Phil Cole, managing director and co-owner of Clive Christian Interiors, say the luxury interiors market is ‘buoyant’ despite broader economic headwinds affecting the rest of the kitchen industry.
Speaking on the latest episode of The kbbreview Podcast, Cole said that while the high-net-worth segment remains positive, clients are becoming more discerning. “Regardless of wealth, customers want to understand the value behind what they’re buying,” he said. “We make a conscious effort to demonstrate the materials, craftsmanship and design thinking that underpin each commission.”
Cole acquired the business out of administration in 2022 with US-based partner Jim Denos. and said that since then they have focused on stabilising operations and reasserting the company’s core strengths: “We’ve returned to what Clive Christian has always done best which hand-crafted, British-made interiors,” he said.
Furniture is manufactured at the company’s 35,000sq ft factory in Bolton, which employs around 90% of Clive Christian Interiors’ 60-strong workforce. But, Cole said, maintaining a highly skilled team is becoming increasingly difficult.
“Craftsmanship of this level is rare and getting rarer. Recruiting and retaining skilled artisans is one of our biggest challenges,” he said. “We’ve made a long-term commitment to training and apprenticeships to help preserve these skills. One of our specialists, who joined as an apprentice at 16, now creates some of our most complex marquetry at just 21.”
Looking ahead, Cole said the brand is now actively pursuing new international locations. “The Middle East is a priority. We’ve already completed projects in Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and now plan to establish a permanent showroom in the region.”
He also confirmed the upcoming launch of a 5,000 sqft flagship showroom in New York’s Flatiron District later this year.
While the company previously operated up to 50 showrooms globally, Cole said future growth will be more selective. “We’re focused on tier-one cities that truly align with the brand. For us, less is more.”
Listen to the full interview with Phil Cole using the player below or go straight to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.
