Tell us about yourself and your brand. How long have you been in business?
My name is Usman Ali, and I am the Sales Director of Torelli Furniture. With over 20 years of experience in the furniture industry, I recently joined my brother, Luqman, who originally founded the company, to help strengthen and grow our brand presence in the UK.
Torelli Furniture, previously known as Fairmont Furniture, has been in business for over nine years. Through our extensive experience in furniture retail, we identified a shortage of contemporary, high-quality furniture in the UK that was both affordable and available for quick delivery. At the time, most showrooms offering European brands had to quote delivery times of 8-12 weeks, which we saw as an opportunity.
We set out to establish a UK-based brand that offers contemporary designs, top-quality products, and quick delivery—at less than half the price of European manufacturers. Today, Torelli Furniture is fast becoming one of the UK's leading suppliers of modern and contemporary furniture, offering a wide range of luxury home and garden furniture.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to always conduct thorough market research before making any decision. Time waits for no one, so make the most of it. The more effort and time you invest in understanding the market, the better your results will be.
Could you share details about any new collections or ranges you’ll be showcasing at the January Furniture Show?
At this moment, I can't reveal too much, but we’re excited to be launching several new wooden ranges. We’ll also be consolidating our ceramic ranges with improved pricing, introducing new colors and textures in ceramics, and expanding our dining chair selection with fresh fabric options.
Do you have any personal favourites in your latest collection?
My personal favourite is the Roberto collection. The tables have a beautifully simple design, featuring a stunning grey ceramic top and a solid pedestal base with a unique ribbed detail. We've paired it with Roberto leather chairs, which have a dark grey cantilever leg and a sleek leather seat with a fluted back. The range also includes a sideboard, TV cabinet, coffee table, and side table, all with the same ribbed detailing on the legs
What are you most looking forward to at the show?
I'm most looking forward to showcasing our new ranges for 2025 and reconnecting with our loyal customers, as well as welcoming new ones. It’s always a great opportunity to share our latest designs and hear firsthand feedback from everyone who visits.
Have there been any highlights for you over the past year that you’d like to mention?
Over the past year, we’ve made significant investments to enhance our warehousing facility. We've upgraded our lighting to an LED motion sensor system, helping reduce our carbon footprint. We also launched a new trade website where customers can log into a portal to access product prices, stock information, multiple product images, detailed descriptions, product and carton dimensions, assembly instructions, and point-of-sale materials. Looking ahead to 2025, we’ll be helping customers boost sales by providing ceramic and material swatches, as well as additional point-of-sale and product merchandising materials.
Where do you see the furniture industry heading? Are there any styles or trends making a comeback, or any designs you think are least likely to return?
The furniture industry is moving towards several key trends:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly materials: Consumers are increasingly looking for furniture made from materials that are kind to the environment.
- Minimalist and multi-functional pieces: As living spaces become smaller, there’s a growing demand for furniture that is both space-efficient and versatile.
- Smart furniture: Features like wireless charging pads and other tech integrations are gaining popularity.
- Retro and vintage designs: Classic styles and colours are making a strong comeback.
- Vibrant colours and eclectic patterns: Bold colours and unique patterns are also on the rise, adding personality and warmth to modern interiors.
What’s next for your company?
For our future ranges, we’re focusing on sourcing furniture made from recycled or upcycled materials, sustainably sourced wood, and non-toxic finishes. Our goal is to create beautiful, eco-friendly pieces that align with our commitment to sustainability.
Register now to join Torelli Furniture at the January Furniture Show from 19-22 January 2025 at Stand 5-H48.