KMS, since 1993.
An independent furniture house. We design and make our own collection, and represent a small number of the most enduring names in modern design, for private residences and professional interiors.
A furniture house, not a catalogue.
KMS began in Wellington in 1993. For more than thirty years, under the name Thonet New Zealand, it furnished the country's cafés, restaurants, hotels and workplaces, and more recently its homes. It is now run by Ainsley Kimber and Eleanore Serepisos, who have worked with these pieces, makers and projects for many years.
We represent a small number of houses, chosen because their furniture lasts: Artek, Emeco, Nardi, LK Hjelle and the bentwood makers. Alongside them we design and make our own collection in New Zealand.
Made to the room, not to the catalogue.
The things a catalogue can't.
Because we work directly with the makers, we can order beyond what is shown here. Any piece in the Artek, Emeco, Nardi or LK Hjelle collections can be ordered, in finishes and colours we do not hold. We are Emeco's and LK Hjelle's exclusive agent in New Zealand.
Because we make our own furniture, it can be fitted to the room. Banquettes are built to the exact run of a wall. Tables are made to size. Upholstery can be in your own fabric or leather, and barstools can be matched to the height of a bench.
And because we have done this for a long time, we know how the pieces perform: which chairs stand up to a busy restaurant, and which finishes suit a beach house. We know what to specify so a project opens on time.
Thonet New Zealand is now KMS.
For more than three decades the company was known in New Zealand as Thonet New Zealand, bringing Thonet's bentwood chairs to the country's cafés, restaurants and homes, alongside its own collection and the work of other European and American design houses.
That agreement has concluded, and the Thonet name returns to Thonet GmbH in Germany. The business continues as KMS, the name under which its own collection has always been designed and made.
Nothing else changes. The same people, the same KMS Collection, and the same houses: Artek, Emeco, Nardi and LK Hjelle. Existing orders continue as normal.
Former thonet.co.nz addresses redirect here during the transition, and info@kms.co.nz reaches us directly.
Read the announcementHistory
Founded in Wellington
The company is established in Wellington, trading as Thonet New Zealand: importing Thonet bentwood seating for New Zealand hospitality and designing its own furniture for commercial interiors.
A national presence
Dealers in Auckland and Christchurch. KMS also makes pieces under licence, including the Longreach sofa designed by Sydney's Anibou.
Soft seating, banquettes and joinery
KMS designs and produces lounge seating for reception and public spaces, banquettes for hospitality and custom joinery, alongside its long-standing agencies.
Thonet Home
Thonet Home opens for residential clients.
KMS
The Thonet name returns to Germany. The business continues as KMS, by appointment rather than through a showroom, for residences and projects.
People
Ainsley Kimber
A short biography: background in furniture and interior design, and responsibilities at KMS.
Eleanore Serepisos
A short biography: projects, specification and client relationships.