LAHORE:
The beginning of March saw the opening of the first concept store for children’s furniture called Little Dreams. Aysha Haye, creative director, furniture designer, owner and director of this project welcomed guests and potential clients from all over Lahore to her intimate showroom in Gulberg. Little Dreams comprises nine different concept rooms and it is specifically designed to give the client a feel of not only what the furniture looks like, but also what the entire room can look like upon completion.
The concept
When asked what made her open up Little Dreams, Haye said, “My daughters were the impetus for this project. When they were growing up, I felt that there was a dire need in the market for children’s furniture. These days, parents are more keen and enthusiastic about decorating and individualising their child’s homes. It is a step towards making your child develop a distinct personality from the very early stages of childhood.”
Even in a very confined space, the architect of the store, Sabeen Shahid, has ensured that the space is well-utilised. Attention to detail can be noticed from the variations in the fall ceiling to embellished screens and murals on the walls.
With a mix of locally manufactured furniture to outsourced international pieces, the store has something for everyone’s pocket. Regarding the prices, Haye said, “The resale value of such furniture is not very high. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that the price points are not too extravagant and are affordable.”
The highlight
Although each theme speaks for itself, Haye has outdone herself completely with the Pirate- inspired room. With a bed shaped like a ship to printed chairs and chests along with sails used as the fall ceiling, the ambiance transports one to the enchanted and glamorised life of pirates. This is the perfect room for any child who loved watching Pirates of the Caribbean. Even though it is solely a furniture store, Haye is also providing accessories and linens to clients wishing to buy the entire look.
Response
Nur Oberoi, a homemaker, while browsing in the store, said, “It’s simply amazing what they are offering here. I am excited to redecorate my childrens’ rooms now.” Another client, Qanita Obaid, looking for new ideas to refurbish her children’s rooms, said, “This store has transported me back to my childhood and I wish we had such options back then.”
Even if one is not looking into buy new furniture, this is definitely a store worth taking a look at, if only to see the creativity with which the architect has made use of a very intimate space and opened it up to give it a unique characteristic.
Furniture items
Princess-inspired bed — Rs24,000
Princess sofa with foot stool — Rs5,500
Football seat — Rs5,500
Published in The Express Tribune, March 7th, 2012.
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