SHAPING SPACES FOR THE WAY WE LIVE TODAY

Exclusive Interview with Carla Klumpenaar, General Manager of Marketing, Communications and Interior Design for IKEA across the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and Oman

How does this next phase support the evolution of modern homes, especially in terms of integrated living?

In today’s homes, spaces are no longer confined to one function. They flow into each other and adapt to the needs of the moment. With the launch of ‘Here to be Part of your Story’, this next phase for IKEA builds on that reality, empowering customers to create environments where hosting, working, cooking, playing and relaxing happen seamlessly. Through our seasonal collections, modular solutions and the “Globally Local” initiative, integrated living is at the heart of our design. We want every corner of the home to feel connected to people’s lifestyle, culture and values. Modern living is dynamic and personal, and our role is to make that flexibility possible, beautiful and within reach for the many.

IKEA is showcasing new kitchen innovations this year. How is IKEA preparing kitchens for smarter, more connected living?

While the kitchen is seen as a cooking space, it is also a hub where design, efficiency and human connection meet. Our innovations this year focus on solutions that support sustainability, organisation and function while adapting to daily routines.

Our METOD kitchen system, paired with MAXIMERA drawers, offers a modular design that customers can customise and rearrange to suit their lifestyle. It features smooth‑close drawers, long‑lasting materials and flexible storage that can evolve over time. For a straightforward start, our KNOXHULT series provides a ready‑to‑assemble, pre‑configured kitchen that is ideal for first homes or smaller spaces where installation needs to be simple and fast.

Durable cookware and efficient taps and appliances deliver quality and performance across a variety of cooking styles. Planning tools such as Online Service Booking simplify the journey and give customers confidence by letting them explore solutions digitally and in store, preparing their kitchens to keep pace with the rhythms of modern life.

With the “Here to be part of your story” campaign, how does IKEA see technology contributing to more personal, story-driven homes?

Technology is most powerful when it enhances everyday life rather than overwhelming it. “Here to be part of your story” is about being present where life happens, in shared meals, cultural traditions and routines that define who we are. Technology becomes an enabler in this process, helping customers visualise their ideas, plan their spaces and personalise solutions to reflect their tastes and heritage. Integrated tools such as virtual consultations and interactive planning make the design journey intuitive and inspiring, bridging the gap between vision and reality so people can shape homes that truly feel their own.

IKEA’s new kitchen planning tools use online and in-store interactive experiences. How does this improve customer readiness for integrated solutions?

Planning a kitchen that blends cooking, dining and living is both exciting and complex. Our online booking service gives customers a clear step‑by‑step path, while in‑store workshops allow them to explore products, layouts and styles they can see and touch. This combination provides the confidence to make informed decisions, ensuring the finished kitchen works for their space and lifestyle. By pairing digital convenience with hands‑on experience, we prepare customers to embrace an integrated solution that feels natural from the very first step.