Interiors Guru Lea Chatila On How To Buy Investment Pieces For Your Space

Lea Chatila’s Home Figures brand crafts bespoke, sculptural furniture that redefines the purpose of a space with pieces you can connect with for a lifetime

For Dubai-based Lebanese designer Lea Chatila, the true essence of interior design dwells in the details. Stepping beyond the conventional focus on structure and layouts, instead she embraces the subtle power of furniture to redefine a space, blending architectural and playful elements to fashion timeless pieces that not only offer comfort, but re-shape how people live and feel within their own homes.

“I worked with boutique firms across the Middle East on everything from small residential projects to large commercial and hospitality ones, but my focus was always furniture,” Lea tells Bazaar Interiors. “I wanted to fill a gap I saw in the region. Too many pieces felt repetitive. I believed furniture should feel like a custom dress: tailored, unique and made to fit perfectly into someone’s home. That’s what led me to launch Home Figures.”

Opened in 2020, Home Figures aims to create sculptural, contemporary pieces that are at once both functional and aesthetic, designed to stand out and make a statement while also integrating seamlessly into a client’s décor and lifestyle. Lea’s inspirations are not only limited to furniture designers, but also include the works of artists and architects; visionaries whose creations embody narratives and experiences.

Working primarily in wood, marble and acrylic, every single piece of Home Figures’ bespoke furniture is crafted at its Al Quoz atelier in Dubai, giving them the freedom to experiment with different finishes and details, while also ensuring high quality of craftsmanship.

The atelier is more than just a workshop, however. It is a living, breathing space in which Lea’s clients can observe her creative process as it unfolds in real time, exploring figures, shapes and forms, both natural and sculptural. This approach is then translated into furniture that feels bold, yet approachable. Visitors can see the pieces being made, touch the materials and get a true sense of how a bespoke design comes to life.

The display is in a constant state of flux, changing weekly as new additions are produced and then moved on to their forever homes, fulfilling their purpose to introduce new facets of identity, transforming a space entirely.

“We have ready-made collections, but each piece can be altered in size, finish or colour to fit perfectly into a home, like a puzzle piece,” Lea explains. “We also have lots of material samples on hand, which helps people visualise how a piece will look. On top of that, we also create fully bespoke pieces, from sculptural bars to DJ booths.”

The designer’s proudest moment was the launch of Home Figures’ Float collection, which helped to solidify the brand’s identity and showcased its commitment to innovative design through the introduction of its now signature transparent acrylic ‘floating’ details. However, the experience that proved the most impactful was when Lea’s first client moved house, taking their Home Figures pieces with them to their new residence.

“It showed me that what I am creating isn’t just furniture,” she says. “It is something people feel connected to and want to live with long-term. That is very powerful.”

As Lea and Home Figures continue to move forward, their efforts remain focused on pushing the boundaries of their own creativity and continuing to grow the atelier through more experimental projects, as well as recent expansions into new materials, such as stainless steel. This also means stepping back from events like Downtown Design in November, at least as an exhibitor, while incubating Lea’s next projects.

“I’ve participated for the past three years and felt it was time to take a small break; not to slow down, but to focus on new designs and collections,” Lea explains. “I also want to experience the fair as a visitor this time, to discover new designers and get inspired, something I rarely get to do while exhibiting. It’s an exciting pause to reimagine so that, when we return, we come back with fresh energy.”

As for her design focus for the future? “We’re working on a new collection right now,” Lea adds. “It’s still under wraps, but it’s the boldest and most experimental work we’ve done yet, and I’m excited to reveal it very soon.”For more information, visit homefigures.com.

Lea’s Five Favourite Pieces

Float Coffee Tables

From our Float collection, these tables are defined by clear acrylic legs and marble tops, creating an illusion. I love how something as heavy and grounded as marble can suddenly appear light, almost floating, when placed on acrylic legs.

Stacked Dining Table

A sculptural dining table that feels like a piece of architecture in the home. Its layered base plays with rhythm and proportion, making it both functional and artistic.

Float Armchair

A sculptural dining table that feels like a piece of architecture in the home. Its layered base plays with rhythm and proportion, making it both functional and artistic.

Sandscape Side Table

Part of the sandscape collection, this piece takes inspiration from natural landscapes and sculptural forms. The marble is layered in a way that creates depth and movement, almost like soft waves frozen in stone.

Stacked Sofa

A bold yet comfortable design where structure meets coziness. The stacked form is playful but also highly functional.

Images: Supplied

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Interiors Autumn 2025 Issue.