The Design Gallery

What The Design Gallery does

The Design Gallery is a Nairobi-based luxury interior design firm, founded in 2015 and operating with a 21-person team from a flagship showroom on the 2nd Floor of Victoria Courts. It is the exclusive East African representative for an unusually deep portfolio of Italian and Spanish luxury interior brands — Poliform (custom kitchens, wardrobes, modular living systems), Porcelanosa (tiles, bathroom systems, KRION solid surfaces), Scavolini, Porada, Cattelan Italia, Gamma Arredamenti, Varaschin, DEDON, FIAM, Giorgetti, Tallenti, and Penta — and operates East Africa's largest Porcelanosa showroom and the only official Poliform showroom in the region.

Its core offering is full-service residential and commercial interior design for high-net-worth homeowners, boutique hotels, and premium offices in East Africa. Engagements begin with private consultations and showroom tours, proceed through bespoke mood boards, 3D renders, and space planning, and conclude with factory-made-to-order production in Italy or Spain followed by local delivery, professional installation, and 3–5 year warranty-backed after-sales support. All products are customized to client specifications rather than off-the-shelf.

The revenue model combines professional design fees (credited toward product purchases once a deposit is placed) with the resale of premium European furniture, kitchens, bathrooms, tiles, lighting, and accessories. Project economics are concentrated: full-home projects range from Ksh 2m to Ksh 15m+ and individual products from Ksh 200k to Ksh 5m+, with 100% payment required before production begins. Go-to-market is consultative, anchored in the in-person showroom experience, and supplemented by Google Ads, paid social, organic Instagram, referrals, and a portfolio-driven website. Architect and contractor referral partnerships extend reach into the B2B specification channel without requiring additional showrooms.

Name

The Design Gallery

Legal name

The Design Gallery

Website

https://the-design.gallery

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Design Gallery is a Nairobi-based luxury interior design firm and exclusive East African representative for premium European brands such as Poliform, Porcelanosa, Scavolini, and Cattelan Italia. It serves high-net-worth homeowners, boutique hotels, and premium offices in East Africa through a flagship showroom, bespoke design services, and factory-made-to-order European products with local installation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Luxury Interior Design Services

NAICS

Furniture Retailers (449110), Interior Design Services (54141), Home Furnishings Retailers (44912)

SIC

Retail-Furniture Stores (5712), Retail-Home Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Stores (5700)

akta.pro primary industry

Kitchen Cabinets & Custom Millwork Showrooms (CRAIAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Custom Cabinet Design & Build (HSAPAIAA), Bathroom Vanities & Cabinetry Showrooms (CRAIAFAB), Luxury Home & Lifestyle (Tableware, Decor, Home Textiles) (CRAKAFAI)

Keywords

• Luxury interior design
• European furniture distribution
• Bespoke kitchen design
• Premium tile surfaces
• Custom wardrobe installation

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Interior Design Services: Charges for interior design consultation, mood boards, 3D renders, gypsum detailing, ceiling and lighting design, and final styling. Design fees are credited toward product purchases upon deposit.
2. Premium European Furniture and Interior Products: Sells factory-made-to-order kitchens, wardrobes, tiles, bathrooms, furniture, and accessories from European brands (Italy and Spain). Products are customized to client specifications and include installation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Design Gallery curates and sells factory-made-to-order European luxury interior products (kitchens, wardrobes, tiles, bathrooms, furniture, lighting, and outdoor pieces) through its flagship Nairobi showroom, and delivers them as part of a full-service interior design offering that includes consultation, mood boards, 3D renders, custom specification, European production coordination, import logistics, and local professional installation with after-sales warranty support. The portfolio covers Italian and Spanish brands such as Poliform, Porcelanosa, Scavolini, Porada, Cattelan Italia, Gamma Arredamenti, Varaschin, DEDON, FIAM, Giorgetti, Tallenti, and Penta.

