Our Story

From the beginning, Fohfum was founded on a love for simple functionality and handcrafted quality. Our name, from the giant’s cry in Jack and the Beanstalk, was chosen for its “hint of menace,” offering an antidote to “twee” designs. This edginess, we believe, only enhances the feeling of ultimate safety and security—a safe cocoon against the outside world.

Our journey started with this philosophy, designing pared-back, modern, and highly functional nursery furniture. We are proud of the innovative cots that became part of so many homes. (You can explore a gallery of our original nursery designs here.)

Guided by the same passion for craftsmanship, we made a natural pivot. Remembering the giant in his kitchen roaring, ‘I’ll grind his bones to make my bread!’, we were led back to a more elemental form of making: handcrafted woodware.

Today, Fohfum is a celebration of New Zealand’s beautiful, sustainable timbers. From our Wellington workshop, we create timeless pieces for the kitchen and home, focusing on simple, functional forms that let the wood’s natural beauty shine. Our core philosophy remains the same: a deep respect for materials, an eye for detail, and the simple pleasure of creating something lasting.

(Our current kitchen range is stocked at Moore Wilson’s, Wellington.)