Tucked away on the Lizard Peninsula there’s a company that has been producing crafted pieces of furniture for 38 years.
Rozen Furniture, established in Cornwall in 1986, began as a creative venture by co-directors Alan Pearce and Ian Cox. Both skilled cabinet makers, they combined their vision, skills and expertise to create Rozen Furniture, a company dedicated to quality, artistry and craftsmanship. Over the years, they expanded, moving to its current workshop in the picturesque village of Ruan Minor on the Lizard Peninsula in 2000.
With over 38 years of experience, Rozen has earned a reputation as one of Cornwall’s leading designers, joiners and creators of luxury furniture and interiors, offering completely bespoke, hand-crafted pieces. Everything they create is made in their Ruan Minor workshop. Supported by an enthusiastic team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years, the company continually enhances its knowledge and develops skills, blending modern technologies with traditional methods to produce some of the finest furniture and cabinetry on the market today.
This year in particular has witnessed a steady progression for Rozen towards partnering with local architectural practices. With the county witnessing a growth in individual high-end builds, the demand for bespoke kitchens, media-centres, fitted wardrobes and much more has caused a ground shift in the way new projects are approached. Previously, these items have been seen as an afterthought, sometimes coming as an unwelcome fiscal surprise to clients who have already spent their money on the main construction. Now they are an integral part of the design process. It means that Rozen, with their established track record, are being asked by architects and designers, more and more, to come on board at a much earlier stage. Consequently, the whole process has become much more streamlined and efficient.
From the perspective of all concerned the benefits are manifold. For the architect, bespoke furniture ensures that every piece perfectly complements the architectural style and interior design. Custom-made furniture can be designed to match the scale, colour palette and materiality of the space, creating a cohesive and harmonious environment that off-the-shelf pieces cannot achieve. This tailored approach enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and functional integration of the space, making it more attractive and unique. This added value can attract discerning clients who are looking for a distinct and personalised approach to their project. By showcasing their ability to deliver fully integrated and customised designs, architects can enhance their reputation and marketability. For the client, incorporating bespoke furniture into a property can increase the overall value of the residence. Custom pieces are often seen as luxury items that add exclusivity and prestige. This perceived value can enhance the market appeal should they come to sell in the future, potentially leading to higher resale values and quicker sales for residential properties. For Rozen, the incorporation of bespoke furniture into a new build provides a personalised experience, leading to higher client satisfaction. New home owners appreciate the attention to detail and the unique touch that custom pieces bring to their space, which can significantly increase their emotional connection to the property. They are more likely to talk about and show these items to friends who will very likely turn their appreciation into a commission, be it directly or via an architect. Personal recommendation is a strong stimulant to people’s purchasing practices! A case in point concerned a neighbour of a recent Rozen client, who drove three hours to visit their workshop so that he could commission a similar table!
It would seem then that being based in Cornwall is no barrier to trade for them. Operating nationally, they have in fact just recently completed a project in Scotland. Their fitters and installers are willing to travel for extended periods, allowing them to complete installations efficiently in one visit rather than making multiple trips. This approach requires them to be highly organised and focused on the specific requirements of each project, ensuring that they maximise productivity and efficiency. Consequently, lessons learned by installing up country then backflow into projects in Cornwall.
When it comes to materials Rozen are able to source all types of wood. The criteria is that it is sustainably sourced, aligning with the industry’s growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices. For their bespoke furniture, the most popular timbers of the moment are oak and black walnut, both of which offer unique advantages that enhance the quality and durability of their pieces.
Oak, renowned for its strength and resilience, is a favoured choice in high-end furniture making. Its dense grain and natural beauty make it a timeless material, ideal for creating pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly durable. The rich, warm tones of oak can range from light to dark, providing versatile design options that can be tailored to various interior styles. Additionally, oak’s durability ensures that furniture crafted from this wood will withstand the test of time, making it a sustainable investment for any home.
Black walnut, on the other hand, is celebrated for its striking appearance and exceptional workability. Its deep, dark hues, often highlighted with intricate grain patterns, add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any piece. Black walnut’s fine texture and smooth grain make it a joy to work with, allowing for intricate detailing and smooth finishes that are highly sought after in bespoke furniture. Furthermore, its natural oils make it resistant to wear and tear, enhancing its longevity and making it a practical choice for both functional and decorative pieces.
They are always trying to improve ways of working, keeping up to date with the latest design trends and technologies.
A final point to make is one that resonates with all of us – why do we do what we do? Why do Rozen do what they do? To glean the answer, we let Gareth Jenkins, Rozen’s Lead Designer, have the last words, “The bespoke nature of our work means every project is different, each brief is exciting as it offers new challenges to find successful solutions for our clients. We aim to surpass a client’s expectations with a high quality result – every time.”