The Salone del Mobile Milan at the Rho Fiera Milano exhibition centre, is the trade fair every
design enthusiast should visit. The scale of the fair and its displays are mind blowing!
I have visited the fair on three occasions but, sadly, not this year.
However, our supply partners tell me it was as magnificent as ever.
This year’s fair, April 4-9, boasted more than 2000 exhibitors involved in the international furnishing industry including lighting and work spaces and the young emerging designers’ exhibition.
With a display area of more than 270,000 square metres, the Salone attracts about 372,000 visitors from some 165 countries and sets the trends for the next 12 months.
Tickets are reserved for trade industry specialists but it is open to the public on the Saturday and Sunday. So, put this on your bucket list!
On previous visits to the fair, there were definite annual trends in colour and texture which changed season to season. However, the fundamentals of good design were also evident.
Granted, most offerings were high end in terms of dollars but they have helped me gain a greater understanding and appreciation for ergonomics, quality of materials and materials fit for purpose.
Suppliers such as Giorgetti, Minotti, Castelli and Moooi all display their own style, flair and trademark detailing while maintaining scale and functionality in their products.
The quality displayed in double stitching, detailing of timber and the finishing of products and materials have all contributed to exceptional standards in terms of perfect pieces – almost works of art.
Debbie from ECC felt this year’s trends definitely had a 60’s feel in terms of colours and shapes. Muted tones in shades of green, blue and mustard brought a touch of “Twiggie” back into design.
She says furniture seemed smaller in scale, with rounded, more organic lines. Many items were curved and softer with the all important ‘comfort factor’ very much at the fore.
Coloured glass, bronze and copper dominated the hard materials, while walnut was still the preferred timber. Marbles, with stunning veins in lovely new blues and greens, were present
across various brands.
Layout trends were cluster, cluster, and more cluster – coffee tables, lighting, a scattering of
casual seating all allowed for more flexibility while a play on height and shape reflected light
at different angles. Look out for these trends in Auckland showrooms from October onwards.
Over the next few months I will further discuss interior design trends but should you have any disaster areas which need our help, please feel free to send them through to us for a solution.
By Kim Reiche, renovation specialist/director, Refresh Renovation
www.refresh.co.nz