HKliving — Dutch design | The Cool Republic

Free-spirited, creative and deeply alive interiors

Founded in 2008 in the Netherlands by Emiel Hetsen and Sander Klaver, HKliving is a furniture and decoration brand renowned for its eclectic, bold world. Drawing inspiration from vintage interiors, bohemian influences and the aesthetics of the 1970s and 1980s, the brand creates warm collections where authenticity, creativity and spontaneity come together. Through pieces made from natural materials and shaped by expressive lines, HKliving brings character and personality to contemporary living spaces.

HKLIVING was born out of the coming together of two complementary sensibilities: Emiel Hetsen’s creative approach and Sander Klaver’s analytical vision. United by a shared passion for vintage objects, unique atmospheres and interiors steeped in emotion, they founded a brand with an instantly recognisable style.

Since its inception, HKLIVING has been developing collections that blur the lines between contemporary design and retro influences. The designs blend bohemian influences, industrial touches and ethnic references to create free-spirited and spontaneous worlds, where every object helps to create a unique atmosphere.

The brand places great emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship. Rattan, recycled teak, ceramics, marble and metal all contribute to giving the collections depth and authenticity. Textures, prints and colour schemes have become true visual hallmarks, evoking both nostalgia and modernity.

Conceived as elements of everyday life rather than mere decorative objects, HKLIVING’s creations invite you to personalise your spaces with freedom and creativity. Pendant lights made from natural fibres, rattan seating, Berber-inspired rugs and colourful accessories: each piece brings warmth, character and an unexpected touch to interiors.

Now present in over 70 countries, HKLIVING continues to create bold collections that celebrate self-expression and reinvent the conventions of contemporary interior design. A vision of design in which emotion, conviviality and embraced imperfection take centre stage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is HKliving and where does the brand come from?

HKliving is a Dutch brand founded in 2000 in Amsterdam by Niels van Stein and Mark van Schoonhoven. Originally a simple shop selling second-hand finds, it has become an international benchmark for urban, bohemian decor. Each season, the Dutch design studio dreams up a complete collection blending 1970s vintage influences, Mediterranean spirit and Japanese minimalism. The brand produces furniture, lighting, tableware, textiles and decorative accessories, all with one guiding principle: an object should tell a story, have character and bring warmth to an interior. Today, HKliving is distributed in more than 60 countries and ranks among the most copied brands on the market. The Cool Republic has been an official HKliving distributor in France for several years and offers almost all of the seasonal new arrivals.

What are HKliving's iconic pieces?

Several HKliving pieces have become classics. The 70's tableware collection, launched in 2014, is arguably the most emblematic: cups, mugs and stoneware plates with vintage glazes reminiscent of 1970s ceramics. More than 20 finishes are available (Ribbed, Bold & Basic, Spotted, Lagoon, Pegasus, Solar). Then there are the Retro Velvet sofas, a signature piece in interiors magazines since 2018, available in ribbed velvet as 4-seaters, chaise longues and corner units. On the lighting side, the Brezza rice paper pendants and the Apex collection (coloured clip-on lamp) are genuine stars. For wall decor, the oval Sorella mirrors and the limited-edition prints sell out within a few weeks. Most of these products remain in the catalogue for several years, which makes the investment reasonable and allows you to build up a collection season after season.

How do I combine HKliving with my interior?

HKliving works particularly well in two types of interior. An urban contemporary interior looking to add a bohemian or Mediterranean touch — for example, a pared-back apartment with a pine-green Retro Velvet sofa and a mix of 70's tableware. Or a Scandinavian interior wanting to add warmth and colour — for example, cream Bold & Basic plates on a light oak table, complemented by HKliving velvet cushions. The golden rule for getting it right: don't rely on HKliving alone. Mix it with pared-back Scandinavian brands (HAY, Muuto, Ferm Living) or vintage finds. HKliving brings the colourful, organic touch; the other brands provide the structure. Also avoid a 100% HKliving total look, which can feel like a showroom. Stick to a palette of no more than 3-4 colours drawn from their collection.

Is HKliving an expensive or affordable brand?

HKliving sits in the premium mid-range. For tableware, expect 8 to 25 euros for a single piece (mug, plate) and 50 to 80 euros for a set of 4. Bowls and serving dishes range from 30 to 70 euros. For the Retro Velvet sofa, expect 1,500 to 2,800 euros depending on size and finish. For signature furniture (Lazy Lounge bench, solid wood tables), expect 600 to 2,500 euros. Lighting ranges from 80 euros for an Apex clip-on lamp to 350 euros for a large pendant. Overall, you're paying for the quality of the design and for production that remains largely European and Asian with regular quality controls. Compared with equivalent brands (Bloomingville, House Doctor), HKliving prices are slightly higher, but the durability justifies the investment. Take advantage of the sales (January, July) and end-of-season offers for discounts.

Does HKliving release new collections every year?

Yes, HKliving releases 2 to 3 main collections each year (spring-summer, autumn-winter, and a themed mini-collection mid-year). The Dutch design studio travels the world for inspiration (Morocco, Japan, Mexico, India). Each collection has a strong theme: Mediterraneo, Jungle, Nordic, Retro, Spring Botanic. New arrivals generally land in February and September. The iconic pieces (70's tableware, Retro Velvet sofa) stay in the catalogue season after season. Seasonal pieces (wall decor, themed textiles) are produced in limited quantities and leave the catalogue after 12-18 months. At The Cool Republic, you'll find HKliving's new arrivals as soon as they launch, as well as the permanent classics.

Is HKliving 70's tableware dishwasher safe?

Yes, most pieces in the 70's tableware collection are dishwasher and microwave safe. This is a key part of HKliving's brief, as the brand wants objects that can be used every day. Even so, opt for a gentle cycle at 50-55°C rather than an intensive cycle at 70°C, which can slightly dull the more colourful glazes over time (particularly the deep blues and greens). Cups and bowls go in the dishwasher without any particular issue. Large decorative serving dishes (the Bold & Basic XL collection, for example) are best washed by hand to preserve the finishing details. For pieces marked as artisanal or limited edition, always check the supplier label. With everyday use and standard care, HKliving tableware easily lasts 10-15 years with no visible deterioration.