The Hindu Business Line : Spacewise looks to keep it simple, sleek

TUCKED away in a quiet part of an upmarket area in the city, this post colonial bungalow could be easily associated with anything old and antique. But Spacewise is anything but that.

What began three years ago as an interior design company and which later evolved into a store-in-store brand is now an exclusive outfit offering high-end contemporary furniture (including the LA-Z Boy recliner), accessories and interior design concepts.

Owned by Ms Aparna Philip and her husband Mr M.M. Philip, Spacewise's USP is its emphasis on the simple and the sleek. "The straight-lined no-frills contemporary look is in today. People no more want ornate stuff; they want a clutter-free environment with minimalistic furniture. And our store specialises in just that," says Ms Philip, an interior designer by profession.

The pricing of its furniture (mainly made from wood), the company says, is between that of branded furniture and ordinary imported furniture. While its bed with side units costs about Rs 35,000, its five-seater sofa is priced Rs 55,000. A 5 x 5 dining table could cost Rs 65,000.

Although operating from Chennai, the company also retails furniture to clients in Mumbai and Bangalore. It is also looking to open a store in Bangalore in nine months. "We are not in the volume business. The store is exclusive in terms of design and caters to an upmarket clientele. It is a niche market, but a growing one at that. We hope to break even in 18 months," says Mr Philip.

While the company is currently focussed on homes, it is open to the idea of furnishing corporate entities as well.

Spacewise's furniture is manufactured at two factories in the city, while its accessories such as glassware and home furnishings are sourced from South-East Asia and Spain. It also has a dealership with Bangalore-based Stanley Seating to retail the US-based furniture company LA-Z Boy's recliners (priced between Rs 30,000 and Rs 60,000). (Stanley Seating is the sole licensee partner for LA-Z-BOY in India.) "We are looking at similar dealerships for accessories and light fittings," says Mr Philip.

The company also customises furniture to suit specific needs.