StyleRow Clips with 2K1M Naji Mourani

Check out the latest conversation between

StyleRow and Naji Mourani, Founder of 2K1M Inc,

to learn more about its background, latest collection, and what is happening behind the scene and their plans for 2022.

For further information, reach out to info@2k1m.com

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StyleRow Clips: 2K1M

2K1M behind the scene with Naji Mourani

Watch the interview

2K1M on StyleRow

EVERLASTING STYLE

Built to last, the distinctively designed, Italian-made 2K1M offers standout selections

A relative newcomer to the scene, 2K1M furniture designs make a memorable impression. With more than 20 years of international experience in interior design and custom furniture in Canada, United States, China, North Africa, the Caribbean and Barbados, Naji Mourani launched the Toronto-based brand in 2017. With an emphasis on uniqueness, quality, durability and style, 2K1M sources their materials and manufactures their pieces in Italy with a high level of attention paid to the details. Wood (solid, veneer and lacquered), marble and metals (brass and stainless steel) are the primary materials utilized.

2K1M was “inspired from within and driven by the passion of design to deliver to the world unique furniture pieces that are considered showcase pieces with function,” says founder and designer Naji Mourani. With minimal machining involved in the production process, “all solid wood pieces are hand made by an artisan, [as are] the finishes and any metalwork. They are one of a kind pieces [which] can almost be considered limited edition items,” explains Mourani. The brand’s wood products are FSC and CARB, and paint products are low to no VOC.

The Fai Collection (Fai meaning “beginning” in Chinese and “do” in Italian) represents the inception of 2K1M and its story explains the brand. According to Mourani, it’s the brand’s main and most successful line, the first of its collections, “Made in Italy,” launched in 2020 at the Toronto Interior Design Show IDS20. Six pieces (credenza, bench, entranceway mirror, (tall) mirror, coat stand and picture frames), available in different variations, comprise the collection which Mourani describes as “a fusion of contemporary, Art Deco and the ’70s.” With a high level of detail and craftsmanship, natural materials such as marble and solid wood (including walnut and oak) are combined with finishes such as brass and faux leather. Intended for “long and lasting enjoyment without losing its character and value,” most pieces are made to order with a medium level of customization available. “The solid wood curved edge of the door panels and the bold structural base gives it its unique character, an ageless design suited in a classic or contemporary residential or hospitality environment,” explains the brand. 

Modern and minimalistic in design is the brand’s Grooves Collection, boasting pure solid colors and surfaces with a natural finish of solid Oak or veneer. “The straight lines, slight angles and v-grooves are the ‘Grooves’ signature,” explains the brand. The five styles which comprise this collection—bar unit, bench, credenza, sideboard and entranceway mirror—exude a “light and airy” style. Customization in size and finish is available.

Every year 2K1M launches a new product or expands its existing collection. The brand is currently working on launching two new collections expected towards the fall of 2021, a new accessory line and more down the pipeline. “The designs we are creating are fascinating and make us stand out because of their uniqueness and the quality of craftsmanship required to make them a reality,” says Mourani. The brand also welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with clients and designers to create custom pieces for their projects.

When it comes to customer service the brand shares it “will ensure prompt assistance to any request for information and ensure continuous support through the process until our furniture pieces are delivered and our clients/designers are satisfied with their purchase.”

Source 2K1M in the StyleRow Marketplace. To find out more, visit their website.

Dream Goal to Reality

Dream Goal to Reality

It all started back in 2017 after the idea been boiling in me for several years.

The "Grooves" collection was my initial line and followed right after by the "Fai" Collection. Both to be launched at IDS20.

In this blog, I'll be writing about "Fai," and in a separate blog, I will address the "Grooves."

As I started sketching "Fai," I knew my goals. I wanted to design for the Hospitality & Residential sectors.

I wanted unique pieces, durable in style and quality, high-end, outstanding craftsmanship and Made in Italy. I wanted to create my style, not following any trends; I wanted it to be 100% my creation without any influences.

The style of "Fai" got set after a few pencil strokes in my red sketchbook. From there, everything got transferred into a digital format, and I start studying all the details, shapes and proportions of the unit.  So far, I am still analyzing all the drawings in a 2D format. Once, establishing all the details in 2D, the 3D Phase and materials selection starts.

That was the artistic part of my dream goal, now things are starting to get more serious, and the hunt for manufacturers and partners in Italy began in the First Quarter of 2018. After a few trips to Italy, and by October 2018, we had narrowed down our list to few companies. By January 2019, we have selected our partners, and the countdown to meet our deadline for IDS20 starts.

In February 2019, the work on the Credenza from the "Fai" collection began.

After many conference calls, reviews, and a couple of trips within five months, the Mock-up got approved.

July is here, and now we are halfway through the year, the work started on the Bench, Entryway Mirror, Coat Stand, and Picture frames.

The same process approval was followed with Italy's set ship date to be between Mid-October and Mid-November. This phase was a bit challenging since we had a tighter deadline and more pieces to build.

Few things didn't go as planned, but we flagged those risks through our risk assessment, and we allowed some buffer time in our schedule.

The ship set sail from Italy in Mid-November and made it to Montreal as scheduled on December 17th, just before the holidays. We are four weeks away from the show opening, and two more challenges to overcome. It is coming down to the wire, fingers crossed.

Booth Design

2K1M at IDS20

The Products needed to clear Custom and arrive in Toronto at the IDS show for setting up by Monday, January 13th at the latest. And that ended up being the arrival date. Lots of stress during those two weeks, and we were already considering a plan B.

Crates placed in the booth area for unpacking and again, fingers crossed that all the pieces arrived free of damages, and nothing is missing. But this will have to wait another 24 hours until the booth is up.

On Tuesday, January 14th, the booth construction got started and needed to be ready by the end of the day, so the next day, the staging can start.

Wednesday, January 15th, the crew arrived on time and started unpacking the furniture, everything was in good shape, no damages, but some minor issues, that we had to address and improvise so we are set and ready for the show.

Thursday, January 16th, by 8:30 am, we were all set and ready, everything is glowing, lights are on, ready to welcome the trades.

It was a long road from 2017 to 2020, too many ups and downs, too many challenges, risks, disappointment and proud moments. But, at the end of the day, I reached my goal. It was only made possible due to the support of my family and friends. I thank you all for your never-ending support and uplifting throughout this journey.

Now it is time for a new adventure…