A new Ikea pilot in Germany is tapping AI to help people turn images of empty rooms in property listings into inspiring spaces featuring real products.  

The retailer says that the pilot with Germany’s largest real estate platform, ImmoScout24, also gives it an opportunity to explore the real estate sector from a different perspective, better understand people’s needs and behaviours when searching for a new home, and discover new ways to connect with customers at an earlier stage.

Developed by the Ikea global digital teams, the solution analyses images of empty and furnished rooms and creates realistic visualisations featuring Ikea furniture and home accessories, with product selections developed together with interior design experts. The pilot currently covers living rooms and bedrooms, with the possibility of expanding into other rooms as the solution develops. 

Parag Parekh, Global Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Ikea Retail (Ingka Group), says: "The pilot represents another step in exploring how digital technologies can make home furnishing more convenient as well as fun and inspiring. It is also part of our wider ambition to create a seamless omnichannel experience, connecting the different moments when people discover, explore and shop for home furnishing solutions.”

He adds: “Depending on the learnings and outcomes of the one-year pilot, Ikea will explore opportunities to further develop and potentially expand the solution, always with the aim of creating simpler, more inspiring and accessible experiences for the many."

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

AI was a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

Check out our winners here.

The awards celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world. Our winners were revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

The event consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.