Op-Ed
Access and affordability Ahid Shaikh, co-founder and CEO of Bianca & Bianco, talks about the importance of affordable luxury in bath and kitchen spaces
Brand's key product lines in porcelain slabs and tiling, sanitary-ware and, cutting-edge kitchen solutions include Italian and Spanish brands
Our living spaces, their ambience, and the aesthetic they convey are the canvas for all our experiences and memories. They are a constant in our lives that goes far beyond the utilitarian purpose served by four walls and a roof. Whether it is your favourite café or what you like best about your own home, chances are that it’s the little details that catch your eye and set the mood. Specifics like the location and layout of a property, the natural light it draws in, the height of its ceilings and the ‘look’ it conveys, and all have a profound impact on our experience of it. When it comes to making a statement,
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February 2020
bathrooms and kitchens often influence the character of a home even more than living spaces and bedrooms – which tend to be comparatively blank slates that are defined by their furnishings. Research shows that potential homebuyers tend to be strongly swayed in their purchase decision, by the bathrooms and kitchen spaces in a property. Again, the idea is to introduce something luxurious and affordable at the same time. It’s amazing to see that we have now access to such brands in the region and consumers have more options than before to choose from. As a global metropolis that is staking a claim for
its unique self-expression, Dubai is increasingly confident about the stylistic preferences that define it. A thriving economy and a generally optimistic character are driving the growth of the affordable luxury segment in the city’s rapidly expanding middle class. What is further reinforcing this aspiration driven segment is the growing trend of refurbishment and renovation. Giving their property a makeover is emerging as a popular strategy among homebuyers, who prefer creative upgrades that reflect their personal aesthetics. With many of the established communities in the city now a decade or more
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