusing on everything interiors with Joseph Willis leading the way. Now 114 years later, we are excited to introduce our latest furniture range aptly named after our founder!
We caught up with our Furniture Category Manager, Jayne Cross-Hunter who along with our furniture buying team and some of our best local makers bought the beautiful Joseph range to life.
How did this range come about?
The Joseph was born out of desire to explore the possibilities of wood furniture and to showcase what can be done. We looked to overseas trends to create a range of fully customisable pieces with interesting finishes such as fluting, metal inlays and negative details. Working with some of the best craftsmen and makers in New Zealand, the Joseph aims to tie these elements together with a unique New Zealand flavor.
What makes the Joseph unique?
This has to be its completely bespoke nature. Because it is made by local craftsmen, the possibilities for customisation are endless. Need it to fit a particular space? Prefer flat panels doors to fluted? Looking for a dark chocolate stain to suit other pieces in your home? Whatever it is, the Joseph can be customized to suit and our talented design experts are here to help every step of the way.
What are the main materials and techniques used?
The Joseph is crafted from a combination of solid American Oak and veneer and is available in a coffee table, console and entertainment unit. With the option for doors or drawers, the Joseph has push to open functionality allowing it to open with a single seamless touch. Specialised machinery is used for the fluted panels and the whole piece is put together with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Tell us about the use of metal?
Metal items have been huge in interiors lately and we have been seeing the use of metallics woven into everything from table surfaces, to sofa frames, to textiles and everything in between. With the Joseph we wanted our customers to have the option to add a metallic touch as it pairs especially well with the warmth of timber. We introduced the option for metal inlays on the doors as well as the possibility for the negative detail to be metal.
How important is the NZ made element of the Joseph?
Now more than ever we need to be conscious of supporting locally made. We have so much expertise in New Zealand and the Joseph really is a celebration of all the talent and skills of our local craftsmen.
If you would like to learn more about the Joseph range and creating your own unique piece, see our consultants in store or contact us online.
Did you know?
Right now, until June 28th 2020 we have incredible deals across our range of furniture, beds, linen, flooring, curtains and blinds featuring some of NZ’s top interior brands! View the deals and find out more online here.