Furniture design is shifting towards use of natural and eco-friendly materials

The use of reclaimed, sustainably sourced wood, bamboo, bioplastics materials, reused materials have a low impact on the environment and are the upcoming design trends says Pranjal Agrawal, CEO, Hèrmosa Design Studio.

India is a heritage of sorts when it comes to traditional furniture design, your thoughts?
The story of India’s rich culture and heritage can be seen through some of the most intricate antique pieces. However, apart from a few cultures, most of the pieces were designed for ceremonial purposes used by royalty. These were made locally, with European influences and represented an era of unmatched Indian craftsmanship. Back in the day, skilled artisans would use the locally available wood like satinwood, rosewood, mahogany and ebony and carve them into exquisite pieces.

With the infusion of global sensibilities in Indian mindsets, how is furniture design being perceived in current times?
Over the years, furniture has found a greater purpose in Indian homes and one beyond utility. Our homes are meant to reflect who we are through unique design-led solutions that bring together aesthetics and functionality. Today, the trends of homebuyers, especially in mini metros have evolved in terms of tastes and preferences however, the gap lies in the limited access to newer choices in home décor, given that these markets are majorly unorganized. There has also been a jump in the demand for affordable housing leading to better prospects in the H&I market. Consumers are now seeing greater value in furniture and focus on price, durability, and design when buying furniture. We founded Hèrmosa Design Studio in 2018 to cater to consumers from Tier II cities who are looking to amplify their living experiences measured on these three pillars.We also recently set up a state-of-theart furniture manufacturing plant- the Hèrmosa Wonder factory spread over an expanse of 200,000 sq.ft. This is in line with our commitment to industry 4.0 and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Apart from wood, what according to you are some of the materials which have emerged as a popular choice for furniture designing?
There is a great shift towards natural and eco-friendly materials. The use of reclaimed, sustainably sourced wood, bamboo, bioplastics materials, reused materials have a low impact on the environment and are the upcoming design trends. There is also a recent trend of using metal and glass to amplify the look and feel of the product. At Hèrmosa, we source Acacia wood from our sources in Rajasthan as it is known for its durability and density and hardness making it the perfect material for long-lasting furniture. This wood, which would have been used as burning fuel is given a new lease of life through our pieces.

In a timeline when a majority of people have to thrive in a limited sq.ft area, what kind of furniture can add beauty, value and aesthetics in the existing living spaces?
Less is more and there is beauty in furniture that understands your needs and is dynamic and multifunctional. With most of us working from home, we are also sharing the space with other family members. We have embraced remote working, however, there is a lot one can do to amplify the look, feel and comfort of a living space. For example, investing in poufs is interesting as it can serve as a desk, a footrest, a seat and even a coffee table, one that can be moved around with ease. Part of this comfort also means going in for customized furniture where each piece is designed as per your need.

What kind of products is Hèrmosa offering for contemporary Indian homes?
I have always believed in making the latest in interior designing accessible to tier two markets and that inspired Hèrmosa.Every piece at Hèrmosa feels one-of-its-kind and made-to-measure. As a brand catering to the bespoke luxury and modular furniture markets, we aim to deliver the best quality standardized customizable furniture, made-to-measure from 100 per cent solid wood. In just two years Hèrmosa has grown from a boutique store to a space which gives consumers a homely experience that memorably engages them. The pieces are manufactured at our factory in Kota, Rajasthan where traditional craftsmanship is paired with creative, cutting-edge, contemporary design to bring the products to life. Our pieces range from home decor to office decor items including sofa sets, side tables, beds, TV units, cupboards, dressing tables, coffee tables, computer tables, chairs, storage cabinets, etc. In addition, we also have an upholstery line and a metal line. With high production standards, we service the residential, institutional and commercial sector and look forward to bringing more design innovations to Indian homes in the years to come

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