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KIJI KOBO
1 About
2 Mission
3 Design
4 Process
KIJI KOBO started in March 2024 in Chicago, USA. We believe in the enduring power of good design—accessible, meaningful, and human-centered.text

Overview

We design for the 99% who are fated to be ordinary. If Kiji Kobo were a person, they would be that one friend that lives such an ordinary life yet somehow adds so much to your own life. The kind that you really only notice when they are no longer there. They are relateable, witty, and has impeccable sensibility. If Kiji Kobo was a condiment, it would be salt. So often we think a good recipe requires a laundry list of ingredients. That the more complex, the more obscure, the better. But what if the core ingredient, the meat of the dish, was so good that all it needed was a little salt to be perfect—like an A5 wagyu. Your home is the wagyu, objects by Kiji Kobo are the salt. Simple, effective, goes well on everything—even dessert. "Kiji Kobo democratizes good design. We believe everyone deserves to live with intention and own pieces they love. Our thoughtfully crafted furniture makes sustainable living accessible, empowering you to create a home that reflects your values without the designer price tag or the expert knowledge. We're here to guide you on your journey to mindful living, one beautifully crafted piece at a time."

Accessibility

We believe everyone deserves a home that sparks joy. At KIJI KOBO, good design isn't about status or fleeting trends; it's about those everyday moments of delight. It's the quiet satisfaction of a well-crafted table, the gentle curve of a chair that invites you to linger, the subtle details that empower the ordinary. We believe these experiences shouldn't be reserved for the few. Our pieces are designed to fit seamlessly into your life, bringing beauty and comfort without demanding the spotlight. We want you to feel a sense of pride and contentment every time you walk through your door, knowing that your home is a haven of thoughtfully chosen pieces that truly bring you joy. Enablement I want to provide a way for people to have a high quality product but also a way to practice sustainability, intentional living, and mature design without being an expert and without doing the heavy legwork.

Education

Education, I think, is a common denominator in all the brand’s values. Honest education gives power to the educated and provides a direct link into the mind of the educator. Their expertise, intentions, and values are all on display.

Form and Function

At Kiji Kobo, we believe that form and function are two sides of the same coin. We don't believe in sacrificing one for the other. Instead, we strive to create pieces that are both beautiful and practical. We believe that good design should seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing your everyday experiences. We carefully consider the ergonomics of each piece, ensuring that it is comfortable to use and supportive of your body. We also pay close attention to the details, ensuring that each piece is well-made and built to last.

Technology and Tradition

We believe that technology and tradition can coexist harmoniously. We embrace new technologies and materials, but we also respect the time-honored traditions of craftsmanship. We believe that this blend of old and new allows us to create pieces that are both innovative and timeless. We use cutting-edge technology to ensure that our pieces are manufactured to the highest standards of precision and quality. But we also rely on the skilled hands of craftspeople to add the finishing touches that make each piece unique.

Sustainability

We believe that sustainability is not just a trend, but a responsibility. We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and creating pieces that are built to last. We use sustainable materials whenever possible, and we partner with manufacturers who share our commitment to environmental responsibility. We also believe that sustainability is about more than just materials. It&aposs about creating pieces that are designed to be cherished for years to come. We want our pieces to be passed down from generation to generation, becoming heirlooms that are treasured for their beauty, quality, and timeless design.

Slow Design

At KIJI KOBO, we believe in the power of slow design. We don't chase trends or rush to market. Instead, we take our time, carefully considering every detail, from the initial concept to the final product. This allows us to create pieces that are not only beautiful but also functional and timeless. We believe that good design is an investment, and we want our pieces to be cherished for years to come. Our commitment to slow design also means that we prioritize quality over quantity. We use only the finest materials and partner with skilled craftspeople who share our passion for excellence. We believe that this attention to detail is evident in every piece we create.

Research Driven

Our design process is deeply rooted in research. We believe that understanding the needs and desires of our customers is essential to creating products that they will love. We conduct extensive research into ergonomics, materials, and manufacturing processes to ensure that our pieces are not only beautiful but also comfortable, durable, and sustainable. We also believe that research is an ongoing process. We are constantly learning and evolving, and we use this knowledge to inform our design decisions. This allows us to create pieces that are truly innovative and responsive to the needs of our customers.

Iterative

We believe that the best designs are the result of an iterative process. We start with a simple idea and then refine it through a series of prototypes and tests. This allows us to identify and address any potential problems early on, ensuring that the final product is as perfect as possible. We also believe that feedback is essential to the iterative process. We actively seek out feedback from our customers and use it to improve our designs. This collaborative approach allows us to create pieces that are truly tailored to the needs of our customers.

Lived-In

We believe that furniture should be more than just functional. It should be an extension of your personality and a reflection of your lifestyle. That&aposs why we design our pieces to be "lived-in."; We want them to be comfortable, inviting, and easy to care for. We also believe that furniture should be able to adapt to your changing needs. That&aposs why we design our pieces to be modular and versatile. They can be easily reconfigured to suit your evolving lifestyle. We believe that furniture should be a source of joy. That&aposs why we design our pieces to be beautiful, timeless, and enduring. We want them to be cherished for years to come.