Making a Marque

As projects compete in a turbulent market, finishing touches become increasingly important. Lauren Hills chats to suppliers about how developers are turning to luxury interior brands to make their projects stand out.

A development may evoke a sense of luxury in terms of its concept, architecture or opulent facade but, if the investor or end-user is going to be fully satisfied with the building, it's the functional interior details that will really draw attention to a project's value.

Brand names are viewed as benchmarks of desired quality and, as such, developers are often guided by these marques as trusted stamps of approval; however, as there are many levels of quality within each brand family, it's essential to be certain that the quality lies in the product itself and not just in the label.

In creating a plush interior finish, bathrooms and kitchens take on particular importance as symbols of a project's ultimate standard in terms of both their materials and design.

Products need to be functional and durable, while also complementing the visions of both clients and the architect.

"Luxury lies in the finer details. Why envisage a dramatic building that is impressive from distance but, when you live in it, lacks the quality through inferior finishings?" asks Giorgios Chamilothoris, operations manager at Fino International.

"Which model you choose will define the quality. A good name that has been around for a long time will give you assurance and confidence, but you need to do your homework to ensure that you are getting a good product."

Renowned brands such as Miele, Poggenphol, Laufen, Kohler and Arca provide security in terms of accompanying service guarantees, maintenance schemes and a track record of successful products; but, even within these top brands, there are a number of quality levels available according to price.

"For luxurious rooms, especially bathrooms, you need durable quality, first-class design and the spirit of a premium brand," explains Laufen's Ivan Zupanovic.

"Developers should always look for a wide, flexible product range. The high availability negates the likelihood of short-term orders being out of stock and guarantees the sustainability of the investment."

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