What Really Matters When Choosing Furniture, With Caron Grunschlag From Ke Zu Furniture
Not everyone’s path into the design industry starts with fabrics and floor plans. Sometimes it starts in a completely different world.
In the latest episode of our podcast A Designer’s Perspective, we sit down with Caron to talk about her journey from a career in finance into the design industry and her role at Ke Zu Furniture. Her story is a great reminder that career pivots can lead you exactly where you are meant to be, especially when they are driven by a genuine passion for small business and great design.
Listen to the episode here Podcast Link
But this conversation goes far beyond career paths. We dive into what truly matters when selecting furniture, especially for homes where comfort, quality, and longevity are non negotiable.
Why Quality and Warranty Should Never Be an Afterthought
Furniture is an investment. Yet so many decisions are still made based on how a piece looks in a showroom, rather than how it will perform over time.
Caron shares why quality and warranty need to be front of mind when specifying or purchasing furniture. A strong warranty is often a sign that a brand stands behind its product. It gives you confidence that the piece has been designed and constructed to last, not just to look good on day one.
For homeowners and designers alike, understanding what sits behind the fabric is just as important as the fabric itself.
The Hidden Detail That Changes Everything: Foam
One of the most interesting parts of our chat is around foam. It is not exactly the most glamorous topic, but it has a huge impact on comfort and durability.
Different foam types can completely change how a sofa or chair feels and how well it holds its shape over time. Some foams soften quickly and lose support, while others are designed to maintain comfort and structure for years. Knowing the difference can help you avoid that all too common experience of a sofa that looks beautiful but feels tired far too soon.
Great design for comfort is never one size fits all. It starts with understanding who will use the furniture, how they like to sit, and how the piece needs to perform in everyday life.
Designing for Real People, Not Just Pretty Spaces
A big theme throughout this episode is designing for the people who actually live and work in a space. Comfort is personal. What feels supportive to one person might feel too firm or too soft to another.
Caron explains how thoughtful furniture selection considers individual needs and preferences, not just aesthetics. This is where good design moves beyond styling and becomes about creating spaces that genuinely support the way people live.
The Power of Community in the Design Industry
Beyond materials and construction, we also talk about something just as important, community.
Caron is passionate about building genuine connections within the design industry and creating supportive networks, particularly for women in design. We have an honest conversation about the challenges that can come from competitiveness and how much stronger the industry can be when designers collaborate, share knowledge, and lift each other up.
There is also a bigger conversation here about recognition and respect for the design profession. The work designers do has a real impact on how people live, feel, and function in their homes and workplaces. That deserves to be valued.
More Than Just Furniture
This episode is about more than sofas and specifications. It is about backing yourself, valuing quality, and building an industry culture that is supportive, collaborative, and grounded in real knowledge.
If you are selecting furniture for your home, working on a project for a client, or simply interested in the behind the scenes of the design industry, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest reflections.
Because good design is not just about how something looks. It is about how it feels, how it performs, and the people behind it.
Connect with Caron and KE-ZU here
