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India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
How to pick a wedding gift that stands out
Weddings are powerful, emotional milestones and call for going all out when it comes to celebrations, trousseau shopping, hosting, creating memories and, of course, looking for gifts for the most thoughtful gifts are those that embody personalisation, utility, cultural relevance and long-term value. So, how to select that perfect wedding gift?A good place to start is by thinking about utility and how well the gift will fit into the couple's future home. While an exquisite ceramic tea-time set might add charm to their everyday routine, apart from being of practical use, a wooden hand-painted folding table might bring together beauty and functionality, serving a purpose as well as elevating the ambience of the living is also something incredibly special about gifts rooted in craftsmanship. Items made by Indian artisans carry a legacy of skill and design, and bring cultural richness into the home. When chosen with intention, they become part of the couple's daily life, quietly adding value and beauty over time. 'Gifting today is more personal, functional and aligned with the receiver's lifestyle. The first thing to consider is how well the gift fits into the couple's lifestyle, and if it is something they will use and enjoy. Design appeal plays a big role, too. People today are deeply influenced by visual language—gifts that marry elegance and craftsmanship, such as ceramic platters and artisanal runners, tend to leave a strong impression,' observes Sumit Arora, president (apparel), makes gifting unique. Handcrafted pieces or those rooted in cultural traditions, therefore, often carry a quiet charm that can't be replicated. And finally, longevity is key. Gifts that are durable, relevant and aesthetically timeless ensure that your gesture remains appreciated for years to gifting is becoming more intentional, and the trends this season reflect a balance between utility, sustainability, and cultural expression,' says Arora.A noticeable trend, he adds, is the growing preference for craft-led products. Whether it is a textile tradition reinterpreted for a modern home or a piece of handcrafted art, these gifts carry legacy, substance and an element of 'je ne sais quoi', something that has become a crowd-puller for today's gifting also an increasing demand for sustainable options. Products made using natural materials, low-waste processes or traditional methods are gaining ground, mostly because they sync with people's desire for responsibility and awareness.'We have witnessed a rising appeal of everyday essentials that combine form and function. Items such as ceramic mugs, woven quilts or utility-first dcor not only serve a purpose but also elevate daily rituals,' says even rise in personalised gifting. Whether it's an engraved date or a monogram, couples are gravitating toward pieces that are esoteric yet imbibe their shared personality. In case you are not sure of what to select, gift cards have emerged as a practical choice. They offer the couple the joy of choosing what fits into their life best to steer clear of gifts that feel rushed or impersonal. Mass-produced items, especially those lacking design sensitivity, often fail to connect. They risk being sidelined completely.'Branded merchandise or anything too loud in packaging or appearance tends to clash with the more refined aesthetic that many couples are now leaning towards. And from a material standpoint, plastic-heavy products and unsustainable packaging simply don't sit well with today's eco-aware sensibilities,' advises trends embody an overall maturing of taste, where gifting becomes an extension of care, design thinking and cultural sensitivity. A gift chosen with intention always carries more weight than one chosen for to India Today Magazine
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Retrofitting can unlock ₹1.2–1.6 lakh crore in asset value across Indian offices: CBRE
NEW DELHI: India's ageing office stock presents a significant value creation opportunity, with strategic retrofitting capable of unlocking up to ₹1.2–1.6 lakh crore in capital value, according to a recent report by CBRE South Asia. The report estimates that such upgrades could drive 25–40% asset value enhancement in key commercial micro-markets. To realise this potential, the total investment required is estimated between ₹30,000–40,000 crore, depending on the scale and scope of enhancements. This includes structural upgrades, façade modernisation, HVAC optimisation, ESG compliance, and the addition of employee-centric amenities. The report adds that well-executed retrofits can offer a 3–5 year payback period, driven by improved occupancy, better lease terms, and enhanced tenant retention CBRE estimates that close to 160–180 million sq ft of India's office stock is over a decade old and likely in need of refurbishment or complete repositioning. 'With workplace preferences changing rapidly and tenants now demanding enhanced sustainability, wellness, and smart technology integration, retrofitting offers a high-return solution for landlords and investors,' said Abhinav Joshi , head of research – CBRE India, MENA & SE Asia. The report notes that capital value enhancement post-retrofit could reach 40% in select micro-markets, with rental appreciation potential ranging between 15–35%, depending on location, scope, and quality of upgrades Bengaluru, NCR, and Mumbai lead retrofit demand According to CBRE, over 160–180 million sq ft of India's office inventory is more than a decade old and in need of varying levels of upgradation. Of this, more than 70% is concentrated in three major metros: Bengaluru: 35–40 million sq ft Delhi-NCR : 30–35 million sq ft Mumbai (MMR): 25–30 million sq ft These cities alone represent a retrofit investment opportunity of ₹20,000–25,000 crore, and could potentially unlock over ₹1 lakh crore in capital value post-upgradation. Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road, Whitefield, and CBD/SBD areas lead the demand due to the presence of early-generation IT parks and SEZs. In NCR, the focus is on Gurugram's Udyog Vihar, Golf Course Extension, and Noida's Sector 62/63 belt, where many buildings now face occupancy pressure due to lack of ESG compliance and modern infrastructure. Mumbai's BKC, Andheri East, and Lower Parel also feature prominently in the list of zones with high retrofit potential. Other cities like Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai are expected to see 10–15 million sq ft of ageing stock each entering the retrofit cycle within the next 2–3 years. 'The retrofitting trend aligns with the maturing of India's office sector, where older assets are under increasing pressure from Grade A+ supply and ESG-compliant buildings,' said Sumit Arora, head – National Operations & Workplace Strategy, CBRE Consulting. Citing recent workplace experience surveys, CBRE notes that 81% of employees expressed a preference for upgraded workspaces offering better lighting, air quality, acoustic comfort, and breakout zones. More than 60% of respondents also stated that high-quality work environments have a direct impact on productivity and talent retention. The report highlights a set of financial and operational value drivers propelling the retrofitting trend in India's office market. Retrofitted buildings in high-demand micro-markets can witness capital appreciation of up to 40%, while commanding 15–35% higher lease rentals due to improved design, efficiency, and tenant experience. Additionally, energy-efficient upgrades such as HVAC optimization, LED lighting, and advanced water systems can reduce operating costs by 20–30% over time. Beyond financial returns, retrofits also help developers and asset owners align with ESG benchmarks, achieve green certifications, and enhance the long-term sustainability profile of their portfolios.
