From a small design bureau to becoming the exclusive distributor of Versace Home in Dubai, Svitlana Antonovych, co-founder of Solomia Home, shares her story of the company’s evolution and growth. In this exclusive interview, she reveals the journey of crafting luxurious interiors that blend comfort, individuality, and artistry. Svitlana also delves into the unique design preferences of the Middle Eastern market, offering a glimpse into how modern luxury is evolving and how the future of interior design will be shaped by innovation, craftsmanship, and personalization.
Delna Mistry Anand: Tell us about Solomia’s story so far, from the time you launched this company 11 years ago, to what it is today.
Svitlana Antonovych: Solomia will always be extra close to my heart. Firstly because of its name – as this is the name of my daughter. It was important for us to create a company that reflects family values and our approach to design. Our main brand has been around for 11 years, and during this time, we have grown from a small design bureau into an international business. The Solomia Home branch in Dubai was established after my daughter was born, making it a very special milestone for us. Together with my husband Dmytro Korotchuk, we have always believed that interior design is not just about aesthetics but about creating a true sense of home, comfort, and harmony.
The Solomia Home showroom is my home, where we create homes for our friends and clients. It is important to us that every project is meticulously thought out and reflects the personality of its owner. Today, Solomia Home is the exclusive distributor of Versace Home in Dubai, and for us, this is not just work but an opportunity to share beauty and quality with those who appreciate comfort and aesthetics in their space.
What was the process of bringing Versace Home to Dubai like for you?
Becoming the exclusive distributor of Versace Home in Dubai is the result of our commitment to bringing a truly iconic brand with a recognizable style and Italian quality to the region. We saw great potential for Versace Home in Dubai, a city that values luxury, aesthetics, and exclusivity. Negotiations with the brand took time, but we share a common philosophy—creating not just furniture, but a way of life.
Our project was strongly supported by Luca Bacci, CEO of Versace Home, who believed in our vision and even relocated with his family to beautiful Dubai, embracing the opportunities of this growing luxury market.
And of course, our location - Dubai Mall is the largest and one of the best malls in the world! We had no choice but to open here. Our only requirement was to have our own entrance from the ground floor, and the mall’s management granted us this opportunity.
What according to you, are the key elements that define a truly luxurious home?
A luxurious home is, above all, a space created with personality, comfort, and functionality in mind. I would highlight several key elements that define true luxury in interiors:
1. Individuality – A home should reflect the style and character of its owner. Luxury means that every element of the design is created for a specific person rather than simply following trends.
2. Quality and craftsmanship – The use of natural materials, exclusive textures, and well-thought- out details that stand the test of time.
3. Comfort and functionality – Modern luxury is about convenience, smart solutions, ergonomics, and well-planned space organization.
4. Emotional impact and atmosphere – A home should not just be beautiful but should evoke feelings of warmth, harmony, and inspiration. This is achieved through proper lighting, textiles, decor, and architectural solutions.
5. Art and unique details – Special value is given to pieces with history, collectibles, commissioned artwork, or designer furniture.
How does the Middle Eastern market differ from other global luxury markets?
It might be surprising, but the luxury furniture market in Dubai is still in its early stages of development. In the past 2–3 years, we’ve seen a significant shift, with the opening of monobrand showrooms for iconic brands like Poliform, Minotti, and Poltrona Frau. This growth confirms that we are in the right place at the right time, as the demand for luxury interiors continues to rise, and the market for exclusive design is only just taking shape.
This trend is not unique to Dubai but can also be observed across other Middle Eastern countries. Unlike Europe, where design standards have been in place for generations and sometimes feel outdated, the Middle Eastern market is distinctive because it blends traditional values with modern standards of comfort and luxury.
Here, personalization is key—unlike Europe, where minimalism often dominates, clients in the Middle East seek customized solutions, bespoke designs, and rare materials that reflect their unique tastes. There is also a high expectation for service, with clients desiring flexibility and a truly personalized experience.
Functionality and comfort are just as important as luxury—spaces must be both beautiful and practical, incorporating smart technologies and dedicated areas for family and social gatherings. Above all, there’s a deep love for luxury, an appreciation for exclusivity, grandeur, and bold aesthetics that make every space truly unique.
Have you noticed any specific design preferences among UAE-based clientele?
Clients in the UAE appreciate the balance between luxury and modern comfort. Unlike Europe, where minimalism dominates, here, large spaces, rich textures, and premium materials are essential.
The availability of furniture plays a huge role—the desire for instant gratification outweighs the understanding that a custom order is more valuable. People here do not like to wait, and this significantly influences the market.
Marble is everywhere—it is used not only in finishes but also in furniture. Parquet is rare, but we are actively working to change this perception and highlight its beauty and value.
Another characteristic is large spaces designed for family gatherings, where comfort and a well-thought- out layout are priorities. Comfort here includes smart technology as well as engineering solutions like air circulation systems that operate 24/7/365, ensuring the perfect indoor climate.
Solomia Home LLC has won prestigious awards, including the International Property Awards. What do these recognitions mean for you and your brand?
Winning prestigious awards, including the International Property Awards, is not just recognition; it is proof of our quality, individual approach, and dedication to our work. These awards strengthen trust among our clients and partners.
But there is also a small secret: such awards help us gain access to photographing projects. Clients, seeing international recognition, are more willing to allow their interiors to be photographed. However, as always, some of our most spectacular projects remain private, as we respect our clients’ confidentiality and privacy.
How do you see the future of luxury interior design evolving in the next decade?
The future of luxury interior design is changing rapidly. While individuality and customization were once key values, today, handcrafted work is becoming rare. There are fewer artisans, as more professionals prefer office jobs, making technological, industrially produced designs the most popular.
This trend affects not only the mass market but also luxury interiors. The key defining features of luxury in the future will be:
• High-end materials that maintain a sense of exclusivity.
• Renowned designers who bring philosophy and storytelling into collections.
• The power of branding and heritage, which now matter more than the production process itself.
Luxury interiors of the future will blend innovation, industrial aesthetics, and strong brand identities.
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