Based in the UK, Coucou Manou specializes in the design and manufacture of unique and enduring furniture. Designer-owner Nell Beale found inspiration for the project's name from two distinct sources: Coucou after the French word for hello', and Manou after her term of endearment for daughter Manon. Coucou Manou made its debut at the London Design Festival in 2012. Since then Beale has devoted her time to the design and production of colorful, well-made pieces for the home.
Production takes place in a town near Bath, in the west of England. Beale has always been involved in design in some way: she began to experiment with woodworking and other arts quite early, taking courses in photography, stone masonry, and stained glass. She eventually won a spot on an HND design course and trained in furniture making. These unique experiences have had a lasting impact on Coucou Manou's aesthetic: simple, unfussy furniture with playful touches and bold palettes.
When producing her distinctive pieces, Beale combines modern manufacturing techniques with traditional cabinetmaking skills. Every piece is hand-painted, finished with eco-oils and waxes, and assembled by hand in her workshop. All of the paints are eco-friendly, ensuring that this furniture is not only aesthetically but also ethically pleasing.
