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The Art and Soul of Illumination

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NMK x Chauvet

Exclusive Interview with George Tellos, CEO, Lighting Art

In the recent NMK x Chauvet Open House, industry professionals gathered for an evening that seamlessly blended technical precision with artistic vision. The event featured a series of live demonstrations and immersive lighting showcases, highlighting the dynamic possibilities of modern lighting design.

A standout moment of the evening was a conversation with George Tellos, CEO of Lighting Art. Renowned for his work across global stadiums, architectural landmarks, and theatrical productions, Tellos reflected on his creative journey, the emotional impact of lighting, and the innovations defining its future.

You’ve worked across events and architecture globally. What first sparked your passion for lighting design?

Like many creative journeys, mine began unexpectedly. I grew up in Germany and, at 22, I fell deeply in love—that relationship led me to move to Athens. There, I started studying lighting. One thing led to another: I returned to Germany, opened my first company, then back to Greece for the second, and finally, in 2013, I launched a third company focused on architectural lighting. Life rarely moves in a straight line—you just need to stay open and curious. Every new city, every challenge pushed me forward. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.

Did you always plan to pursue lighting?

Not at all. I actually studied theater first. Lighting wasn’t even on my radar. But that’s the beauty of it—you never really know where life will take you. What matters is staying positive and ready to explore new paths. Often, it’s the unexpected moments that define your direction more than anything you plan. You meet someone, you take a course, and suddenly your entire career changes shape.

 You’ve lit everything from global sports events to operas. Can you share some key projects you’ve worked on?

Our portfolio includes entertainment lighting for large-scale events like the FIFA, FIBA, IHF, Eurovision Song Contest, and the Olympic Games. We’ve done corporate shows, TV award ceremonies, Amazon films, operas in France and Germany, and many royal weddings in the region and India. Since 2013, our Riyadh-based company has focused on architectural lighting. What I enjoy most is combining both worlds—bringing theatrical techniques into architecture and vice versa. It’s about blending technology with emotion. The scale might change, but the storytelling element remains central to every project we take on.

As sustainability is one of the core focus in modern design, how do you balance creativity with energy efficiency, especially at large venues?

Sustainability is essential—but it should never overshadow the emotional magic of art. We can protect the planet in how we live day to day. But when we design for impact—something meant to move people—we need to give it our all. The magic must remain intact. For me, sustainability is about choices: smarter fixture selection, conscious material usage, thoughtful logistics. But the emotional core of a project can’t be sacrificed. You have to find a harmony between purpose and poetry.

If there’s one insight about lighting’s emotional and functional power that you want to leave your audience with, what would it be?

That tools matter—immensely. Quality tools don’t have to be expensive, but they must be right for the job. I always say: if you’re cooking an expensive piece of meat, you need a sharp, well-crafted knife. The same goes for lighting—especially at high-stakes events. Bad tools waste time and compromise the result. We need the right equipment to bring our ideas to life. You can have the best vision, but if your tools can’t match it, the audience will never feel it.

Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping smart living and our interaction with lighting in work and living spaces?

Lighting fixtures have already reached impressive levels of advancement—we’re now using laser technologies. But the next frontier is control systems. With AI, I can see designers simply speaking to a console: “Give me a romantic blue mood in night conditions,” and it delivers. That’s where we’re headed—toward intuitive, conversational control powered by AI. And it’s not in the distant future—it’s within the next three years. The interface between human intent and machine execution is getting smoother, and it will redefine how we design, not just how we operate.

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NATUZZI ITALIA ILLUMINATES THE SOUL OF THE HOME WITH THE POETRY OF LIGHT

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Natuzzi Italia, the global ambassador of Italian lifestyle, invites the world to see the home in a new light. In a masterclass of craftsmanship and atmospheric design, the brand unveils its latest lighting ensemble—a collection where functional illumination evolves into pure, radiant sculpture.

These pieces represent more than just a new product line; they are a dialogue between the heritage of Italian artisanal mastery and the avant-garde of modern luxury.

