It is a case of taste, an adoption of a lifestyle, even a need to make a statement. The manner in which the interior of a residence evolves is the result of choices made not just in the structural elements but also in furniture opted, the style embraced and certainly the brands patronised. Invariably this choice reflects the design sentiments and inclinations of the homeowner and certainly size of the wallet. For, a high-end design bringing in international brands does not come at an easy-to-part rate.
While appreciation for high-end designs and international brands of furniture may be significant, how much of this appreciation transforms into actual purchase? Especially if such appreciation is forthcoming from a younger segment of clientele whose pockets may not be so deep.
As for those who have funds to spare, do they share similar sentiments of design appreciation to offer a significant working market?
Some of the top-end furniture outlets operating in the city definitely think so and choose to bring in more international brands to cater to what they call a niche market. The recent launching of a few international brands by the premium retail chain, Simply Sofas, was in keeping with this view. Home to both locally manufactured furniture-sets as well as some of the top international brands, Simply Sofas added a few more to its display array with the introduction of Leolux from Netherlands and Bonaldo from Italy, both recognised internationally for their innovation and excellence in design.
ArrestingLeolux launched a range of attractive seating elements that were arresting in design and colours, the leather as well as fabric options breathing comfort combined with their luxurious appearance. While some of them like the Gynko range of double sofas with foldable arms and the Parabolica range that offers a seating for relaxation as well as work had received the Red Dot Design award, there are others which are equally striking, displaying organic lines that house a supple body and exquisite craftsmanship.
The Bonaldo brand launched a striking range of dining tables and seating that are both leather as well as plastic, where the plastic seating elements are captivating in their innovative design sense and colours offered. The furniture range is flexible to adapt to individual customer inclinations, the ergonomic designs explicitly structured to offer maximum comfort wrapped in luxury as well as aesthetics.
Growing marketSpeaking on the potential market for this international range, Sebastiaan Sanders, CEO of Leolux Living, said, “Customers here are increasingly exposed to international brands through their travels which translate as potential market for high-end furnishings. This market will grow in the coming years with the current mid-segment clientele too entering into this range.”
Concurs Alberto Bonaldo, Managing Director of Bonaldo, “The furniture offered in our range is flexible to adapt to different client base in different regions and this offers a confirmed demand for the product.”
The Managing Director of Simply Sofas, Maaruti Rao, says Bangalore is probably the best place in terms of design sensibilities given the awareness of international trends as well as the inclinations of the clientele. “The city has a discerning customer base given the high exposure to international brands. While high-end furniture still caters to a niche market, this segment is growing and is likely to become very significant in the next five years.”
Contending that the level of awareness as well as aspiration for high-end locally manufactured furniture as well as international brands is significant though it is still confined to a small niche segment, Sunil Suresh, Managing Director, Stanley Lifestyles, said, “the actual demand comes from a mature market for whom it is not just a case of showing off a brand but appreciation of the comfort, quality, functionality as well as the aesthetics.”
According to him, these brands address those who look for a particular style, finish and quality that will last for a long time in their permanent residence. He further feels that since most of the furniture is also specifically customised to suit Indian conditions and needs, there is certainly a significant market even when it is at the higher end. Stanley Lifestyles has its own range of high-end furniture which is designed in-house by international designers.
