There are dozens of companies in our industry association where furniture making is a family or generational business. However, it is hard to find furniture dynasties, even considering the large number of UAFM members.

The company “LOVKO” is close to this definition because their grandfather was a furniture maker, as are the brothers Yevhen and Andriy Stratulaty, co-owners of the company. Although the family legacy stopped with their father, it continued at the genetic level, and the passion for woodworking manifested in the grandsons. It’s all about wood. That’s why the company, created by them together with another co-owner – Volodymyr Ezerin, specializes in natural wood products – chairs, armchairs, tables and their supports, shelves. Moreover, they prefer not to mass production, but to create custom, designer pieces with a distinct individuality and unique elegance. Several professionals may work on the design of one chair. Every detail is carefully thought out, executed with taste and talent.

Of course, the company is not focused solely on the aesthetic appeal of its products. Equally important is the quality – durability, functionality, and ergonomics. These pieces of furniture are equally suitable for home use and for HoReCa establishments, so the company’s client base includes both private buyers and corporate clients, for whom wholesale prices and a loyalty program are offered.

In a conversation with Mr. Yevhen, we learned that the company has been gradually but persistently recovering from the crisis caused by the war, which plunged the country’s economy, and with it the furniture industry. During the first two months of the war, the company didn’t operate at all, and then it slowly began to sell off the products that remained in stock. Last year, it worked on a new stock program, and this year it has been expanding its client base, increasing sales channels, and preparing to launch new models.

– Does the company rely on its own design potential, or does it collaborate with freelance designers?

– Most of the models in our range are the work of our own designers, but the company has always been and will continue to be open to mutually beneficial cooperation with other designers – both industrial and interior designers.

– Sometimes companies focused on producing custom furniture hold their own competitions for the design community to find interesting, promising design projects. Have you ever done this?

– No, but we carefully study the design proposals available in the public domain, focusing on those that fully align with the company’s stylistic priorities – minimalist designs, Scandinavian style. But that’s not enough for us: it’s also important that the proposed chair or table project is easy to manufacture – constructed with as few details as possible, and preferably these elements should be as universal as possible.

However, not everything we like and find suitable for manufacturing and technology is immediately turned into a finished product and launched on the market. Right now, we have an approved project, but we are not launching it into production, understanding that the market is not yet ready to fully embrace such a furniture innovation. So we are waiting for the right time.

– One of the marketing strategies that our furniture manufacturers use in current conditions is to step beyond their usual product range, meaning they start producing types of furniture they haven’t specialized in before. For example, have you ever thought about venturing into the production of soft furniture, wardrobes, or kitchens?

– Kitchens – definitely not. That’s not our area. But I won’t say that we haven’t considered it. We do plan to expand our range with new products that are close to soft furniture – specifically lounge chairs. But not everything, and not right away.

– This could be called a factor in the company’s development. And, perhaps, it’s not the only one?

– Yes. We also have export intentions. We’ve made a few overseas sales, but it’s not yet full-scale export. For this purpose, we are interested in the offer from UAM to participate in the collective national stand at the exhibition in Poznan in February.

When we wrap up the year, we’ll be able to specify other future development plans that are still in the draft stage.

– Well, we wish you a successful start in the new year!