Words By Ivan Allegranti | Photography By William Jess Laird, NEW YORK GALLERY IMAGES

A new interior language is emerging, one that transcends trends and delves into meaning, narrative, and art. At Marie Claire Maison Arabia, we see this as a mindset: surrounding ourselves with objects that reflect vision, heritage, and personal identity. Through insights from global design leaders, we explore how collectible design invites us to curate our homes with depth and intention.

Based in New York, the gallery—founded by Nacho Polo and Robert Onuska—has become a vanguard for a new generation of collectible design, where provocation, experimentation, and artistic dialogue take precedence. Here, design is not simply acquired—it’s commissioned, challenged, and lived with. From conceptual forms to sculptural function, the works presented by STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN often blur boundaries between furniture and art, between domestic intimacy and cultural statement.
Marie Claire Maison Arabia sat down with the duo to explore how they are reshaping the collectible landscape—one radical, resonant piece at a time.

Collectible design has become a major focus for collectors. Why do you think it holds such importance today?

Collectible design sits at an exciting crossroads of art, history, and functionality. These pieces capture a designer’s vision, experiment with new materials, and often carry a deep cultural resonance. With the rise of “functional art”, we’re seeing a real blurring of lines between sculpture and furniture—and a growing appetite for objects with genuine soul. STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN partners closely with both clients and artists to create works that feel deeply personal and undeniably one-of-a-kind. We push artists to expand their practice and explore new concepts, resulting in limited-edition and collectible pieces crafted exclusively for our gallery. Due to our collaborative efforts, each piece offers a fresh perspective and is often tailored to fit our clients’ everyday lives.

What makes a design piece truly collectible, and to what extent do trends shape these preferences over time?

A great collectible piece is defined by exceptional craftsmanship, beautiful materiality, and a strong conceptual point of view. This means something different to each collector. It could be an innovative use of materials, a bold new form, or a work that encapsulates an iconic moment in design history. While trends certainly play a role—at the moment, there’s a big focus on organic shapes, natural materials, and artisanal processes—truly remarkable pieces transcend the particular moment. Each collectible piece should evoke an emotional connection and hold potential to become a beloved part of a client’s life. STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN only showcases a curation of works we’d be proud to have in our own homes. We personally live with many works from the artists and designers we represent, which helps us stay connected to them.

For someone starting to build their home with col- lectible design pieces, which space would you recommend beginning with—and why?

We always say start with the living room—it’s the heart of the home and where you can really set the tone. A statement chair, a sculptural light fixture, or a beautifully crafted table can act as an anchor, something you build around over time. That said, smaller, more intimate spaces like an entryway or a reading nook are also great places to start—sometimes a single striking piece in a small space can make the biggest impact.

Is collectible design necessarily an expensive pursuit, or are there entry points for different budgets?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to. High-profile designers and rare editions can command high prices, but there are plenty of accessible ways to get started. We often point new collectors toward emerging designers or smaller functional object—like unique lighting or ceramics—that can be more budget-friendly. Ultimately, it’s about finding pieces that resonate with you and fit your lifestyle, no matter the price range.