Product overview

The Design Gallery is a luxury brand house offering curated access to Europe's most prestigious interior design brands through its Nairobi showroom. The portfolio centers on Italian and Spanish manufacturers including Poliform (custom kitchens, wardrobes, and modular living systems), Porcelanosa (luxury tiles, surfaces, and bathroom systems), Scavolini (kitchens and bathrooms), Porada (solid wood furniture), Cattelan Italia (tables and lighting), Gamma Arredamenti (leather furniture), Varaschin and DEDON (outdoor furniture), plus FIAM, Giorgetti, Tallenti, and Penta. Services include full-home interior design, design consultation, 3D rendering, mood boards, product sourcing, and installation. The company operates East Africa's largest Porcelanosa showroom and the only official Poliform showroom in East Africa. All products are factory-made to order in Italy and Spain, customized to specifications, and delivered and installed by the company's local professional team.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Full-Home Interior Design Service End-to-end residential interior design service covering bespoke kitchens, wardrobes, tiles, bathrooms, and furnishings, designed and delivered with precision from concept through European production and local installation. Targeted at luxury homeowners in East Africa with full-project budgets of Ksh 2m-15m+.
• Design + Product Sourcing Service Integration service for architects and contractors, refining their vision with curated design and product sourcing to deliver interiors of exceptional elegance. Targeted at architects and contractors working on premium residential or commercial projects in East Africa.
• Individual Product Access Service Exclusive access to premium European brands such as Poliform, Porcelanosa, and Cattelan Italia for individual product purchases (bespoke kitchens, wardrobes, sanitary ware, furniture pieces) without requiring a full-project commitment. Individual products range from Ksh 200k to Ksh 5m+.
• Furniture & Decor Selection Service Premium furniture finishing service offering curated pieces from Cattelan Italia, FIAM, Giorgetti, and other European brands for finishing and styling of interiors. Targeted at luxury homeowners and commercial clients seeking statement furniture and decor.
• Poliform Kitchens, Wardrobes & Modular Living Systems Factory-made-to-order Poliform kitchens, wardrobes, walk-in closets, and modular living systems, customized to exact home measurements with customizable modular options, finishes, and layouts, crafted at Poliform's Italian factory. Targeted at luxury homeowners seeking Italian-made precision-engineered interiors.
• Porcelanosa Tiles, Bathroom Systems & KRION Surfaces Spanish-made Porcelanosa large-format porcelain slabs, complete bathroom solutions, non-porous hygienic KRION solid surfaces, and diverse tile textures including stone, marble, wood-look, and decorative finishes. Targeted at luxury residential and commercial projects requiring premium tiles and surfaces.
• Scavolini Kitchens & Bathrooms Italian modular kitchen and bathroom systems combining beauty, ergonomics, and sustainability, using FSC-certified wood, sustainable panels, and water-saving fittings. Targeted at luxury homeowners and boutique commercial projects seeking Italian-made kitchens and bathrooms.
• Porada Italian Furniture Heirloom-quality Italian solid wood furniture including curved consoles, dining tables, sideboards, chairs, coffee tables, and accessories, handcrafted in Italy using premium hardwoods. Targeted at luxury residential and boutique hospitality projects.
• Cattelan Italia Furniture & Lighting Sculptural Italian design furniture and lighting combining marble, metal, wood, and glass, including tables, sideboards, and statement lighting for dining rooms, lounges, and hallways. Targeted at luxury residential and boutique hospitality interiors.
• Gamma Arredamenti Leather Furniture Italian leather sofas, beds, and accessories made with full-grain hides up to 4.5mm from Italy and Northern Europe, featuring refined stitching and modular versatility. Targeted at luxury residential interiors.
• Varaschin Outdoor Furniture Italian outdoor furniture with over 50 years of craftsmanship, including sunbeds, lounges, dining sets, gazebos, and modular seating featuring UV-resistant fabrics, Dryfeel quick-dry foam, water-repellent ropes, and designer collaborations. Targeted at luxury residential and hospitality outdoor spaces.
• DEDON Outdoor Furniture Hand-woven outdoor furniture with weather-resistant materials, quick-dry cushions, and UV-stable fibers for terraces, gardens, and poolside areas. Targeted at luxury residential and hospitality outdoor projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20% more cost-effective than sourcing independently
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• PoliformflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Design Gallery is the exclusive official Poliform showroom in East Africa. They offer full-scale Poliform wardrobes, kitchens, and modular living systems with bespoke design services, white-glove installation, and local aftercare backed by Poliform's international quality guarantee.
• PorcelanosaflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Design Gallery hosts East Africa's largest Porcelanosa showroom featuring premium Spanish tiles, bathroom systems, and KRION solid surfaces. They provide expert design consultation, seamless ordering, installation, and full warranty support.
• ScavolinicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive Scavolini showroom for East Africa offering Italian kitchens and bathrooms with modular systems, eco-friendly materials, professional design consultation, and reliable after-sales support.
• PoradacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive access to Porada's Italian furniture collections featuring solid wood craftsmanship. The Design Gallery provides showroom experience, personalized selection, seamless import, and aftercare support.
• Cattelan ItaliacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Design Gallery showcases curated Cattelan Italia furniture and lighting featuring sculptural Italian design. They offer design assistance, full logistics from Italy to Nairobi, authenticity guarantee, and maintenance support.
• Gamma ArredamenticoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive access to Gamma Arredamenti's Italian leather furniture featuring full-grain hides and modular versatility. The Design Gallery provides showroom experience, tailored design consultation, authenticity guarantee, and seamless delivery and setup.
• VaraschincoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive Varaschin outdoor furniture availability in Nairobi. Varaschin offers Italian outdoor luxury with 50+ years of craftsmanship. The Design Gallery provides showroom access, custom layout planning, end-to-end import management, and Nairobi-ready aftercare.
• DEDONcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive DEDON outdoor furniture access in Nairobi featuring hand-woven craftsmanship. The Design Gallery offers showroom try-before-you-buy experience, Nairobi-ready customization for climate, end-to-end project support, and aftercare and warranty handling.
• FIAMcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFIAM glass furniture brand represented in the portfolio, offering sculptural Italian glass pieces for dining rooms, lounges, and hallways.
• GiorgetticoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGiorgetti Italian furniture brand featured in the portfolio, known for sculptural designs blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• RH (Restoration Hardware): Large publicly-traded luxury home furnishings retailer operating RH Galleries that curate and present premium home goods at scale. Broader incumbent peer to The Design Gallery, sharing the curated, design-led showroom model but at much greater scale and geographic footprint.
• BoConcept: International Danish-designed furniture franchise retailer with stores in major cities worldwide offering premium contemporary home furnishings. A broader incumbent providing showroom-based branded furniture distribution at global scale, comparable in distribution format to The Design Gallery though targeting a more mid-market price tier.
• Arhaus: US-based premium home furnishings retailer operating destination showrooms that curate artisan and designer furniture and decor. A broader incumbent peer sharing the design-led showroom retail format with The Design Gallery, though at wider mass-premium scale and outside the East African market.

