Project Name: Leta Furniture Showroom, Al Quoz
Client: Leta Contract Furniture
Location & Date: Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE - 2024
Project Type: Concept Design
Program: Interior Design
Located in Dubai’s dynamic Al Quoz district, the Leta Furniture Showroom project showcases the transformation of a former warehouse into a sophisticated retail environment. This interior design project focuses on spatial continuity, material authenticity, and functional display strategies, turning an industrial shell into an engaging commercial destination.
Adaptive Reuse: From Warehouse to Showroom
The existing structure lacked the qualities of a retail space: most notably, a welcoming entrance. The original façade, previously used for storage purposes, faced the road without an accessible storefront. The design intervention began with the addition of a large, street-facing entrance door, establishing a new identity and improving visibility from the public realm.
Inside, the space featured a mezzanine level that was originally separated from the ground floor by solid walls. These walls were removed to create a visually unified interior, maintaining the mezzanine structure while visually integrating it into the main volume. To ensure safety while preserving openness, glass balustrades were installed along the mezzanine edge.
Material Palette and Craftsmanship
One of the defining features of the project is the emphasis on natural materials, especially wood. As a furniture brand, Leta’s identity is closely tied to wood craftsmanship. The showroom uses various wood tones and textures, not only in the furniture but also in the architectural finishes. Wooden wall panels were highlighted throughout the interior to showcase material quality and reinforce a warm, tactile atmosphere.
In select zones, fabric wall coverings were applied. These coverings reference the materials used in the furniture pieces themselves, creating a visual and conceptual connection between architecture and product.
Lighting Design and Daylight Control
Lighting played a key role in shaping the showroom’s character. The original concrete floor was replaced with a light-colored surface, enhancing brightness and complementing the display furniture. Ambient and accent lighting were designed to highlight the textures and silhouettes of the pieces on display.
To manage natural light, the large windows were fitted with adjustable curtain systems. These allow precise control over the amount of daylight entering the space, offering flexibility throughout the day and enhancing the showroom’s energy efficiency and comfort.
In the double-height zone at the front of the space - opposite the mezzanine - an oversized pendant light fixture was installed. This element brings the vertical volume into human scale and adds a sculptural focal point, enriching the spatial experience.
Functional Display Integration
As a showroom that highlights a range of furniture - especially chairs - the display strategy was crucial. Rather than using add-on shelving or temporary stands, the design team integrated structural display niches into the architecture. These built-in solutions provide clarity, organization, and focus for each collection, while also contributing to the spatial rhythm.
At the entrance, a designated area for outdoor furniture was created and decorated with indoor plants. This green layer softens the interior and aligns with the lifestyle-oriented brand identity, blurring the line between outdoor and indoor living.
Ceiling Revisions and Spatial Harmony
To further open the space, the suspended ceiling on the mezzanine was removed, and the overall ceiling height was increased. This created a brighter, more spacious environment and visually connected the upper and lower floors. The ground floor features an open ceiling system, ensuring architectural coherence across both levels.