There is little better, and little harder to find, than great customer service. Except at Fanuli Furniture, where the only thing better than the imported Italian furniture is the warmth of the Fanuli brothers themselves.
A visit to the Fanuli showroom in Sydney’s Lower North Shore is always a refreshingly unpretentious affair; they take a lot of pride in what they do, which shows in their incredible knowledge and generosity with their time.
‘Custom’ is always important to us, so we love that Fanuli’s range of locally-made furniture can be flexible to accommodate for changes. With a good lead time, they even offer a totally bespoke service.
We chat to Fabio Fanuli about running a three-generation family business and working with AKD.
FABIO, WHICH THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOU?
Personable, motivated, adaptable.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP?
I wanted to be a lawyer because I enjoyed talking and getting my point across.
WHAT DID YOU DO TO EARN YOUR FIRST PAY PACKET?
I started working at Fanuli when I was in high school. My father had just started the business and I would help him out after school and on the weekends, assisting with deliveries and other jobs.
WHAT'S THE BEST LIFE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNT ALONG THE WAY?
Don’t worry about the small issues and look at the big picture. Most of the things we tend to stress about are not worth agonising over so it’s always good to take a step back and consider what is truly important.
WHAT'S YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My family - being married to my wife and having our two children.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
The iconic Italian designer Antonio Citterio. I have had the chance to meet him and remember him telling me that in his design process he doesn’t create things from scratch, but rather will see something that inspires him and give it his own take.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST VICE?
Travelling
DO YOU FOLLOW TRENDS OR ARE YOU A TRENDSETTER?
I would say I’m more of a trendsetter, especially when it comes to fashion.
WHAT DREAM DO YOU STILL WANT TO FULFIL?
I would love to see the third generation of the Fanuli family continue the business.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH AKD?
Everyone at AKD is very professional and an absolute pleasure to work with. We always appreciate AKD selecting Fanuli as a go-to spot for furniture.
Browse Fanuli’s collection of furniture here: www.fanuli.com.au/