The handyman crafting timeless mid-century modern furniture for today's homes

26 Apr 2023

Robert Kulesza has always liked the appeal and charm of mid-century modern design, so when he fulfilled his dream of opening his own furniture making business, he knew exactly what style he was aiming for. Using Resene paint colours and Resene wood stains, MCM Furniture designs are the perfect mix of style, form and functionality.

After spending many years in the building industry, Robert suffered a back injury that led to two surgeries, Robert had to re-evaluate his career path and decided to pursue his passion for making furniture.

Despite the challenges of starting a business, including the physical limitations imposed by his injuries, Robert was determined to make his dream a reality and MCM Furniture NZ Ltd was born.

This pink full height bookcase is painted in Resene Lumbersider, tinted to the shade Resene Shilo, a pale coral blushing and youthful.

“I recognised the potential demand for mid-century modern (MCM) furniture and believed I could create a successful business by producing high quality mid-century modern pieces,” Robert says. “I am very drawn towards mid-century design and my pieces reflect a balance between form and function, showing the natural beauty and flaws of wood whilst also incorporating mid-century design elements.

“I’m also passionate about sustainability and producing minimal waste, many of my offcuts are recycled into smaller components.”

This stunning sideboard or TV cabinet is painted in Resene Nero with the frame coated in Resene Danska Teak Oil to show off the natural grain and beauty of the wood.

Starting off small, Robert began his business in a single garage with the basic tools he needed at the time. After facing learning curves along the way and discovering all about managing finances and marketing, Robert has since moved to a large workshop with professional tools of the trade that allow him to create his one-of-a-kind pieces - a significant milestone and growth for his budding business.

One source of Robert’s design inspiration comes through research, using Google and other search engines to analyse and study works of other mid-century modern designers. However, his most important consideration is listening to clients’ needs and desires.

These lowline drawers look fresh and fashionable, finished in Resene Colorwood tinted to the shade Resene Dark Rimu.

“By working closely with my clients, I can understand their unique tastes, needs and then I create a custom piece that is tailored to their specification,” Robert says. “This leads to designs that push the boundaries of traditional MCM furniture.

“In most cases the colour palette comes from my clients. The colour of the piece usually needs to complement the existing décor in their home.”

MCM Furniture is known for its bold and vibrant colour palette, which includes colours like yellows, oranges and greens, as well as blacks, whites and greys. These colours help create a clean, minimalist look – a characteristic of the mid-century modern style.

This modern and chic wine cabinet would look fabulous in any space, painted in Resene Blackest Black, one of Robert’s favourite Resene paint colours.

“Choosing the right colour for each piece is crucial in creating a bold, cohesive look that is of the design style,” Robert says. “One of my favourite shades is the new Resene paint colour Resene Blackest Black. This is a deep rich black colour that creates a bold and dramatic look and enhances the overall aesthetic of the piece. Truly a stunning black.”

For wood stains, Robert says that Resene Walnut is a popular colour choice - a warm, rich brown that adds depth and character to the wood, creating a natural, organic look that complements the clean lines and minimalist style. Resene Walnut is also the touch needed to create a modern, high-end look that is timeless and sophisticated.  

Using various types of timber like walnut, oak, American white ash, pine, plywood and laminated mdf, allows Robert to achieve different styles and looks. Each type of wood has its own characteristics and lends itself to different design styles, so choosing the right wood is an important part of the design process.

MCM Furniture is designed with clients in mind, whatever you are looking for, Robert can make that happen. This cabinet has doors painted in Resene Nero, Resene Sundial and Resene Freelance, a cheerful and upbeat combination.

The MCM Furniture design process involves several stages, starting with an initial consultation with the client to understand their needs, preferences and budget, from there creating a design concept, which for some projects includes detailed drawings and 3D modelling.

Once the design is finalised, Robert begins the fabrication process, which usually involves cutting and shaping the wood, creating the joinery project, sanding and then finishing the piece using Resene paints and stains.

“I prefer to use Resene paints and products due to their durability, wide range of colours, and ability to create a smooth, even finish.

“Choosing a favourite piece that I have created is a difficult task as each piece has a degree of creativity, skills and time, making them all meaningful in their own way,” Robert says. “Ultimately my goal is to create pieces that not only look beautiful but also meet the functional and personal style of my clients.”

Check out more designs from Mid-century Modern Furniture (MCM) online www.facebook.com/midcentfurniture/.

Published: 26 Apr 2023