Milan Design Week 2022
There’s three things the Italians do well – food, fashion and furniture. And this year’s Salone del Mobile certainly didn’t disappoint in any arena.
For the first time after a two-year hiatus, designers, architects, suppliers and media alike descended on Milan to celebrate 60 years of the world’s largest curation of design and décor goods.
Normally biennial affairs, some of the exhibition’s supporting acts – including EuroCucina (International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition) & FTK Technology for the Kitchen, Salone Internazionale del Bagno (International Bathroom Exhibition), S.Project, and Workplace 3.0 – were also on the itinerary this year to make-up for being cancelled the past two years.
And let’s just say exhibitors weren’t in the mood to play it safe after their COVID confinement. With money no object, pushing the bounds of sustainability and technology was a recurring theme: one that’s been on the move the past decade, and one that’s now definitely here to stay.
Design styles aside, there were a few influences easily translatable and that you can expect to find their way to Australia very soon:
1. The New Neutral
While there was an impressive display of minimalism and classic monochromatic neutrals from Scandinavian-inspired exhibitors, pattern and colour were still everywhere in spades – and one hue in particular stood out from the crowd.
Perhaps it’s a greater focus on biophilic design in recent years, or the colour psychology attached to the hue, but one thing’s certain, Green was the darling of the hour.
2. Biophilic Design & Sustainability
On theme with the colour that probably features most in its realms, incorporating nature in design was prevalent throughout Salone Del Mobile. From frosted glass installations that gave the illusion nature was just outside your window, to indoor courtyards, plant walls, hydroponic kitchens, nature-inspired tapestry and more – our natural environment was everywhere.
3. Smart Technology, Storage & Zoning
Of the collective 300+ exhibitors across the International Bathroom and Kitchen Furniture Exhibitions, and FTK Technology for the Kitchen, it was clear innovation in technology and storage is alive and well, but probably still a few years away from being accessible to the average consumer, with supply chain fatigue already prominent.
The Europeans have a wonderful knack for using the space they’ve got, and making everything pack a punch. Nothing’s included unless it works hard to be there… and the one thing we noticed? Not one kitchen installation had a butler’s pantry or scullery! But they did have hidden bars and prep areas, along with pop-up, pull-down and pull-out shelving, swivel cabinets galore and more.
What we’re coveting:
As the largest furniture fair in the world, it would be bad taste not to leave you with some hit list items. But with over 2000+ exhibitors and pop-up installations around Milan on display, it goes without saying, this is just the tip of the iceberg:
Nikari Linea RMT3 Chair
via K5 Furniture
Edra Cicaldi Coffee Table
via Space Furniture
SOURCE IT FOR ME
Seen something you like? We’ll get in touch with our black book to make it yours.
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We curate end-to-end interiors at Kahli Jayne Designs, but furniture is our one true love.
We make sure we’re up-to-date with the latest to ensure our designs are considered, purposeful and timeless – distinctively you, with a twist even the aficionados will ask about.