Crystal couch, arty chair

What are the new trends in furniture? Abhilasha Ojha does a recce of some exclusive stores.

Red, Blue & Yellow, a premier furniture and interiors store in Mumbai, will be bustling with people this evening. A new range of products is to be unveiled at a special preview, and, according to the buzz the event has already generated, clients have pre-booked much of the collection. What the store will showcase as part of its new lineup is “clean lines blending into graceful curves, minimalist design, and earthy colours”.

While the collection is decidedly contemporary, as explained by Paul Rodrigues, a partner at the store,there are some other exciting styles to choose from elsewhere in Delhi. Another high-end furniture store, Indi Store, recently unveiled its new range of furniture. Designed by Alex Davis, the autumn-winter collection showcases innovative and utilitarian furniture. The highlights, says Davis, include exotic European and African veneers, Italian wood stains and polishes, high quality Italian lacquer in various colours, Indian and Italian leather, and the application of a mix of metal detailing and wood finishes.

With the pre-Diwali season being the traditional time to make home improvements, there is a buzz in the market that belies any thoughts of a prolonged slowdown. A quick trip to any of your favourite branded furniture outlets will tell you that most of these are busy unveiling their new lines. So what are the overriding trends in furniture design this season? Anupama Dalmia of Alchemy, a Delhi-based furniture store, says: “An eclectic look is in and the focus is on detailing.”

On its part, Alchemy will unveil its new range — including benches, coffee tables and sofa sets — by next week. If Alchemy’s pieces spell elegance, Living In Style, another Mumbai-based furniture store, has already announced its new and dazzling range of exclusive, upholstered pieces decorated with Swarovski! Not surprisingly, the collection, which starts at Rs 18,000, is called the “crystal edition”. The range extends to exclusive sofas, armchairs, host chairs, tables, beds, mirrors and accessories. Afzal Chandiwala, director, Living in Style, comments on this year’s big trend: “This year, it’s time to add bling to your personality and home. Our range incorporates luxurious, upholstered furniture and sparkling crystals.” Speaking of bling, designer Jay Strongwater’s new range of tables (priced at Rs 5 lakh) at decor boutique, The Right Address, includes a round leaf- and-vine bronze table with a Swarovski peacock perched on top and other motifs like dragonfly and butterfly done in precious stones to add a touch of royalty to the design.

In Delhi, designer Mukul Goyal’s new range of “combo furniture” in steel reflects the designer’s “blend of traditional materials with contemporary expression”. His product, titled Combo Bench, for instance, is priced at Rs 22,665 and is a combination of steel and mesh to ensure a blend of striking looks and functionality.

Then, there is Fcml’s new range of screens (made from photoframes stacked together) at Rs 27,510 a piece, it’s a great addition to your home. The design is an attempt to create a more “personalised space in furniture”. It’s also a reason why, perhaps, Great Eastern Homes, another Mumbai-based furniture brand, recently unveiled a “handpainted” range starting at Rs 1 lakh upwards. What will be your pick?