Homemaker’s paradise

The duo’s background in real-estate, coupled with their passion for the aesthetic, led the duo to conceive a brilliant business enterprise earlier this year.

The couple formally launched their company in an “open house,” ceremony held recently at offices on Kitchener Street, Woodbrook. Here, potential clients were given a preview of the specialised US and Italian furniture design imports that the company retails.

Although born here, June says that it was really her lengthy residence in the US which heavily influenced her love for architecture and home design.

“Both Brent and I would decorate our home for ourselves,” she said with a smile.

The desire to own her own home interior company took root a long time ago, she said, but admitted that a great deal of time, effort and research were required before the company could operate.

“I had to do a lot of research abroad, in terms of talking to suppliers, doing marketing analyses, and interviewing architects,” said Brent.

On returning to TT, June said that she realised that there was a need for an affordable home interior design company, which would allow homemakers to express their individuality.

Since there was a market, she started assembling her dream job together.

“It was a tremendous cash injection,” she said.

The ambience of the store conveys a unique blend of the traditional and the contemporary, as reflected in the solid cherry, oak or maple wood furnishings or the marble, laminate and porcelain fittings that are on display.

They carry over 100 wood door styles and finishes, as well as over eight foreign brands of beautiful cabinetry.

June said that the company offers primarily imported items, carrying Italian custom-made furnishings like the trademark Priele, or well known Aristocraft or Shrock brands.

The design team is based abroad in the United States, where the manufacturing operations of the company, also, take place. Approximately eight employees are based abroad, while five operate from here, she explains.

However, June says, she would one day like to house the manufacturing operations in TT in order to create jobs for locals and expand the business.

Usually, June and her local team visit the client’s home, where both parties can mull over the plans they have for their home, based on the space and theme that they desire. She also offers advice, based on her years of experience and knack for interior decorating.

After all arrangements are completed, the dream can then be materialised.

After a concise three-dimensional copy of the homemaker’s ideal furnishings and fittings are generated, and approved, it is then sent abroad, she explains, adding it only takes a couple of days for the completed set to be shipped back to TT.

“What I like about it all, is the convenience, we are in and out of your home in no time, and clients don’t have to worry about any hammering or building in their homes. It’s their idea, and they get the finished product,” she said.

At the “open house” launch, clients were visibly impressed with the high quality of the furnishings on display.

A Shrock kitchen set, complete with emerald pearl counter-top costs approximately $65,000, while an attractive, level one kitchen cabinet, was offered at $40,000.

Both say that they are not worried about local competition, since their items are of the highest quality. “If you go to a local furniture store, you may be able to acquire cheaper items, but they are rarely of this quality,” she explains.

She vouches for the durability and artistic beauty of the complete sets of custom-made furnishings that she offers, noting whether it be a kitchen, bath, or vanity ensemble, there is that perfect piece for every taste.

The fledgling company is focusing on residential homes, but is also inviting commercial clients to browse through their line, since there are items that cater for office spaces as well.

This year, the company will be participating in the Builders Interiors Trade Show (BITS), which targets builders and contractors, and is scheduled for next month, at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya.