Daring to be different

Changing with the times, the old furniture firm of Don Carolis offers a relaxed look at contemporary decor at its Warehouse

If Aladdin’s cave had been overflowing with rich, gleaming furniture and luxurious accessories, I imagine it would have looked something like The Warehouse at 190, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 2. Everything one has come to expect from Don Carolis is there – the furniture is beautifully designed and exactingly made – but there’s also much more. Every available surface boasts some interesting statue, lamp, bowl or vase; entire sections are devoted to vividly coloured and intricately textured furnishings and upholstery.

And to sweeten the deal, the company offers customers value added services that include free consultations with their team of interior designers, custom designed furniture and package deals for the complete furnishing of apartments.

It’s all part of the company’s determination to keep with the times, and well ahead of the competition. When Don Carolis had their warehouse converted into what is possibly the largest showroom of its kind in the island, they were determined to offer something to meet every preference and budget, says Chairman Rajiv Hewavitarne. With about 20,000 items displayed across 35,000 square feet, it seems he has accomplished what he set out to do - no customer will ever be starved for choice here.

The Warehouse concept is unusual in more ways than one. Its high ceilings and endless floor space could have resulted in a monotonous, production line look, instead complementary pieces are well lit, and arranged together with matching accessories – as they would be in a home. The result is the kind of place that invites you to take your time - simply wandering around, pausing here and there to inspect something that catches your fancy.

It also helps that the prices aren’t necessarily a shock to your system. Buying furniture these days seems to invariably mean serious trauma for your wallet, and if you want solid, heavy wood, you have to be prepared to pay. Don Carolis, however, is determined to adapt to the times and the changing needs of customers, says Mr. Hewavitarne, explaining that the company has a range of furniture made out of woods like Asian Oak, that are entirely affordable. Speaking of young couples setting up home, he says, “We could give you solid wood to last you a lifetime, but lots of people can’t afford to spend Rs.70,000 on a table and chair when they’re getting married. Instead you could look at buying a small set, and maybe one day moving it into the kitchen or pantry and buying a good table.”

Special packages for two bedroom and three bedroom houses or apartments include not only dining tables, chairs, sofa sets, beds and cupboards but mattresses as well. And if you need a little professional input, a team of interior designers is on hand to offer you free consultations at your home, both to save you from interior decorating disasters and to help you find the pieces that not only look right but feel right as well. “Above all, they will create an affordable budget that you will be comfortable with,” says Mr. Hewavitarne.

It’s the practical approach, and fortunately in this case, cheaper does not equal not as nice. The company prides itself on its designs that range from contemporary and innovative to the unbeatable classics. If you don’t see exactly what you want, they’re willing not only to transform existing pieces by using different woods, fabrics or stains, or start from scratch and custom build you a new piece altogether. While many of their pieces are made entirely out of rare tropical hardwoods, namely Ceylon teak and mahogany, wrought iron, stainless steel, aluminum, cane and glass are also used to full effect in many of the pieces, and all of them come with a Don Carolis guarantee…which is saying something when you’re talking about 150 years of expertise and experience, says Mr. Hewavitarne, who represents the fifth generation in this family-run enterprise.

In the end, it’s the little touches that make the difference. The Warehouse stocks trendy furnishings and objects d’art from all over the world – including India, Tibet, Thailand, Indonesia, and China. The collection is inspiring – from wall hangings, paintings, bed linen, and rugs to masks, mirrors, glassware and pottery. The same is true of the waterfall of colour that is the fabric section. Here, chenille vies with faux leather and jute; sheer cotton sits pretty beside exquisite silk.

Anything you select can be delivered to your doorstep, and it is a perfect place to shop for gifts. A bridal registry is also available.

Don Carolis has always been something of an institution – having furnished both the new and old Parliaments of Sri Lanka and supplied furniture for both the President’s and Prime Minister’s houses and offices among many, many others – the company has been in business since 1860. But they’re far from content to sit on their laurels. The new Warehouse is more than just a great place to shop, it’s an experience in itself.