THE One And Only: A Tale of Timeless Design and Home Comfort

Whether at home or away, THE One has made its mark on living spaces far and wide. Harper’s Bazaar Interiors explores what has made this locally-grown gem a style essential in the region and beyond

This summer, I took a cooling trip to visit a good friend in New Zealand. A pal from the Dubai days of old, her Bur Dubai apartment was always a haven of calm, comfort and luxe, a far cry from the dingy shared corporate accommodation I’d found myself hurled into as a new arrival in the city. Deep pile throws and plumped-up cushions cradled me in this fresh little slice of paradise. It all seemed so impossibly grown-up and luxurious – from the art on the walls and the thin-stemmed glasses to the statement candle holders sparkling on the chic dining table.

A full fifteen years later, and we found ourselves reunited once again. My friend has long left the Emirates behind, but upon my arrival in her grand Kiwi farmhouse it was evident that many things have remained the same. Plush bedding and tactile tableware begged for me to pick up, flip over and check the label – and every time I did, there was that unmistakeable little red box peeking back at me. The years may have flown by, but THE One’s wares have stood the test of time – to the point of being shipped half a world away to literal pastures new.

“It’s heart-warming to know that THE One has made its way into homes around the world, far from our initial roots in the UAE and the wider region,” says Thomas Lundgren, founder of THE One. “The idea that our designs have found their place in the lives of people not just in the Middle East but also as far as Melbourne, London, Stockholm, Johannesburg and Los Angeles is both humbling and immensely gratifying.

“I’ve seen first-hand how friends and family in these far-flung locations have embraced THE One pieces, making them a part of their everyday lives. Whether it’s a cosy armchair, an elegant dining table or a beautifully crafted lamp, these items have transcended borders and brought a touch of THE One’s unique charm to diverse corners of the world.”

And while this may be true, it’s the company’s wild at-home success that’s made it such a hit overseas too. After THE One’s first store opening in Abu Dhabi in 1996, Lundgren quickly expanded his dream to “save the world from big box corporations” to Dubai in 1997, and then beyond. Today THE One operates in eight countries, with 23 stores and a bistro stretching across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as holding a strong online presence for fans the world over.

“The ONE was never just a workplace or an ordinary shop, it was always my dream to make it extraordinary” Thomas Lundgren

“From the word go, I always wanted THE One to offer customers not just products but emotions and experiences: create a deeper connection and cater to the changing values,” says Lundgren. “As I often say, your home is your refuge from the world. It is the one place in which you must always feel happy, comfortable, cosy and safe. We believe in creating not just furniture but a sense of sanctuary. Our designs are intended to bring comfort, beauty and a sense of belonging to any home, no matter where it is located. It’s this universal appeal of home comfort that resonates with people across the globe.”

THE One’s influence on the local UAE design scene has been undeniable. From the region’s beginnings as an international ‘more-is-more’ mishmash, the Emirates’ sense of interior style has evolved into a far more mature landscape, all helped along with the availability of THE One’s quality wares with strong design direction – and always something just a little bit different.

“In 1997, at the time when we opened our doors in Dubai’s lively Jumeirah neighbourhood, the UAE’s design landscape was just beginning to embrace the concept of trendy, stylish home furnishings, and our in-store restaurant became a hub for those seeking both taste and style,” says Lundgren. “It was an exhilarating period in our journey. As a self-made furniture designer, my philosophy is simple: I change our collection every day to stay ahead of the curve because, as I see it, fashion is fickle and fun, and THE One wants to be like that too. This proactive approach ensures that we remain a constant source of inspiration in the industry.”

And the industry has embraced THE One in return. The company has topped the UAE’s Great Place To Work list for the past 13 years, running as well as clinching the No.1 Best Workplace in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar this year alone. Recognised as a forward-thinker in terms of both products and working practices, THE One has given so much to the UAE and its surrounding countries, both aesthetically and ethically.

“THE One was never just a workplace or an ordinary shop; it was always my dream to make it extraordinary,” says Lundgren. “When your employees work for a company they’re proud of and in a workplace they enjoy, their performance soars – we have over 500 employees today. “Seeing THE One’s designs cherished in homes across continents is a testament to the power of creating a warm and welcoming sanctuary. It reminds us that no matter where we are, the desire for a comfortable and stylish home is a universal sentiment, and we’re honoured to be a part of that journey for so many.”

On a personal note, THE One’s Wafi City outlet was always my favourite haunt, and the place where I picked up my very own thin-stemmed glasses. A pair of goblets in opaque black and white, it was my chance to own a little something sophisticated, an elevation towards the level of beauty and peace found in my friend’s sanctuary- like home and to an eventual appreciation of the importance of interior design. THE One holds a special place in the heart of every design-minded UAE dweller, and in the hearts of any number of those who have left too. Because wherever your journey takes you, good design stays with you. And it doesn’t come much better than THE One.

Images Courtesy of The ONE

From Harper’s Bazaar Interiors’ Autumn 2023 Issue