Direct peers

• Roche Bobois: French luxury furniture retailer operating a global network of company-owned flagship showrooms that curate and present high-end European brands to affluent consumers. Closely comparable to The Design Gallery's multi-brand luxury showroom model anchored on flagship retail experiences and full-service design support.
• Cassina: Iconic Italian designer furniture maker with company-owned monobrand showrooms in major world cities. Comparable to The Design Gallery's flagship showcase of premium European interior brands and bespoke-to-order delivery model for affluent residential and hospitality clients.
• Bulthaup: Premium German kitchen brand with company-owned showrooms worldwide focusing on architectural, bespoke kitchen solutions for affluent buyers. Comparable as a luxury bespoke kitchen showroom with design consultation and made-to-order specification, mirroring The Design Gallery's Poliform and Scavolini kitchen offerings.
• Poggenpohl: German luxury kitchen manufacturer operating monobrand flagship stores in major cities globally, selling bespoke high-end kitchens with full design and installation services. Directly analogous to The Design Gallery's luxury kitchen showroom and bespoke-to-order model with premium European brands.
• B&B Italia: Italian luxury furniture brand with flagship monobrand stores in design capitals worldwide, focusing on contemporary high-end residential interiors. Comparable as a luxury European interior brand distributed through an owned showroom network similar to The Design Gallery's curated brand-house approach.
• Minotti: Italian luxury furniture brand operating a network of branded flagship stores and concept corners globally, showcasing a curated lifestyle aesthetic. Analogous to The Design Gallery's model of presenting a tightly curated portfolio of premium European furniture to East African HNW clients via a flagship showroom.
• Boffi: Italian luxury kitchens, bathrooms, and storage brand with its own monobrand flagship stores and dealer network worldwide. Directly comparable to The Design Gallery's positioning as a luxury kitchen and bath showroom delivering bespoke, factory-made-to-order European interiors to affluent clients.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-design-gallery

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Design Gallery