Mahesh M, CEO of Creaticity, writes on invitation and exclusively for our special series BRIEF24.
Learnings and achievements from 2023; Inspiration for 2024
In 2023, one of the most significant trends in the home-making sector was the increasing interest among homeowners to infuse uniqueness and functionality into every aspect of their living spaces. This trend was influenced by global design trends, prompting individuals to seek inspiration from international styles and ideas, thereby creating more diverse and personalized homes.
This trend is expected to continue into 2024, with a significant increase in the adoption of smart home technology. Additionally, a noteworthy development is the concept of ‘identity living,’ where households cater to individual preferences, particularly influenced by millennials in joint homes and DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) in nuclear households.
These trends highlight a growing preference for personalized spaces and reliance on smart technology. However, concerns about privacy and data security in the realm of smart home technology persist and need careful attention.
Success stories from 2023: Throughout 2023, Creaticity, Pune systematically strengthened the core of Home and Interior products and services. Inching towards optimal occupancy as a mall, and paralelly, building range and depth of brands and products as a solutions provider with Creaticity branded Interiors, the journey has been measured and worthwhile.
Welcoming national brands like Wakefit and Wooden Street and Durian ,alongside Italian premium players, Febal Casa, Durian, Alf Italia, to our community in 2023, demonstrate our commitment to our value proposition of being a ‘single source of interior solutions’.
The forthcoming 4th edition of Home and Home + Conclave, encouraged as a knowledge initiative by Creaticity delving into organized growth of the home category, scheduled for February 15th, 2024, in Pune, promises to provide a meaningful start to the new year with deeper exchange of insights and inspirations.
Learnings and realizations from 2023: Right at the beginning of 2023, there was an industry oriented conference that was held in Pune called Home and Home + conclave.
As convener of conclave and party to commissioned research I was deeply influenced throughout the subsequent part of the year on three fronts a) Understanding the mega trends that are likely to shape the industry has made me envision the next five years with a phygital lens rather than physical and digital lens b) Insights about consumer behavior have made me validate the power of data more than earlier c) the role of market players such as manufacturers and marketers has helped me reinforce my perspective on power of collaboration.
2023 highlights and takeaways: I look back at the collection of wisdom from the industry leaders and I am tempted to sum it up as the need to utilize the vowels of the new voyage, namely Adaptability, Empathy, Innovation, Ownership and Understanding with more passion and commitment than ever as the journey continues into the new year with renewed hope. Let us enable homemaking to be more enjoyable than ever, smarter than earlier and more creative and joyful for all.
Looking at 2024: To me biggest trend is around identity living in other words, Individualisation of spaces which will influence my work sphere and me professionally.
The home furniture industry is undergoing major changes as new trends emerge and transform consumer demands and preferences. From adaptable multipurpose furniture to customised luxury pieces, today’s offerings cater to diverse lifestyles and values. As per a report by H&H+ Conclave 2023– CSIL Milano Creaticity research initiative around #FutureOfHomes, understanding these developments is key for furniture brands aiming to succeed in this evolving landscape.
Adaptive living: Innovative pieces like murphy beds and convertible tables meet space constraints while accommodating varied home and work demands, reflecting the growing emphasis on flexible and ergonomic solutions in modern living.
Smart Living: The surge in digitalization is reshaping furniture choices, with consumers favoring tech-integrated pieces. Furniture now includes USB ports, Bluetooth, voice assistant compatibility, and IoT integration.
Ethical Living: Brands focus on responsible materials, circularity, and reduced carbon footprints, aligning with consumers’ eco-conscious demands.
Wellness Living: Furniture trends prioritize health and comfort post-pandemic, offering ergonomic solutions and wellness-focused materials. Brands introduce air-purifying furniture, ergonomic desks, and sustainable materials, aligning with consumers’ well-being demands.
Personalisation: Customization dominates furniture preferences as consumers seek unique, personalized pieces.
Luxury Living: Brands offer intricate designs, rare materials, and unique experiences, catering to high-end consumers seeking investment-worthy, luxurious pieces for stylish living.
Some advice: Chat, Collaborate, Co-create
- Embrace patience; success is a journey, not a sprint.
- Delve into the details; divine insights often lie in meticulous attention
- Prioritize Collaboration
My Mantra for 2024:
My personal favorites from 2023
Campaign I liked in 2023: Frankly nothing that stayed with me, though I loved many campaigns that brought a smile with a message.
A book I liked in 2023: ‘Untethered soul’ which is simple in narrative, profound in meaning and helping me to manage my mind better than earlier, still a long way to go.
A show/movie that I liked in 2023: I binged watched an old american series called NCIS. What struck me was the leadership characteristics that the lead actor exhibited during various times of challenge and execution.
My 2023 hobby-career connection: Reading is my most favorite hobby and I devour content around current affairs, sports, entertainment and business. This keeps me with a strong sense of awareness of what is happening around me.
