Connect with us

Home Integrator

DESIGNING EMOTION WITHIN STRUCTURE

Published

on

Exclusive interview with Michaela Ferrari, Italian architect and designer, Miki Ferrari

As an architect and founder, how do you define your role today, are you primarily a creative director, a business strategist, or a custodian of craftsmanship?

    My main role is that of Creative Director for the brand, ensuring that our products are designed to be ultra-stylish and supremely comfortable. I am lucky to have a team that supports me on all other aspects of our business, including operations, production, marketing and sales. This gives me the freedom to focus on design, and the comfort to know my designs will be beautifully brought to life, and efficiently delivered to the customers.

    Your philosophy speaks about “thinking with the heart” and often reference fashion as an inspiration. In a highly technical industry, how do you protect emotion within structure? And How does couture thinking translate into sofa design?

    The beauty of what we do, is that the free flow of creativity is complimented by the institutional structure, not constrained by it. Design for the sake of design is ego – instead, we think with the heart, and we create with the hand.  I think of the heart as the source of creativity, and the hand as the source of structure, and the two compliment each other. Like couture fashion, our sofas are proportioned, structured, with elevated materials and intentional detailing. The pieces are structured and supportive, a sculptural statement as refined on the inside as the outside – tailored and precise, much like a hand-crafted gown. 

    Architecture trains you to think about space; furniture requires intimacy with the human body. How did you transition between those two scales?

    One way to think of it, is to see the human body as an architectural form, and the products we produce are designed to support and embrace the human form, at both a physical and emotional level. The principles of design are similar; in architecture you create spaces for the body to move in and experience, whereas furniture, you design for rest, for intimate connection between the body and object. I consider furniture more personal in the sense that it is about physical points of contact, and how shapes, texture, proportion and subtle detailing can envelope one in such comfort, making them feel entirely at ease.

    Middle Eastern interiors often embrace bold statements and layered textures. How does your design language adapt to this cultural context?

    Our designs are recognized for their simple beauty and comfort, and the layering comes not from a mix of colors, rather from the variety of textures in our fabrics, so although our fabrics are mostly solid colors, the different textures add a layer of beauty to the product. It enhances one’s tactile experience and ensures that beauty is not only seen, it is felt. The natural lines and simplicity of our furniture aligns with all contemporary styles whether vibrant or muted, and we look forward to sharing our know-how and craftsmanship with a discerning Middle Eastern clientele.

    • The Ambrè sofa form feels organic and enveloping, what was the conceptual starting point behind its silhouette?

    Ambrè’s natural curved lines and soft fabric invite you to relax into it, the design follows a continuous, organic line that wraps around the sitter. It is a good representation of my design thinking, in creating sofas that embrace the human form. We don’t design sofas to fit a space, we design sofas to fit the human form and to enhance the human experience.

    Your collections emphasize goose feathers, premium leathers, selected woods, and composite materials. How do you decide when tradition leads, and when innovation takes over?

    We are Italian, so tradition always leads, in everything we do.  The ‘Made in Italy’ stamp is important to me in my craft, and even when we are being innovative, the starting point is always our tradition of craftsmanship and our reverence for design. Innovation then becomes the way we can leverage these traditions to create products that are always authentic, always human-centric and always beautiful. With great attention to detail, we push forward with modernism but always remain true to the legacy of Italian design elegance, quality and functional aesthetics.

    The launch in the UAE signals a new international chapter. What does this expansion represent personally for you?

    We are very proud of what we represent, and the worldwide respect for ‘Made in Italy’ as a global mark of quality and authenticity; for us to be ambassadors and share the philosophy behind this concept means a great deal to us. We are proud to join a long list of brands that have redefined the way the world views creativity and luxury in design, and have stood to develop global standards for quality and craftsmanship.

    Continue Reading
    Click to comment

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Home Integrator

    A SEASON OF RADIANT HOSPITALITY: NATUZZI ITALIA CELEBRATES MOTHER’S DAY AND THE SPIRIT OF EID WITH MASTERPIECES OF ITALIAN COMFORT

    Published

    on

    As the UAE prepares for a season of profound celebration, Natuzzi Italia, the world’s most recognized luxury furniture brand, is proud to unveil a captivating collection curated to honor both Mother’s Day and the upcoming Eid al-Fitr festivities. This year, the brand invites clients to redefine the art of gifting and hosting by blending the soul of Italian craftsmanship with the warmth of regional traditions.

    Whether seeking to elevate the home for festive Eid hospitality or searching for a heartfelt tribute for Mother’s Day, Natuzzi Italia presents a collection that captures the essence of both occasions. This curated selection ranges from the sculptural elegance of the Fiore armchair to a suite of lighting and art objects designed to embody the spirit of the season.

    The Fiore Armchair: A Symphony of Nature

    Designed by the acclaimed Marcantonio, the Fiore armchair is a masterpiece that blurs the boundary between functional furniture and fine sculpture. Inspired by the delicate strength of petals and the organic flow of nature, Fiore envelops the body in fluid, sinuous lines. Reflecting Natuzzi’s Apulian heritage through a poetic fusion of artisanal precision and emotional design, the piece invites the softness and growth of the natural world into the heart of the home.

    Illuminating Elegance by adding a layer of radiant artistry to the interior:

    The TEA Floor Lamp: Designed by Danelo de Rossi, this piece stands with the grace of a floral bouquet. Three stems rise from the base in a harmonious interplay of heights, culminating in satinated blown glass spheres that diffuse a soft, encompassing glow.

    The MUNETTA Table Lamp: Designed by Danilo De Rossi, Munetta embodies the charm of a moment frozen in time. This cordless, dimmable lamp features precious blown glass and a touch sensor, casting a delicate, moonlight-inspired glow that brings a sense of magic and timeless elegance to any setting.

