Kennedy Nolan's Definitive Design Products for 2025 - est living

For our Definitive Design Products series, Patrick Kennedy, co-founder and director of Kennedy Nolan, reveals his top 12 design picks for 2025, including furniture, lighting, materials and kitchen appliances.

Our ‘Definitive Design Products’ series was first featured inside est magazine issue 56: ‘Living Connection’.

01. Cassina Maralunga Maxi Sofa

The Cassina Maralunga Maxi sofa is a contemporary reinterpretation of Italian architect Vico Magistretti’s 1970s icon. Featuring a bicycle chain mechanism for its adjustable backrests, Kennedy describes it as “compact, comfortable, functional and elegant”.

02. Wästberg 151 Extra Large Pendant

“Dramatic in scale and superbly manufactured with sophisticated illumination,” Kennedy says of the Wästberg 151 Extra Large. Designed by Swedish architecture firm Claesson Koivisto Rune, the pendant is made from spun aluminium and features energy-efficient lighting technology.

03. INAX TILE Range

Kennedy favours Japanese-owned INAX TILE, whose ceramics are fired longer than traditional tiles for exceptional durability. “The entire range represents craft, expertise and perfect aesthetic judgement,” he says.

Rosherville by Kennedy Nolan | Photography by Anson Smart

04. Le Corbusier No. B9 Chair

The handcrafted bentwood Le Corbusier No. B9 chair, originally designed by German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet, is, in Kennedy’s words, “elegant, comfortable, and available in a variety of finishes and seat types.”

05. CDK Stone Roman Classic Travertine

When it comes to stone, Kennedy leans toward classic options, particularly travertine. “I prefer it to be raw with a longitudinal vein-cut—it patinas beautifully and complements everything,” he says.

06. Volker Haug Anton

Melbourne-based Volker Haug Studio’s Anton sconce is sand-cast and lightly polished, revealing a gentle lustre across its textured surface. “It’s simple, versatile, practical and comes in a great range of material options,” Kennedy says.

Rosherville by Kennedy Nolan | Photography by Anson Smart

07. Vitra Akari UF3-Q

Like all of his designs, the Vitra Akari UF3-Q by Japanese designer Isamu Noguchi continues to be made in Gifu, Japan, as it has for the past half-century. Kennedy admits he doesn’t have a favourite: “I love everything Noguchi—they’re the perfect junction of art, craft and utility.”

08. B&B Italia Alanda Coffee Table

The Alanda coffee table, designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, has a structure that doubles as pedestal and support, evoking a cluster of upturned pyramids. “I like that it’s transparent, so you can see a beautiful rug underneath,” Kennedy says. “It’s also well-scaled and versatile.”

09. v.brokkr Entry Bust Pull

Australian silversmith Ned Vernon founded his brand v.brokkr after training under both Australian and German silver masters—a pedigree that informs Kennedy’s admiration. “All his work is individual and refined,” he says. “Proper door jewellery!”

Rosherville by Kennedy Nolan | Photography by Anson Smart

10. Bialetti Moka Express

Kennedy praises the Bialetti Moka Express: “It makes great coffee, looks fantastic in any kitchen and lasts forever.” Dating back to 1930s Italy, its iconic shape was created by Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti, who also inspired the moustached-man logo on its side.

11. Miele Oven Range

On ovens, Kennedy highlights German brand Miele for their “precision cooking, clean designs and excellent product support”. The range showcases advanced engineering, including Moisture Plus steam cooking and self-cleaning technology.

12. Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator Range

Kennedy favours New Zealand-founded Fisher & Paykel refrigerators for more than their aesthetic—”They provide a full range of options, excellent technology and can be fully integrated into any kitchen setting.”

Rosherville by Kennedy Nolan | Photography by Anson Smart

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