Designing Dreams: A Conversation With Juhi Of Beyond & More

FDT Bureau

In an exclusive conversation with FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (FDT), Juhi Sakhuja, the Co-Founder and Head Curator of Beyond & More, shares her inspiring journey from a career in commerce and marketing to becoming a leading figure in design and curation. With an impressive portfolio of over 100,000 products and representation of some of the finest European luxury brands, Beyond & More has carved its niche in the world of bespoke furniture, lighting, and art. Juhi opens up about her transition, the ethos of the brand, and the trends shaping luxury interiors in India.

JUHI, CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW BEYOND & MORE CAME INTO BEING?
Juhi: I’m Juhi, one of the co-founders of Beyond & More, where I also head design and curation. My journey has been quite interesting. I started as a commerce graduate with a PGDBM in strategic marketing, working primarily in data-driven roles. A stroke of luck led me to product sourcing at Future Group, and from there, there’s been no looking back.
About seven years ago, along with Alok and Sanjay, we co-founded Beyond & More. It’s been an amazing design journey where we started with furniture and gradually expanded to curating lighting and art.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE BEYOND & MORE IN A FEW WORDS?
Juhi: If I had to sum it up, Beyond & More brings the dreams of consumers and architects to life through design. We curate pieces across a wide range of categories, including loose furniture, decorative lighting, and mixed-media art. What sets us apart is our in-depth knowledge of over 3,000 brands and a portfolio of over one lakh products.



WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGY WHEN IT COMES TO CURATION AND WORKING WITH LUXURY BRANDS?
Juhi: Our strategy is simple: if you want a product, let us know, and we’ll source it for you. We work with some incredible European brands like Tacchini, Wittmann, Pedrali, Interstuhl, and JMM, primarily from Italy, Spain, and Germany. While we are proud to represent these brands in India, we are brand-agnostic. Our focus is on providing tailored solutions rather than pushing specific brands.
We’ve researched these brands extensively, visited their manufacturing facilities, and seen their craftsmanship firsthand. For example, JMM has been in operation for over 100 years, and Wittmann employs craftsmen who’ve been with them for decades.



"ABOUT SEVEN YEARS AGO, ALONG WITH ALOK AND SANJAY, WE CO-FOUNDED BEYOND & MORE. IT’S BEEN AN AMAZING DESIGN JOURNEY WHERE WE STARTED WITH FURNITURE AND GRADUALLY EXPANDED TO CURATING LIGHTING AND ART."



CAN YOU SHARE SOME STANDOUT PRODUCTS THAT ARE PART OF YOUR COLLECTION?
Juhi: Absolutely! Some highlights include: Julep by Jonas Wagell for Tacchini; Kubus by Josef Hoffman for Wittmann; Madison Desk by JMM and Silver Executive Chair by Interstuhl. These pieces represent timeless design and artisanal craftsmanship, which we are thrilled to bring to the Indian market.

HOW DO YOU TAILOR YOUR DESIGNS TO INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS?
Juhi: Every client is unique, so we study their demographics and psychographics to create spaces that truly reflect their personality. Even within popular styles like modern and contemporary, no two homes we curate are the same.
We also propose “iconics,” which are Beyond & More’s recommendations for statement pieces. These items add a distinctive narrative to a space, making it truly one of a kind.



WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE MUMBAI LUXURY INTERIORS MARKET?
Juhi: Mumbai is a financial hub with a high concentration of uber-luxury homes, but space is often a constraint. Architects here have adapted by focusing on fewer statement pieces that are timeless and impactful. One trend we’ve noticed is incorporating outdoor elements into indoor spaces, which works well given the city’s love for outdoor living. Mumbai’s consumers and designers are not just trend followers but trendsetters for the rest of India.

WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE FOR POTENTIAL CLIENTS LOOKING TO EXPLORE BEYOND & MORE?
Juhi: I’d encourage everyone to visit us! Whether it’s at our showroom or online, we pride ourselves on offering a unique experience. We truly listen to our clients and craft solutions that meet their needs without just pushing brands. Our curation process ensures that you get the luxury experience you’re looking for.

"ONE TREND WE’VE NOTICED IS INCORPORATING OUTDOOR ELEMENTS INTO INDOOR SPACES, WHICH WORKS WELL GIVEN THE CITY’S LOVE FOR OUTDOOR LIVING.​​​​​​​"

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON FDT AND ITS WORK IN THE DESIGN INDUSTRY?
Juhi: I believe Furniture Design And Technology (FDT) is doing an exceptional job in understanding market dynamics and staying ahead of trends across various sectors. Their articles demonstrate thorough market research and insightful reporting. I recall reading an article about how furniture configurations are being integrated with government initiatives - an impressive example of their depth of coverage.
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Additionally, FDT has been exploring key markets through detailed series, including Bangalore, Mumbai, and soon, Delhi. Their commitment to capturing the essence of these regions’ design landscapes positions them as a valuable resource. I have no doubt that, in the near future, FDT will become a significant authority on design and emerging trends, shaping the future of the industry.