Niche Interiors

Una Malan on Craftsmanship and Timeless Design

The Niche Interiors team has had the pleasure of collaborating with Una Malan for over a decade. As the Founder and Owner of her eponymous luxury furniture showroom with locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Una is a joy to work with, bringing positive energy and inspiration wherever she goes. Principal Designer Jennifer sat down with Una to find out what designers, products and interior design trends she is excited about for 2025.

luxury interior design showroom San Francisco
Una Malan pictured at Una Casa Privada in Los Angeles

Describe your showroom vibe in three words.

Sartorial, refined, inviting.

What design trends are you tired of and what do you think is starting to take off?

I’ve noticed that overly trendy, disposable design is losing its appeal—which I’m thrilled about. Instead, there’s a growing appreciation for timeless pieces with soul, quality, and longevity. What’s taking off? A renewed focus on the maker’s story, craftsmanship, and sustainability. It’s less about “What’s in?” and more about “What feels authentic and enduring?”

luxury interior design showroom San Francisco
Una Malan Showroom in the San Francisco Design Center

Tell us more about your own furniture line (which we love!). Where do you find inspiration? Do you have any new designs that you are particularly excited about launching?

Thank you! Our collection is deeply rooted in creating timeless, versatile designs that feel as at home in a modern Manhattan apartment as they do in a Mediterranean villa. Inspiration often comes from the interplay of form, function, and sensuality. I’m particularly drawn to sculptural lines paired with refined materials. I do aim to fill gaps in the market—pieces that balance elegance and comfort without feeling overly traditional or overtly modern.

luxury furniture design San Francisco Bay Area
Pulse Nightstand designed by Una Malan
The Pulse Nightstand and Credenza are two of my latest favorites! The Pulse Nightstand & Credenza by Una Malan is a striking blend of contemporary design and timeless sophistication. Its name, “Pulse,” draws inspiration from the rhythmic, equal segments that compose its bold, quilted facade. Upholstered in luxurious leather and supported by slender brass legs, the piece exudes a refined elegance. Designed to elevate any modern space, the Pulse Nightstand marries form and function, making it a standout addition to high-end interiors. Additionally, the two new outdoor collections, Tulum and Villa are getting me giddy for summer again!
The Tulum Outdoor Collection by Una Malan is inspiredby the effortless beauty of Tulum, seamlessly blending sophistication with a relaxed vibe. Crafted from hand-carved iroko or teak wood, each piece showcases meticulous craftsmanship with a textured finish that exudes natural elegance.

luxury outdoor furniture california design
Villa Outdoor Sofa designed by Una Malan
The Villa Outdoor Collection by Una Malan embodies a harmonious blend of refinement and functionality, showcasing pieces that celebrate sinuous, sculptural forms while maintaining an architectural essence. Designed to elevate any outdoor setting, the collection features soft, curved lines juxtaposed with the warmth of natural materials, creating an inviting yet sophisticated ambiance. Each piece in the Villa Collection speaks to Una Malan’s ethos of creating elevated furniture designs that transform spaces into serene, elevated retreats.

 

Una Casa Privada luxury furniture showroom in Los Angeles California
Una Casa Privada in Los Angeles. (Photo credit: Douglas Friedman)

Una Casa Privada is stunning and has been well received by the design community as well as design aficionados. Can you tell us your inspiration behind creating this private interior design showroom in Los Angeles?

Una Casa Privada is a personal reflection of everything I love about design—art, form, function, and performance. I see it as a stage that adapts to my current creative mode. The inspiration was to create a space that embodies creativity and collaboration while feeling intimate and welcoming. It’s a home, a showroom, and an evolving canvas where we can truly connect with the design community.

Are there new brands or makers you are excited to introduce in 2025?

Absolutely! In 2025, we’re excited to expand our offerings with the artisans who share our ethos of craftsmanship and sustainability.  Last year we brought Cameron Design House to our showroom, a lighting design firm from the UK.  We are the first, and only, showroom in the US to represent them. Additionally, our debut fabric collection, Capsule by Una Malan, made in collaboration with the finest Italian mills, launched at the end of 2024.  We are also a introducing number of  casegoods and outdoor furniture collections, each with subtle details in the materials that we know our clients will love.

 

luxury lighting collection featured at San Francisco interior design showroom
Kuulas chandelier by Cameron Design House

There are a lot of new things in the works from our various artisans that I can’t share yet, but the
Kuulas pendant by Cameron Design House continues to captivate my imagination. Its design achieves a perfect harmony between strength and softness, enhanced by the exceptional craftsmanship and striking scale. I recently saw it showcased in London in early 2024, featuring a stunning combination of vibrant orange glass and brass hardware. The interplay of light through the globes – some glowing intensely while others remain softly illuminated – creates a mesmerizing effect, where sculpture seamlessly meets magic. This piece transcends its functional purpose, offering an emotive and transformative experience.

As a trade showroom, you work closely with interior designers all over the country. Tell us how you view the relationship between showroom rep and interior designer, and what do you want us to understand about your side of the business?

The relationship between showroom reps and interior designers is one of partnership and trust. We’re here to be your advocate, your sounding board, and your collaborator. On our side, we work tirelessly to ensure we’re curating the best pieces, managing logistics seamlessly, and keeping you inspired. We see ourselves as an extension of your team—sharing the same goal of delivering exceptional results for your clients.

 

San Francisco dining room designed by top interior designer niche interiors
Dining room designed by Niche Interiors featuring Hans dining chairs from Una Malan

We couldn’t agree more and are grateful for the excellent support that Una Malan and her staff have provided for our residential interior design projects throughout the years. The design community is lucky to have them in our corner!

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