MILAN — Design websites have been on an upward swing since the COVID-19 pandemic ignited an appetite for all things home. And while the personal luxury goods market is expected to show a drop in revenues this year, luxury home websites are expanding their reach to a broad spectrum of clients in search of curated solutions for residential and hospitality spaces.
That sort of edge starts with offline branded and luxury residential and hospitality projects, from the deserts of the United Arab Emirates to the streets of New York City. These bespoke commissions are providing a strong new revenue stream for e-commerce players on and offline.
A prime example of how this relationship is burgeoning is The Greenwich in New York City, with which Italian design platform Artemest took a deep dive into the luxury real estate world, unveiling its first model residence concept in a penthouse valued at $13.5 million in 2024. The project’s main partners said the idea behind inviting Italian brands and designers to imbue select spaces with their signature flair was part of a broader effort to build the residence as a strong brand. This sort of strategy is echoing worldwide. It also highlights a broader effort to create a narrative within new spaces and distinguish properties with hard-to-find, rare pieces.
Earlier in November, Artemest also unveiled a fully furnished penthouse in London, located at Embassy Gardens. Inside the property, every detail — from sculptural lighting to bespoke furniture — was sourced from Artemest.
Artemest’s chief executive officer Marco Credendino said emerging markets in the Middle East, where contract business is booming, are a major driver of sales. “The business has evolved from being focused purely on residential projects to a balanced mix that includes hospitality and food and beverage. Bespoke contract work is becoming a significant part of our business,” he said.
Overall, Artemest said it expects 35 percent year-on-year growth in 2025, reaching roughly $40 million in revenue. The first half of the year has already reflected that positive trajectory, he said. “This confirms that our model — blending Italian craftsmanship with a global digital and offline presence — continues to resonate strongly with clients around the world,” Credendino said.
The Artemest model residence concept unveiled at The Greenwich Wednesday with MAWD.
Evan Joseph Images
A Leg-up
Online operations are also able to execute projects in a way interior design firms alone cannot. An added edge for an operation like Artemest is its roster of 1,000 artisans and designers at its fingertips to choose from. The firm also has an in-house team that guides clients through every step of the project, from creative concept to delivery, working with trusted partners to bridge the gap between consumer and producer.
“What makes the difference for us is the way we approach it — every project is treated as a one-of-a-kind collaboration, where the goal is to deliver something truly exceptional and tailored. Clients today are looking for warmth, character, and a sense of identity in their public spaces, and that’s exactly what Italian craftsmanship brings: authenticity, quality, and the unmistakable touch of Made in Italy,” he said.
Competition Is Growing
In December, London-based platform Invisible Collection revealed the completion of its first bespoke interior design project for The Surrey’s private residences in New York City. Like Artemest, Invisible Collection has a similar network edge and was able to provide one-of-a-kind interior design services, affording prospective buyers access to a bespoke curation of contemporary furniture from the platform’s roster of well-known talents.
Architectural designer Laura Gonzalez, architect and interior decorator Charles Zana and architect and furniture designer Thierry Lemaire are among those who fit in with the platform’s enriched contemporary French aesthetic.
On Tuesday, Invisible Collection unveiled its exclusive partnership with luxury and branded residential development operator Rhodium, a leading adviser and operator of ultra-luxury and branded residential developments. Going forward, the two companies will offer developers and homeowners an integrated service that combines operational expertise with made-to-order interior design by some of the world’s most respected designers and artisans.
“We launched Invisible Collection with design connoisseurs and collectors in mind, thinking of all the sophisticated residential projects that call for bespoke, made-to-order creations. I think we are succeeding, as our worldwide sales are largely driven by this clientele.” Invisible Collection cofounder Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays told WWD.
Game-changing Terrain
When Milan-based Dexelance, which owns upscale furniture and lighting firms Meridiani, Davide Groppi and Gervasoni, bought Mohd, a historic furniture business and early pioneer of the online luxury design business, showrooms in the U.S. saw this as a possible game changer for Dexelance, which only recently established showrooms in New York City and Boston.
Mohd, which was established in Sicily in the 1960s, currently has about 100 employees, including a team of architects specialized in the design of environments and interiors, residences, offices, hotels and showrooms. The firm was founded in 1930 as a carpentry business and evolved in modern times into a physical and omnichannel hub for design. It sells design pieces from 500 top brands through its six showrooms, online boutique, and its dedicated project design service. It also manages residential and contract projects worldwide.
Mohd’s CEO and president Gianluca Mollura contended they are “unbeatable.”
“We have 15 years of experience and we are among the few Italian companies that has been doing this for a long time, with expertise in not only logistics but also installation and staff that can respond quickly to clients’ needs,” he said, commenting that the firm has bespoke projects from Los Angeles to Dubai. “We have the potential for synergies across the board,” he said.
Mohd will not replace Dexelance’s showrooms, Dexelance managing director Giorgio Gobbi said assuredly, but it will help Dexelance reach clients in growing second-tier cities like Minneapolis or Tulsa, where the European design community has yet to touch down in a major way. “We believe in brick-and-mortar to reach final consumer covering territories between the two coasts of the United States,” he said. “Mohd is the perfect partner for bringing design to places where there isn’t any access.”
Gianluca Mollura
Courtesy of Mohd
Rising Stars
Additional players are riding the wave fueled by their predecessors and are also eyeing new areas for potential growth.
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Paris, Monde Singulier is just getting started, with dedicated teams in place. It has since evolved into a source for high-end, made-to-order design pieces from both emerging and well known talents like Milan-based firm Dimoremilano and Chapo Creations, the furniture brand started by French fashion designer Yves Salomon.
Its online business relies on white glove shipping and the belief that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium to ship luxury furniture to the U.S., despite rising costs.
Looking ahead, Monde Singulier’s CEO Alexis Grimaud said the firm is branching out into high-end collectible design and art, developing its own in-house collection, and positioning dedicated personnel in key markets. Last month it also received a “significant” strategic investment from Bofill Architecture, which was founded in 1963 by visionary Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. The injection of fresh capital will help fuel this expansion, which involves growing into new markets.
“We are building and creating new teams in all main markets as UAE and the Gulf region and we’re opening new spaces,” he said.
Alexis Grimaud (left) with Bofill Architecture CEO Pablo Bofill.
Courtesy of Monde Singulier
Home Proves Resilient
According to Furniture Market Insights, the luxury furniture market overall is set for strong growth with an anticipated value of $25.2 billion in 2025, to reach $43.4 billion by 2035, indicating a CAGR of 5.6 percent over the forecast period.
A recent report by market research firm Intel Market said the global luxury real estate market was valued at $903.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.5 percent over the forecast period 2024-32.
Earlier this year, hospitality.net said the branded residences market has grown 176 percent in the last decade. Almost 690 projects are in operation and 617 more are set to launch by 2030, which will provide even more avenues for online platforms to grow.
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