At the most recent edition of Salone del Mobile Milano, the trend-setting furniture for interior design, environmental responsibility, conviviality and kitchen integration reigned supreme. Over 1,900 exhibitors from 35 countries showcased their products. We zoom in on the exemplars.
Brands across the spectrum embraced eco-conscious practices and natural materials, weaving a narrative of environmental responsibility.
Esteemed Japanese brand Adal exemplified this movement through their collection of contemporary furniture, Look into Nature, by Dutch designer Michael Geldmacher. The pieces, which include a dining chair and chaise lounge, are crafted from igusa, a type of rush used to make tatami mats. This revered, renewable material not only means exceptional sustainability but also embodies a rich cultural heritage.
Adal’s masterful reimagination of igusa underscores a broader trend – the thoughtful integration of tradition into modern design, fostering a harmonious balance of environmental awareness with cultural preservation.
To be sure, Danish brand Matek collaborated with renowned designer Patricia Urquiola on the Alder Collection, which consists of two lounge chairs, a side table and a stool. The pieces are all made of Matek – a material made of recycled coffee shells or wood fibre mixed with biodegradable plastic derived from sugarcane.
Comfort and tactility in upholstered furniture was emphasised this year in the rise of overstuffed silhouettes, as well as enticing materials that beckon users to relax and indulge in the sensory experience. The focus on hypertactility was evident throughout the fair, as designers crafted installations that offered a comforting and deeply personal connection through texture. The aptly named Squash armchair in leather, for example, by British artist Faye Toogood for Poltrona Frau, is soft yet fun with its pneumatic contours. Meanwhile, the plush curves of Moooi’s Big George armchair by Argentinian designer Cristián Mohaded, are ready to hug anyone who sits down.
A popular trend in the ’70s, the conversation pit is making a comeback, but redesigned for today’s homes. Long a cosy, intimate haven within a grander space that encourages social interaction, it is, in 2024, a more informal feature that takes the shape of a modular or semicircular seating. One such example is the Augusto by Belgian designer Vincent Van Duysen, for Molteni&C. The seat’s semicircular design makes for more intimate chats, while its modularity allows it to be customisable for different spaces.
Meanwhile, Swiss furniture company De Sede debuted the DS-888 Collina. Designed by Atelier Oi, this modular seating system is created for those who enjoy intimate conversations.
The integration of kitchen appliances into interior design resonated throughout the fair, catering to the growing desire for smart homes.
Gaggenau exemplified this movement with its innovative Essential Induction hob, designed to be so integrated into Dekton stone countertops that it’s practically invisible. Only a subtle LED “Dot” and knobs can be seen, creating a clean aesthetic that allows the cooktop to be a chic extension of the living space.
At the EuroCucina showcase, V-ZUG unveiled CG Cucina, a stunning new line of luxury kitchen cabinets that incorporate the Swiss brand’s top-of-the-line appliances. Inspired by the iconic staircase at Harrods department store, CG Cucina, created in collaboration with luxury furniture designer Christopher Guy, is distinguished by its elegant reeded design. Integrated into the cabinet are a wine cooler, coffee machine and combi steamer, creating a piece that’s both beautiful and functional.
Informal dining in the form of low furniture came to the fore, reflecting a yearning for a more relaxed approach to mealtimes.
Monica Armani’s extension of her acclaimed Allure O’ collection for B&B Italia introduced a new low bistro table, designed to complement the collection’s compact armchairs. This elegant pairing encourages intimate gatherings that prioritise comfort.
Similarly, Poliform’s collaboration with Stefano Belingardi Clusoni yielded the Loai armchair, a design that combines petite legs with a generously sized, plush seat, ideal for creating a luxurious, low-dining experience. This shift in dining heights signifies a broader cultural movement that embraces a more casual and inviting atmosphere for shared meals.
This article was first published in Prestige Singapore
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates.
Thank you for your subscription.
