Customisation and Sustainability: King Living’s King Trade Program

Words by Sophia Fawdry
In Partnership with King Living

King Living’s King Trade program empowers designers and architects with a vast selection of sustainable fabrics and customisable textile solutions for diverse projects.

Since 1977, King Living has set the benchmark for Australian furniture, driven by a commitment to timeless design and exceptional quality. A key figure in this legacy is Sebastian Nash, head of textile design and one of the few in-house textile specialists in the industry. The King Trade program offers designers, architects and trade professionals access to more than 200 custom textiles and leathers. This curated collection embodies King Living’s signature aesthetic of simplicity and elegance, catering to a range of projects, from hospitality to personalised residential settings.

“Our textiles are characterised by interesting textures and colourways that draw inspiration from the unmistakable features and colours of the Australian landscape.”

King Living furniture is timeless and reflective of an effortless Australian lifestyle, and our textiles are designed to enhance this aesthetic and bring it to life,” says Nash. “The collection is characterised by interesting textures and colourways that draw inspiration from the unmistakable features and colours of the Australian landscape.”

Sustainability is paramount at King Living, integrated across its textile offerings with recycled materials like Everleigh, crafted from 100 per cent recycled polyester. Outdoor textiles, including Shoal Bay and Pearl Beach, contain a minimum of 22 per cent recycled fibres, helping to reduce textile waste. The company also sources leathers as by-products of the meat and dairy industry, transforming waste into a high-performance, luxury material. “King Living leathers are produced in Germany and Italy, with cattle sourced from regions with high standards of animal care. Leather has a long lifespan if properly cared for, and when its lifecycle ends, it is naturally biodegradable,” Nash explains, underscoring the company’s commitment to both performance and environmental responsibility.

Customisation And Sustainability King Living’s King Trade Program Profile Feature The Local Project Image (11)

“Review of the entire lifecycle, from sourcing and production to disposal or reuse, ensures sustainability considerations are implemented at every stage.”

The company’s ethos extends to the lifecycle of its textiles, with rigorous testing to ensure they meet high performance standards. “Review of the entire lifecycle, from sourcing and production to disposal or reuse, ensures sustainability considerations are implemented at every stage,” explains Nash. This approach involves repurposing materials to minimise waste and landfill impact. All soft furnishings feature removable covers, allowing a single cushion to be recovered rather than replacing the entire sofa. “Our tailored removable covers set King Living apart, especially for long-term projects.” This design element is particularly advantageous for the hospitality industry, where furnishings can be updated with minimal disruption.

A significant advantage of the King Trade program is access to its partnership with Crevin, a Spanish textile brand renowned for its sustainable practices. Established in 1976, Crevin’s collection features nine contemporary designs with more than 150 colourways, all containing at least 15 per cent recycled materials sourced from 100 per cent of its textile waste. “Crevin has made significant strides in sustainability, including the elimination of microplastics in wastewater and the reuse of 70 per cent of water consumed during production.” Members also have the flexibility to choose textiles and leathers from local textile houses, providing unmatched customisation options.

“We are looking at future collaborations with other creatives, including designing textiles exclusively for King Trade clients.”

Customisation And Sustainability King Living’s King Trade Program Profile Feature The Local Project Image (10)

Beyond fabric selection, the King Trade program fosters collaborative partnerships. Members gain dedicated support from King Living’s team, empowering them to make informed design decisions. For large-scale projects, designers can collaborate with Nash directly to recolour or design textiles and leathers tailored to their specific briefs. “We are also looking at future collaborations with other creatives, including designing textiles exclusively for King Trade clients.”

Through exclusive partnerships, rigorous quality standards and a commitment to sustainable materials, King Living’s King Trade program remains at the forefront of customisable design, empowering professionals to create responsible and beautiful spaces. As it continues to innovate, the company demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can coexist harmoniously, making a significant impact on the future of furniture design.