HL: Can you take us inside your design process at King Living – from that first spark of an idea through to prototyping and refinement?
Alinta Lim: Design at King Living always begins with curiosity. I start by looking at how people truly live in their homes and how furniture can adapt to support them.
From there, I experiment with form and often begin with sketches or simple models that test proportion and silhouette. Once an idea feels strong, it moves into prototyping, where we collaborate closely with our in-house craftspeople and factory team. This stage is about constant refinement: exploring different materials, stress testing the piece, and perfecting interaction points that might seem invisible at first glance but make all the difference in daily life.
What are some of the subtle design details or interaction points that most people wouldn’t notice straight away, but make all the difference to how a piece feels and functions?
At King Living, so much of our work is in the details that are hidden in plain sight. For example, the gentle curve of an armrest that supports the body in a natural way, or the balance of weight in a dining table base that allows it to feel grounded yet elegant.
Modularity is one of our quietest innovations. Designs like the Jasper and Delta look effortless in the living room, yet behind the scenes each module has been carefully engineered to reconfigure seamlessly. That means a chaise can switch sides, modules can be added or removed, and the sofa can evolve with your space and lifestyle. Our removable, tailored covers are another example. Concealed zips and hidden Velcro mean you can refresh or replace them with ease, extending the life of the piece without compromising its design integrity. These refinements are what transform furniture from being just functional to being truly lived with.
King Living has become synonymous with Australian innovation in furniture. In your view, what defines the brand’s approach to design and sets it apart globally?
For me, King Living is defined by a uniquely Australian spirit of problem-solving and adaptability. We design for real life and for homes that evolve, families that grow, and lifestyles that change.
What sets us apart globally is that we approach innovation not as a trend-driven exercise, but as a philosophy: timeless aesthetics, paired with technology and engineering that make life easier and more comfortable. That combination of beauty, functionality, and longevity is at the heart of Australian design, and it’s what makes King Living resonate far beyond our shores.
How does having everything under one roof – from design through to manufacturing – influence your role as a designer and the way products evolve?
Having design, prototyping, and manufacturing under one roof is incredibly empowering. It means ideas can be tested and refined in real time, with direct input from our craftspeople and engineers. This vertical integration allows us to push boundaries because we’re not limited by external timelines or processes. As a designer, it gives me the freedom to experiment and the reassurance that every detail can be perfected before a piece goes into production. It’s an agile way of working that ensures our designs remain both innovative and highly considered.
Rigorous testing and durability are central to King Living’s reputation. How do you personally measure whether a design is successful and will stand the test of time?
For me, success is twofold. On one level, it’s about durability: will this piece endure decades of use, both structurally and aesthetically? That’s where our rigorous testing protocols come in. On another level, it’s about emotional longevity. Does the design feel timeless? Will it still feel relevant and beautiful in 20 years? When both durability and timeless appeal come together, I know we’ve achieved something that reflects the King Living ethos and enhances people’s lives well into the future.
As a senior female designer, how do you view your role as a leader, and what kind of example do you hope to set for the next generation of designers?
I feel a strong responsibility to create visibility for women in design, because representation matters. This industry has historically been male dominated, but that’s changing, and it’s important the next generation sees women leading with confidence and creativity. For me, leadership is about mentoring and fostering collaboration. I want to show younger designers that their unique perspectives are valuable, and that diversity is not just about equity, it also leads to richer, more empathetic design outcomes that benefit everyone.
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