Eye-catching interiors: Barry’s comes to Islamabad

Fabric used for high-end curtains and sofas are imported from various parts of the world including Turkey and Europe.

ISLAMABAD:

A leading furniture and interiors outfit from Lahore, offering consumers and professionals a new way to experience interior decoration, opened its doors to Islamabad on Friday.

A large number of socialites attended the showroom’s red carpet launch, which was managed by Rezz Events. The sumptuous collection including living and dining room wares, model bedrooms, case goods and upholstery, lighting, mirrors and tabletop pieces were selected and displayed skilfully. Patterned wallpaper and chic furniture paired with contemporary lighting blended the traditional with the modern.

Fabric palettes consisted of linen, velvet, chenille, printed and woven patterns and an array of plain cloth shades. “The way they have put things together and matched pieces is eye-catching,” said Batool, a visitor, while Pashmina Ahmed “really liked the trendy lamps”.

Barry’s CEO Jamil Barry said that Islamabad is a very affluent and quality-oriented city. He said the store started in Delhi in 1943 and moved to Lahore after partition. The branded furniture store has now come to meet the needs of the growing population of the capital, he said. He added that a large number of foreigners live in Islamabad as well and the modern chic furniture also caters to their needs.

Although most authentic and traditional furniture pieces are made in Lahore, other items such as chandeliers and lamps are imported from Thailand, with flooring from China, Russia and Canada. Barry said the fabric used for high-end curtains and sofas are imported from various parts of the world including Turkey and Western Europe.

The prices for many items were quite reasonable, especially given their aesthetic appeal, with Barry noting that although Barry’s is a high-end brand, they are trying to cater to all kind of customers. “We would want everyone to enjoy quality furniture and not walk out of the store disappointed,” he said.

Head of Designs, Shakeel Ahmed, who has been in the designing business for eight years, said Barry’s is catering to a different clientele in the capital. “Islamabad is a mix of east and west and it’s a different kind of a market that we are targeting,” said Ahmed.

To make the experience convenient, an adept staff equipped with qualified interior designers will offer basic colour and floor planning, said Ahmed.

Barry added, “Our in-house professionals will cater to customers with more involved projects.” He added that the store brings simplicity, availability, and affordability with a select upholstery assortment providing unprecedented value, great looks, great comfort and great quality he said. Barry’s will also open an outlet in Multan soon.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2012.