The Collection: Sculptures of Luminosity

Aura Suspension:

 Architectural Harmony Aura embraces space with ethereal grace, spreading a soft, diffused glow that envelopes a room in a harmonious atmosphere. Its refined, essential shapes interact seamlessly with architecture, creating a perfect equilibrium between raw matter and weightless light. Available in various compositions, Aura enriches grand spaces with a timeless allure, transforming surroundings into pure emotion.

Elsa Table Lamp:

A Timeless Embrace Elegance and purity find their form in Elsa. This masterpiece features a charm carved from artisan glass, playing against the natural, sophisticated veins of Calacatta marble. Topped with a decorative accessory in brushed light gold, Elsa is not merely a lamp, but a precious jewel for the contemporary interior.

Tea Floor Lamp:

Floral Grandeur: Standing with the poise of a curated bouquet, the Tea lamp features three slender stems rising in a rhythmic interplay of heights. Each stem culminates in a satinated blown-glass sphere, casting a soft, encompassing glow that mimics the gentle transition of dusk.

Rosé:

The Icon of Grace Inspired by the delicate silhouette of an inverted chalice, Rosé pays homage to the warm, shimmering hues of a desert sunset. With its refined finish and iconic silhouette, it transforms light into a radiant expression of Mediterranean beauty.

Solene:

The Luminous Secret of Solene is where tradition meets innovation. Featuring a hand-carved crystal heart nestled within blown glass, it filters light to create a sanctuary of intimacy. It is a quiet masterpiece, a secret whispered in the language of light.

Nola:

Ethereal Weightlessness Suspended with the quiet dignity of a bell, Nola brings a brilliant yet delicate presence to any room. Its minimalist form serves as a statement of lightness, proving that true refinement often speaks in a whisper.

Bossanova:

 The Rhythm of Reflection Dynamic and fluid, Bossanova appears to dance within the air. Its vibrant transparency and undulating lines create a play of reflections that evoke joy and movement, capturing the timeless spirit of Italian celebration.

Experience the Glow

Discover the collection at Natuzzi Italia showrooms across the UAE, where the poetry of light meets the art of living.

Natuzzi store are located near you in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, visit the website.

•        Natuzzi, Sheikh Zayed Road between 2nd and 3rd interchange, Dubai

•        Natuzzi, near Al Maktoum Bridge, Umm Hurair Road, Dubai

•        Natuzzi, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

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THE RETURN OF BROWN: A NEW NEUTRAL FOR INTERIORS WITH MINOTTI

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Grounded in nature and materiality, brown is returning to interiors as a calming, contemporary neutral.

Brown is re-emerging as one of the defining tones of contemporary interiors. Once associated with the nostalgic interiors of the 1970s, the colour is now being reinterpreted through a more refined lens, introducing depth and material richness to modern living spaces. After several years dominated by pale neutrals and cool greys, designers are increasingly introducing a spectrum of warm brown tones – from deeper shades such as espresso and cocoa to softer hues including caramel, tan and walnut – bringing greater character and contrast to current interior palettes.

Used thoughtfully, brown acts as a versatile neutral within contemporary spaces, adding structure while softening lighter schemes. Layering deeper chocolate tones with caramel or tan shades introduces subtle depth, while softer tones such as off-white or cream keep the composition light and balanced. Accents in bronze or brushed metals, alongside rich woods and textured fabrics, further enhance the layered quality of the palette.

Reflecting this shift, Minotti explores these richer tones across its latest collections. At the Minotti Dubai flagship store in Jumeirah, sculptural seating and refined finishes illustrate how brown tones can shape contemporary interiors.

Sculptural Foundations: Bézier seating system and coffee table

Statement seating is one of the most effective ways to introduce brown into a space. TheBézier seating system by Marcio Kogan / Studio MK27 embodies this approach through its fluid, organic silhouette and generous proportions. Inspired by the parametric curves developed by French engineer Pierre Bézier, the sofa’s rounded volumes create a sculptural presence that feels both architectural and inviting.

