< Previous50SEPTEMBER 202450SEPTEMBER 2024 CWPME_Sep2024_50-51_Lavish Luxuries Opener_13364523.indd 50CWPME_Sep2024_50-51_Lavish Luxuries Opener_13364523.indd 5023/08/2024 14:4223/08/2024 14:4251SEPTEMBER 2024 LAVISH LUXURIES Enhancing luxury properties with exquisite fit-outs, luxe materials, and iconic furniture 51SEPTEMBER 2024 CWPME_Sep2024_50-51_Lavish Luxuries Opener_13364523.indd 51CWPME_Sep2024_50-51_Lavish Luxuries Opener_13364523.indd 5123/08/2024 14:4223/08/2024 14:42LAVISH LUXURIES 52SEPTEMBER 2024 FURNISHING HAPPINESS, ONE ROOM AT A TIME Adrian Shaw, CEO of Chattels & More, elaborates on the significance of choosing classic furniture items and the common errors to steer clear of for elevating the aesthetic appeal of your living space Interview by Shehzin Shaikh CWPME_Sep2024_52-55_Lavish Luxuries_13370428.indd 52CWPME_Sep2024_52-55_Lavish Luxuries_13370428.indd 5226/08/2024 09:1726/08/2024 09:17LAVISH LUXURIES 53SEPTEMBER 2024 When it comes to interior design, the term ‘luxury’ does not always denote lavishness or extravagance. A luxurious abode could be a chic apartment overlooking the Burj Khalifa or a majestic three-storey villa nestled in the picturesque Saadiyat Island overlooking the blue ocean. So, when it comes to elevating the visual appeal of your home, one of the most impactful changes you can implement is investing in new furniture. After all, it not only serves a practical purpose but also refl ects your personal style and the overall atmosphere you wish to create in your home. Whether you aim to revamp an old room or set up your new living room, updating your furniture can have a signifi cant impact. Chattels & More, a homegrown brand founded in 2016 by Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group understands the challenge of turning a ‘house’ into a home. In an exclusive interview with CW Property, Adrian Shaw, CEO, Chattels & More tells us the importance of furniture when Left: A modern and stylish living room interior Right: A large, sectional sofa upholstered in a light-coloured fabric; A white leather sofa Images supplied by: Chattels & More designing the home and off ers insights on making informed decisions to enhance the visual harmony and appeal of your living space. What are the key trends shaping the luxury furniture industry today? The luxury furniture sector is currently being shaped by several prominent trends. Organic forms are experiencing a surge in popularity, providing a more gentle and natural look. Additionally, there is a rising fascination with coloured and textured glass, which introduces an element of sophistication and uniqueness. Flexibility is another signifi cant trend in furniture design, with extendable tables, reclining sofas for home cinemas, modular sofas, and sofa beds seeing a rise in demand as they off er practical and stylish solutions for modern living. In what ways have consumer preferences CWPME_Sep2024_52-55_Lavish Luxuries_13370428.indd 53CWPME_Sep2024_52-55_Lavish Luxuries_13370428.indd 5329/08/2024 17:2429/08/2024 17:24LAVISH LUXURIES 54SEPTEMBER 2024 for luxury furniture changed over the past few years? Consumer preferences have evolved signifi cantly, driven by the fast-paced nature of modern life. Today’s customers value convenience more than ever, from the mode of purchase to how they maintain their furniture. They often begin their shopping journey online, researching products and comparing options before visiting showrooms. They are also more knowledgeable about style preferences and frequently seek recommendations from experts in the fi eld. Moreover, there is a growing demand for easy-to-maintain fabrics that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. What are the biggest challenges faced by the luxury furniture industry today? The luxury furniture industry, especially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become increasingly competitive with new brands constantly entering the market. So, we focus on diff erentiating ourselves by off ering unique, high- quality products. Many of our collections are made in Europe, in collaboration with long-standing partners who share our commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. This approach ensures that we continue to provide our customers with distinctive, premium furniture that stands out in the market. What impact has technology had on furniture design and production? Technology has had a profound impact on both the design and production of furniture. We’re seeing an increasing demand for smarter furniture solutions, such as electric recliners, sofas with built-in charging ports, and ergonomic seating designed to conform to your body. These modern innovations not only improve comfort and usability but also cater to the increasing need for furniture that eff ortlessly blends in with contemporary lifestyles. CWPME_Sep2024_52-55_Lavish Luxuries_13370428.indd 54CWPME_Sep2024_52-55_Lavish Luxuries_13370428.indd 5426/08/2024 09:1826/08/2024 09:18LAVISH LUXURIES 55SEPTEMBER 2024 How can customers ensure they choose the right furniture for their space? To choose the right furniture for your space, it’s important to consider a few key factors. Think about your space constraints and how it will fi t within the room. If you have kids or pets, opt for durable, easy-to-clean fabrics. Also, consider how the colours will complement your existing interiors, ensuring a harmonious and stimulating environment. What are some common mistakes people make when buying furniture, and how can they avoid them? A common error that many consumers make is fi xating only on the cost and appearance of an item while shopping. It is crucial to also take into account practical factors, such as potential relocation plans or anticipated adjustments in family dynamics, such as the addition of children, pets, or frequent family visitors. Hence, I would recommend seeking guidance from a designer as they can off er valuable input regarding the functionality and colour coordination of your furniture selection, thereby steering you away from choices that may not meet your long-term requirements. How can homeowners ensure they don’t follow ‘trends’ blindly but pick timeless furniture pieces? To ensure that your furniture stands the test of time, prioritise pieces that refl ect your unique taste and style rather than following transient trends. While it is easy to hop on the bandwagon of trends, it is your individuality and preferences that will truly transform a house into a home. So, select furniture pieces that align with your identity, as that will help you build a space that will remain special for you for years to come, irrespective of the changing trends. Left: A modern console table; X’s and O’s never go out of style; Adrian Shaw, CEO of Chattels & More Right: A nightstand made of warm-toned wood with brass accents; A dining room table with a square, concrete tabletop CWPME_Sep2024_52-55_Lavish Luxuries_13370428.indd 55CWPME_Sep2024_52-55_Lavish Luxuries_13370428.indd 5527/08/2024 19:2427/08/2024 19:2456SEPTEMBER 2024 PROPTECH PLATFORMS Navigating the forefront of advancements reshaping the property landscape, from smart homes to blockchain applications 56SEPTEMBER 2024 CWPME_Sep2024_56-57_Proptech Platforms Opener_13364524.indd 56CWPME_Sep2024_56-57_Proptech Platforms Opener_13364524.indd 5623/08/2024 14:4323/08/2024 14:4357SEPTEMBER 202457SEPTEMBER 2024 CWPME_Sep2024_56-57_Proptech Platforms Opener_13364524.indd 57CWPME_Sep2024_56-57_Proptech Platforms Opener_13364524.indd 5723/08/2024 14:4423/08/2024 14:44PROPTECH PLATFORMS 58SEPTEMBER 2024 THE EV OL UTION OF LENDING Digital platforms, leveraging AI and big data, are transforming the mortgage process, offering speed, efficiency, and personalisation to modern-day borrowers Words by Arran Summerhill CWPME_Sep2024_58-62_Proptech Platforms_13365159.indd 58CWPME_Sep2024_58-62_Proptech Platforms_13365159.indd 5823/08/2024 14:4523/08/2024 14:45PROPTECH PLATFORMS 59SEPTEMBER 2024 CWPME_Sep2024_58-62_Proptech Platforms_13365159.indd 59CWPME_Sep2024_58-62_Proptech Platforms_13365159.indd 5923/08/2024 14:4523/08/2024 14:45Next >