“Furniture is truly magical when it looks good and serves a purpose in your everyday life” – Beena Amin

interiors

Founded in 2007 by Beena Amin, ‘Beena Amin Design Studio’ is a distinguished furniture design brand known for crafting artful pieces that transcend mere functionality. With a commitment to excellence and sustainability, the designs blend timeless elegance, functionality, and cultural resonance. Inspired by the rich culture of Pakistan and global influences, each meticulously crafted piece tells a unique story. Drawing ideas from diverse times and cultures, Beena creates furniture that stands as enduring expressions of sophistication. The brand’s commitment to responsible design is evident in its global recognition and high-end positioning in Pakistan’s furniture industry. With a strong passion for creating more than just functional pieces, she is well-known for the artistic design of living spaces. In a comprehensive interview, renowned designer Beena Amin talks to You! about the evolution of furniture design and impact of technology…

You! Design and technology are continually converging. Can you share your thoughts on how 3D printing, AI, or virtual reality might play a role in the future of furniture design?

Beena Amin: AI in furniture design is like having a clever assistant for designers. It learns people’s preferences, helps create stylish and comfortable furniture, and even lets designers test ideas virtually before making the real thing. Technology is changing furniture design. We can now use virtual reality to see how furniture looks in our spaces before buying it. 3D printing allows for more detailed and custom designs. Smart furniture connected to the internet can adapt to our needs. This technology makes furniture more sustainable by using eco-friendly materials and smarter production methods. In the future, thanks to tech, furniture will be more personalised, interactive, and easy to try out before bringing it home.

You! How do you balance aesthetics and functionality in your designs?

BA: Good design should also be useful. Our bespoke shelves and tables are not just pretty; they’re designed to make spaces look good and work well. The shelves look great and can be adjusted to fit your needs, while the dining tables are stylish and practical for gatherings. We think furniture is truly magical when it looks good and serves a purpose in your everyday life.

You! How do you see furniture design evolving, in terms of trends and technologies?

BA: Furniture is getting even cooler! Picture smart furniture that connects to your devices, with trends bringing comfy and stylish designs, blending old and new styles for a unique look. Technology, like 3D printing and AI, will make furniture more personalised and easier to create - furniture that’s not just good-looking but also super smart and tailored just for you. Imagine a sofa that knows how you like to sit or a table charging your phone wirelessly. Your furniture will interact with your home, letting you control things like lights and temperature with a tap. It’s not just furniture; it’s like having helpful friends in your home, making life simpler and more connected.

You! Sustainability is a growing concern in the design industry. What sustainable practices and materials do you foresee becoming more prominent in furniture design?

BA: We’ll see more furniture with eco-friendly stuff. Like, using old wood or metal again, which is good for the planet. Also, furniture made from responsibly sourced wood will be popular, ensuring we’re not harming forests. Using water-based finishes and glues, instead of the strong-smelling ones, will be common, making furniture safer for us and the environment. Designs that can change and last a long time will be in style, reducing waste, will make furniture in a way that’s good for the Earth.

You! As urban living spaces become more compact, how will furniture designers adapt to create functional and space-saving solutions for smaller homes and apartments?

BA: We’ll see more space-saving solutions that are not just functional but also clever and stylish. Think of furniture that can transform, like a sofa turning into a bed, or tables that can be folded away when not needed. Multi-functional pieces, like a coffee table with storage or a chair that can be a step ladder, will become popular. Designers will focus on making every inch of space count, using smart ideas to help people live comfortably in smaller homes and apartments.

You! The concept of circular design is gaining traction. How do you see this approach affecting the way furniture is designed?

BA: Furniture will be made with the idea of recycling and reusing. This means designs that last longer and can be easily repurposed. The way furniture is made will be eco-friendlier, with less waste. People will also prefer furniture that can be fixed up or recycled instead of throwing it away. It’s all about being kinder to the environment and making sure furniture doesn’t end up as waste.

You! How will office furniture design adapt to meet the needs of the changing workplace landscape?

BA: As more people work from home or flexible spaces, office furniture will change to fit these new ways of working. Furniture will be flexible to suit different places, like home offices or co-working spaces. It will be designed to keep people comfortable and healthy, with a focus on adjustable features. Technology will be a big part, making it easy to connect and work virtually. Furniture will also be space-efficient, considering the different sizes of home offices.

You! Are there any design principles or concepts that you believe every homeowner or interior designer should be aware of when selecting furniture?

BA: When choosing furniture, it’s essential to consider a few key design principles. First, think about the function of the space - furniture should complement the purpose of the room. Additionally, pay attention to scale and proportion to ensure that pieces harmonise with the size of the space and each other.

Harmony in colour, style, and material selection creates a cohesive look. Don’t forget about functionality; furniture should enhance the usability of the space.

Lastly, embrace your personal style and let it shine through your choices. Select pieces that resonate with you and contribute to the overall aesthetic you envision for your home. As your space should reflect you.

You! Can you identify any emerging design trends, such as colour palettes, materials, or design aesthetics?

BA: Look out for furniture in nature-inspired colours earthy tones, made from sustainable eco-friendly materials. Designs that can do more than one thing and have some cool technology built-in will be popular. Also, expect unique, handcrafted details in furniture. These trends are all about making furniture stylish, practical, and good for the planet.

You! What cultural or demographic shifts do you believe will influence furniture design trends in the near future, and how might they manifest in your work?

BA: In the future, I see furniture design being influenced by different cultures, a need for smaller living spaces, a love for technology, a focus on being eco-friendly, and considering the comfort of an aging population. For me, this means creating designs that celebrate diversity, making furniture that fits well in compact spaces, integrating technology seamlessly, using sustainable materials, and ensuring comfort for people of all ages. It’s about making furniture that reflects the values and lifestyles of a diverse and changing world.