Upholstered in warm tones, the design anchors the living area while maintaining visual softness. Its modular configuration expands into island-like compositions that encourage relaxed gathering and conversation. Paired with the Bézier coffee table, featuring a Canaletto walnut top in light brown veneer, the composition highlights how brown can extend through both upholstery and natural materials.

Layered Upholstery: Coupé and Libra

Brown tones are equally effective when introduced through layered seating arrangements. The Coupé seating system by Giampiero Tagliaferri reinterprets the aesthetic language of 1960s and 1970s interiors through a contemporary lens. Its overlapping rounded volumes and tone-on-tone stitching emphasise softness and craftsmanship while maintaining the understated elegance characteristic of Minotti.

Also designed by Giampiero Tagliaferri, the Libra armchair introduces a sculptural accent. Inspired by seventies aesthetics, the design is composed of overlapping padded volumes upholstered in leather or fabric, creating a balanced interplay between seat, backrest and headrest.

Architectural Balance: Riley seating system, Andrée and Stage coffee tables

Where softer silhouettes introduce warmth, more architectural pieces bring structure and contrast. The Riley seating system by Hannes Peer reflects this balance through its geometric form and precise detailing, with vertical quilting adding rhythm to the upholstery.

Alongside the seating, the Andrée coffee table, also designed by Hannes Peer, introduces a decorative counterpoint. Inspired by the facades of 1970s Milanese architecture, the design pairs glazed ceramic surfaces with chrome-plated brass trims, adding texture and reflective depth.

The Stage side table further extends the palette through wood and metal finishes, with tops available in Canaletto walnut-stained light brown or glossy Moka lacquer.

A Contemporary Neutral

Far from being a passing trend, brown’s return reflects a broader shift toward interiors that prioritise depth, materiality and balance. When layered thoughtfully through furniture, finishes and textures, the colour introduces a quiet sophistication that feels both timeless and relevant today.

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Object 1 hits major milestone: project completion with RA1N Residence in JVC

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Object 1 has officially announced the 100% completion of RA1N Residence, the developer’s residential project in Dubai. The delivery signifies the company’s evolution from project launches to the successful handover of homes, solidifying its reputation as a reliable player in the city’s fast-moving real estate sector.

Located in District 12 of Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), the 25-storey tower features 144 units, ranging from one- and two-bedroom apartments to exclusive top-floor apartments with jacuzzi for extra comfort. The project meets a surging market demand for ready-to-move properties. JVC remains a top-tier choice for residents and investors alike, currently capturing 61% of sales searches and 80% of rental searches for apartments in the mid-market segment.

RA1N Residence provides a comprehensive suite of amenities designed for modern urban life:

A spacious lobby with lounge area and co-working spaces, a dedicated clubhouse, indoor and outdoor fitness areas, 2 swimming pools – for kids and adults-only, on-site retail outlets, children’s play zones – both indoors and outdoors.

Designed for immediate comfort and functionality, the apartments feature bright, ergonomic layouts and high-quality materials with contemporary finishes sourced directly from European factories, complemented by built-in appliances and premium plumbing fixtures from leading manufacturers.

There is direct access to Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, linking the community to Dubai Marina, JLT, and Dubai Internet City. The Roads and Transport Authority’s Hessa Street Phase II project, will double road capacity and reduce travel times while serving nearly 650,000 residents across surrounding communities, further strengthening accessibility for the district.

The announcement comes as Dubai’s property market demonstrates unprecedented momentum. In January 2026 alone, total transactions reached circa Dh108.0 billion – nearly doubling the figures from the previous year.

Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1, commented: “Delivering RA1N Residence is a defining moment for Object 1, as we move from vision to tangible reality. While the world watches regional shifts with caution, our faith in Dubai’s investment climate remains absolute. This city is more than just a market; it is a global safe haven that consistently turns challenges into growth opportunities. By completing our project, we are sending a clear message to our investors: we are here for the long term, contributing to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and building high-quality communities that thrive regardless of external pressures.”

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