The bespoke pieces

interior

This week You! talks to Islamabad-based furniture designer Muzafar Mohiuddin...

Muzafar Mohiuddin has been designing exquisite pieces of furniture since four years. He always had an admiration for beautiful things, particularly homes, so becoming a furniture designer was a natural choice for him. “I remember Meyesser; my sister, taking me to a furniture exhibition travelling from Egypt, it was a catalyst. Our furniture workshop went operational in March 2014. We focus on making heirloom pieces for projects. In many instances, we have categorised an entire order as a collection,” says Muzafar.

The best thing Muzafar loves about being a furniture designer is this ability to express himself creatively. “The liberty of experimenting everyday is stimulating. My personal style is timeless classic with a strong passion for Gallic pieces. An individual with a passion for design is always eager to absorb more. I have designed pieces inspired by an orange orchard in Khanpur to the Shah Jahan mosque in Thatta,” he enunciates. In an exclusive interview with You!, Muzafar talks about his work and latest trends in furniture designing...

You! What are the latest inclusions in your collection?

Muzafar Mohiuddin: An antique Burmese teak cabinet with dreamy marquetry and an oversized Kashan rug.

What is your favourite piece of furniture in your collection?

MM: An Empire style end table I bought at a flea market in Geneva.

You! What kind of furniture do you like personally - Victorian, contemporary or period furniture?

M.M: As much as I adore the beauty of all three, my personal favourites have to be pieces made in the manner of Louis Sixteen and John Cobb.

You! What made your furniture distinguished from others?

MM: I suppose the bespoke nature of our work is unique. There is always a little bit extra attention to detail in our work to cater to our clients. As we say we leave our passion in every creation - our pieces are made with love.

You! What are the current trends in international market with regard to home furnishing and accessories?

MM: The fusion of classic architectural features like crown moulding and parquet floors with contemporary furniture pieces is a big hit. In furniture, usage of brass, gemstones and crushed velvet upholstery with fringe details are big at the moment.

You! What type of furniture is popular among people these days?

MM: Classic pieces like a Chippendale mirror or a Louis Sixteen fauteuil will always remain popular and in style. Popular furniture trends prevalent at the moment are re-emergence of the art deco aesthetic and lots of brass.

You! What colours are in?

MM: Pantone’s colour of the year for 2019 is Living Coral. Usage of all hues of grey and jewel colours has been extensive for some time now.

You! Do you think over the years people have become more interested in buying designer furniture?

MM: Yes, a larger number of people from diverse segments of the society have started taking interest in their homes’ aesthetic today. A major chunk of this evolving group is quality conscious which is lovely. It pushes the industry to strive for better results.

You! Give us the keys to decorate one’s house with low budget:

MM: A mix of old and new, expensive and budget, subtle and grand - this mix is what makes a home beautiful. Decorating on a low budget should focus on a strong colour scheme, revamping existing pieces and getting rid of unnecessary clutter.

A change of colour or addition of a marble top can do wonders to a lifeless piece. There is art available from budding artists across various platforms; the dimension it adds to a space is dramatic. Invest in original art!

You! An interior tip you would like to share with our readers when it comes to furnishing your home?

MM: When buying articles for a space focus on quality, everything you’re buying should be of quality that can be passed down generations. A room with a few heirlooms will stand out any day against a room with many average pieces.

You! Do you think there is a scope for furniture designers in Pakistan?

MM: Most certainly, if you’re passionate about it and are willing to give it your best, a fulfilling career awaits you.

You! Is it difficult to satisfy the desires of a businessman or a homeowner?

MM: A businessman’s desires revolve around financial gains; a homeowner’s satisfaction revolves around self-gratification, which is way more difficult.

You! How is your house decorated?

MM: It is classic. Even though it evolves constantly; I grew up with most of the pieces that have either been maintained or redone. There has been a constant addition in terms of carpets, art and travel purchases of course.

You! Which professionals do you admire, in the architecture and design world?

MM: Internationally, Studio Peregalli based in Milan and Alidad Ltd based in London are my absolute favourites. Nationally, I look up to Arshad Shahid Abdullah’s work and adore what churns out of Strata Spaces.

You! Is there anything exciting, that you are working on at the moment, and you can tell us about?

MM: A furniture collection revolving around the jungle kingdom with a focus on botanic patterns, animal form and rattan craftsmanship is a challenging task at hand.

You! If you were completely free, what would you like to design?

MM: 1. A ceiling installation for my office that has been forever pending. 2. A physical or online platform for curating antiques and other collectibles.

You! Have you done furniture exhibitions abroad?

MM: No. Pakistan is an extremely vibrant and flourishing market. We need to tap this to the fullest potential before going overseas.

You! What are your future plans?

MM: Moving the furniture workshop to a full-scale factory in Hattar Industrial Estate.