Home Integrator
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.
Home Integrator
NATUZZI ITALIA ILLUMINATES THE SOUL OF THE HOME WITH THE POETRY OF LIGHT

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
Home Integrator
THE RETURN OF BROWN: A NEW NEUTRAL FOR INTERIORS WITH MINOTTI
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.
Home Integrator
Object 1 hits major milestone: project completion with RA1N Residence in JVC

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.”
-
News10 years ago
SENDQUICK (TALARIAX) INTRODUCES SQOOPE – THE BREAKTHROUGH IN MOBILE MESSAGING
-
Tech News2 years agoDenodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR11 months agoMicrosoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Tech Interviews2 years agoNavigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News8 months agoNothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
Automotive1 year agoAGMC Launches the RIDDARA RD6 High Performance Fully Electric 4×4 Pickup
-
Trending5 months agoOPPO A6 Pro 5G Review: Reliable Daily Driver
-
VAR2 years agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms


