RISING TREND OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS AND FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS

FDT Bureau

Luxury home décor is an evolving concept, with designers constantly redefining its meaning and its place in modern homes. In a candid conversation, Ms. Amitha Madan, Partner at Magari, Bengaluru, spoke to FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE and delved into how the furniture brand has carved a niche in the Indian market, where luxury now encompasses both global influences and local craftsmanship.

LUXURY IS ALL ABOUT TOUCH, FEEL, AND EXPERIENCE
“Luxury home décor is no longer just about appearances,” Amitha shares, emphasizing the importance of the tactile experience. “For instance, while buying a sofa, most people want to experience it and touch and feel the materials. Aesthetics are no longer the sole criteria” This sensory approach to furniture selection has made Magari’s physical stores a vital part of their success. Despite the rise of online furniture shopping, Amitha believes nothing beats the in-person experience. “Having a physical store where customers can truly experience the product is very important to us as a brand.

Located in prime spots across the city, Magari’s stores receive foot traffic from a diverse clientele, including architects who visit during the week and individual buyers who prefer weekends. “This is why we’re open on Sundays too,” Amitha explains, highlighting the need to cater to different customer lifestyles.

INTRODUCING NEW MATERIALS AND DESIGNS
When it comes to furniture design, materials play a significant role in the overall aesthetic and functionality. While customer preferences sometimes influence material choices, Amitha views her role as a designer as one that pushes boundaries “We do want to introduce newer materials to our clients - materials they might not have considered for furniture,” she says. Natural stone, wood, tinted glass, metallic finishes, and even recycled materials have all found a place in contemporary furniture designs. Magari has embraced sustainable choices, such as using paper and cured leather, reflecting a growing trend toward eco-consciousness. Amitha adds, “There’s a strong inclination towards natural materials today, and I see more designers moving towards creating products that resonate with this.”

GROWING INDIAN FURNITURE INDUSTRY
Reflecting on the evolution of the Indian furniture industry, Amitha shares that Magari was one of the first few to launch a high-end furniture showroom in Bangalore. “Eight years ago, there weren’t many homegrown Indian brands offering well-designed furniture. Now, I see more brands in Indiranagar and across the city, not just in furniture but in home décor and interiors as well.” The demand for good-quality, locally designed furniture has surged, and with it, the idea of luxury has evolved. “Luxury used to be synonymous with Italian furniture,” Amitha says, “but today, we’re promoting our own crafts within the country.” This shift towards valuing local craftsmanship and Indian designs has given luxury home décor a new meaning - one that is rooted in authenticity and cultural identity.

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES IN GLOBAL AND LOCAL DESIGN
When asked about the comparison between Indian and Italian furniture, Amitha acknowledges that the Italian industry is “a few notches above” in some respects. However, she quickly adds, “I don’t see us far behind at all. The quality of the product available locally today is at par with Italian design in terms of finishing.” Instead of comparing, Amitha believes the focus should be on celebrating the differences. “The way Italians approach design is very different from us, and that’s okay. Our cultural sensibility is unique and that’s something we should embrace.”

THE UPWARD GROWTH OF DESIGN COLLABORATIONS
Amitha sees a growing trend of collaborations between architects, designers, and manufacturers. “More and more designers are finding new forms of expression by designing products not just for individual clients but for a larger audience.” She also notes that this collaboration is not limited to seasoned professionals; young designers and students are also bringing fresh ideas to the table.


As Magari continues to grow, Amitha looks forward to fostering more of these collaborations. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating a sense of warmth and comfort in someone’s home,” she says. “When we design, we imagine how people would want to experience these pieces in their own spaces.”
For Amitha Madan and Magari, luxury home décor goes beyond aesthetics - it’s about providing an immersive experience, embracing new materials, and celebrating both global and local craftsmanship. As the Indian furniture industry continues to grow, brands like Magari are leading the way, redefining luxury for modern homes and promoting Indian design on the global stage.