In partnership with ducksnest.
Published
15/12/2025
Words
Emily Riches
Photography
Styling
Emma Brennan

Founded by interior designer Susan Pehar in 2009, high-end furniture supplier ducksnest. embodies thoughtful design and generational craftsmanship. Representing artisanal European makers, the brand has carved out a niche in Australia for furniture that speaks to legacy, sustainability and emotional connection.

ducksnest.’s latest curated collection, Echoes in Wood, is a reflection on our sensory and emotional relationship with timber furniture – how it feels, ages and lives with us. Featuring the handcrafted work of studios Artisan from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Nunc from Croatia, the series invites us to contemplate pieces that honour original design, creativity and craft. “For me, Echoes expresses the dialogue between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design,” says Pehar. “It’s a commitment to timelessness, authenticity and emotional connection.”

“For me, Echoes expresses the dialogue between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design,” says Pehar. “It’s a commitment to timelessness, authenticity and emotional connection.”

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Echoes in Wood highlights Artisan and Nunc’s generous use of sustainably sourced natural timber and sculptural, organic forms across side tables, stools, dining chairs, dining tables, shelving and wall units. Pehar calls attention to the enduring appeal of signature pieces like Artisan’s Neva chair, which features an arched backrest that merges gracefully with armrests and front legs in one smooth line. The Pasha table, in European oak, walnut, maple, elm or cherry, is defined by its four distinct leg styles. “The Pasha table holds a special place for me. I’ve always embraced a touch of asymmetry in my interiors, and the Pasha embodies that spirit: dynamic, unexpected and full of character.”

The name Nunc means ‘now’ in Latin, speaking to the maker’s traditional roots yet contemporary vision as it combines the warmth of wood with the sleek precision of steel. The silhouette of the award-winning Bolta chair is defined by a bold, wing-shaped backrest and slender steel legs, while the Bolta lounge offers a more laid-back iteration. The Ala dining table is both distinctive and practical, with three sliding wooden panels that are adjustable for both large and intimate gatherings.

“When we understand the raw origin of the materials, the integrity of the craftsmanship and the values of the designer and maker, a deeper dialogue emerges – one that is both honest and enduring.”

Each piece is entrusted to the hands of skilled craftsmen, and this human touch gives the objects their emotional resonance. “Storytelling and emotion shape the way we connect with furniture,” says Pehar. “When we understand the raw origin of the materials, the integrity of the craftsmanship and the values of the designer and maker, a deeper dialogue emerges – one that is both honest and enduring.”

This philosophy also defines ducksnest.’s approach to sustainability. “Sustainability begins with a belief in quality over quantity. We champion authentic design that stands the test of time … An interior is years in the making, and finding the right piece is worth the wait.”

These are pieces that are designed to be lived with, loved and passed on. “I hope our pieces bring a quiet joy each day,” says Pehar. “More than just furniture, each design should feel like it belongs – enriching the home with beauty, authenticity and a connection to the hands and stories behind it.”