Evolving Trends in Furniture and Interior Design: A Conversation with Our Furniture Manager
In this blog post, we delve into the world of furniture and interior design with an interview featuring Paperpunch's Furniture Managerl Olive Voyles. Learn about the evolution of the furniture industry, the Olive's personal journey, and the latest trends and considerations for choosing furniture for your home or office.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in the furniture industry?
I began my career in 1991, initially focused on office supplies. At that time, furniture was often expensive, with limited variety, and featured a lot of walnut, veneer and basic chair designs. It wasn't until the '90s that I started to witness significant changes in the industry, with the introduction of leather chairs. This is where my interest in furniture design and layout truly began to flourish.
How did you become interested in working with furniture and design?
What ignited my interest in working with furniture and design was attending trade shows. I discovered that the colour schemes, styles, and designs were far more intriguing than the traditional beach and oak colours we were used to.
What is your role at Paperpunch, and what does a typical day look like for you?
My role at Paperpunch as the Furniture Manager keeps me busy chasing new leads and visiting potential clients. I collaborate with the sales teams to discuss furniture solutions that best meet the needs of our customers. I love working with our customers to develop a plan that works for their space and style.
What are the most important factors people should consider when selecting furniture for their homes or offices?
When choosing furniture for homes or offices, it's essential to focus on functionality, ergonomics, and comfort. Properly designing and laying out the space is crucial. We offer options like posture seating and sit-stand desks to enhance productivity and well-being.
Can you share some tips for customers who want to make the most out of their furniture shopping experience?
Understanding the layout of your space and the style of furniture you desire is key. Matching colour schemes and considering how long you'll be sitting in your seat are also crucial factors. We offer design and layout assistance, along with catalogues and brochures to help customers make informed decisions.
What are some of the latest trends in furniture and interior design that you find exciting?
Some of the latest trends that excite me include soft modular seating, movable pieces, and a shift towards softer tones and fabrics. Curved seating is making its way into break-out areas, and moveable poufs are also gaining popularity.
How do you stay updated on industry developments and design innovations?
Staying current with industry developments and design innovations is vital. I try to achieve this by attending supplier dealer days, training sessions, and learning about fabric production through our suppliers.
Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly practices that Paperpunch incorporates into its furniture offerings?
At Paperpunch, we're really passionate about doing our bit for the environment. So, we've taken some steps to make sure our furniture is as eco-friendly as possible.
When we're choosing suppliers, we go for the ones who share our love for sustainability. We like to get our wood and materials from them whenever we can, and they're often on the same page as us when it comes to being eco-conscious. You can find details on the environmental impact of our products right on our website. That way, customers can make choices that match your sustainability goals.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the furniture and interior design industry?
For those considering a career in the furniture and interior design industry, I recommend starting in a customer service role to learn about your customers' needs. Understanding your customers is crucial, whether you're involved in office furniture or bespoke interior design.
How do you see the future of furniture and design evolving in the coming years?
Looking ahead, I definitely see a greener office environment with more plants and natural lighting. A greater focus on sustainability and the well-being of employees is likely to drive the industry. Ergonomics will continue to improve, and we'll see more colourful and vibrant designs.