    Artisanal Accents: SkLO

    The seasonal transformation is completed by sophisticated accessories that function as contemporary art:

    LAVA Bookends: A striking sculptural accessory composed of nearly solid glass, creating captivating visual depth. Ground and polished to perfection, they serve as both practical anchors and sophisticated decorative statements.

    BLOOM Wallpiece: An organic sculptural composition meticulously crafted by layering individually blown glass pod-shapes. Each multi-dimensional form is precision-cut and polished, offering a sophisticated, nature-inspired focal point for any interior surface.

    Celebrate the extraordinary women in your life and the joy of Eid with pieces that resonate with timeless beauty. Explore the ideal fusion of form and functionality at Natuzzi Italia showrooms or online.

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

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

    •        Natuzzi, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

    Continue Reading

    Home Integrator

    CASA MILANO EXPANDS UAE FOOTPRINT WITH 7TH SHOWROOM LAUNCH IN AL AIN AMID MARKET UNCERTAINTY

    Published

    on

    At a time when global and regional markets continue to face uncertainty, Casa Milano announced the opening of its 7th showroom in the UAE, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s growth journey and reinforcing its confidence in the country’s long-term outlook.

    The new showroom in Al Ain reflects Casa Milano’s continued expansion strategy despite wider conversations across industries around slowdowns, caution, and consolidation.

    Speaking on the occasion, Azhar Sajan, Founder of Casa Milano, said, “Today is a very special and proud moment for all of us at Casa Milano. In the middle of a difficult and uncertain time, when many choose to pause, we choose to move forward with courage and belief. I am happy to have launched this during Ramadan. I feel the Al Ain market is buzzing, and this is the right time to enter it.”

    The launch sends a strong signal about the resilience of the UAE market, with Casa Milano underscoring its belief that the country’s strong fundamentals continue to create opportunities for sustainable growth.

    The Al Ain showroom is set to bring Casa Milano’s range of premium improvement solutions closer to homeowners, designers, architects, and developers in the city and surrounding regions. The brand has built its reputation on design-led offerings across sanitaryware, tiles, kitchens, wardrobes, and complete home concepts, serving both residential and hospitality projects.

    Sajan added that the opening represents more than physical expansion, “This milestone is not just about opening another showroom. It represents the dedication, passion, and hard work of every member of the Casa Milano family. This success belongs to all of us.”

    He further noted, “Challenges test our strength, but they also create opportunities. Today, we have shown that even in tough situations, with unity and determination, growth is always possible.”

    With the launch of its Al Ain location, Casa Milano is expected to further strengthen its presence in the UAE and support rising demand for high-quality, luxury home improvement solutions in the market. Concluding his remarks, Sajan said, “I would like to sincerely congratulate the entire Casa Milano team for this achievement. Let this be another step toward an even brighter future.”

    As businesses navigate an evolving market environment, Casa Milano’s latest expansion highlights its confidence in the UAE’s vision, the resilience of its economy, and the strength of continued forward momentum.

    Continue Reading

    Home Integrator

    GORENJE ELEVATES MIDDLE EASTERN HOMES WITH PREMIUM EUROPEAN APPLIANCE EXPERIENCE

    Published

    on

    Gorenje, one of Europe’s leading home appliance brands operating under Hisense Group, continues to strengthen its long-standing commitment to the Middle East by bringing its premium European appliance experience closer to modern households across the region. As families prepare for Ramadan, a time centered around togetherness, hospitality, and shared moments at home, Gorenje highlights a curated selection of appliances designed to simplify daily routines while enhancing comfort, efficiency, and contemporary living.

    With more than seven decades of heritage rooted in European craftsmanship and innovation, Gorenje has built a reputation for combining advanced technology with refined aesthetics. The brand’s philosophy focuses on creating appliances that seamlessly integrate into everyday life, delivering intuitive functionality while elevating the overall home experience.

    Responding to the growing demand for modern, design-led living spaces across the Middle East, Gorenje continues to emphasize its built-in appliance solutions, developed to complement contemporary architecture and open-plan homes. Designed around the concept of “Life Simplified,” Gorenje’s built-in range blends minimalist European design with intelligent functionality, allowing appliances to integrate naturally into kitchen environments while maintaining clean lines and visual harmony.

    During the Ramadan period, Gorenje is spotlighting selected appliances across its key categories, offering consumers an opportunity to upgrade their homes with thoughtfully designed European solutions that combine performance, energy efficiency, and timeless aesthetics. The seasonal selection reflects the brand’s commitment to supporting families as homes become central spaces for connection, cooking, and shared experiences throughout the holy month.

    “Gorenje has a strong and established presence in the Middle East, and we continue to see growing demand for appliances that combine design, innovation, and everyday practicality,” said Ismail Al Horani, Vice President for Middle East & Africa at Hisense. “Ramadan represents a meaningful time when homes bring people together, and our goal is to provide solutions that simplify daily living while enhancing the overall home experience through European design and innovation.”

    Gorenje’s comprehensive portfolio spans cooking solutions, refrigeration, dishwashing, and laundry appliances, supporting every stage of home living. From advanced ovens designed to simplify meal preparation during busy Ramadan gatherings to refrigeration solutions that preserve freshness and optimize food storage, the brand delivers practical innovations tailored to modern lifestyles.

    As lifestyles evolve and modern homes increasingly prioritize both functionality and aesthetics, Gorenje remains focused on delivering appliances that balance technology, design excellence, and user simplicity. By combining European heritage with innovation-driven development, the brand continues to support households across the region with solutions designed for contemporary living.

    Gorenje appliances are available across leading retailers and project partners throughout the Middle East.

    Continue Reading

    Trending

    Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator