[Newsflash from Milano Salone 2024] Report on Design Trends

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[Newsflash from Milano Salone 2024] Report on Design Trends

2024/06/10

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[Newsflash from Milano Salone 2024] Report on Design Trends

The 62nd Salone del Mobile.Milano/Milan Furniture Fair (hereinafter, Milano Salone) was held in Milan, Italy, in April this year.
The fair welcomed 370,824 visitors over the course of its duration - the highest number of visitors since the COVID-19 pandemic - and the fact that more than half of these visitors came from overseas indicates a global interest in the trends seen in new interior products.
With a vast number of new products being unveiled at this event - the largest interiors event in the world - allow me to deliver to you a newsflash on the displayed products that I paid particular attention to, and on what it was like on the ground at the event.

Material Mix: Easily Adaptable for the Japanese Market

Continuing from the previous year, the material mix trend in which different materials are combined to bring a touch of vibrant contrast to a space was again seen in abundance. Combinations of materials that do not compete with each other offer a pleasant sense of calm and balance, and we found elements that are readily adaptable to the Japanese market. The following three combinations are my top recommendations.

Flexform

First off, let’s take a look at Flexform.
This is a combination of limestone and oak, which was used for the walls and floors of the exhibition space to set off the interiors on display.
We focused on these same materials at Cersaie, ceramics exhibition, which was also held in Italy (Bologna) in September 2023 and limestone is a type of stone that is sure to be popular going forward as a post-mortar material, playing a major role as an accent to bring out the appeal of new furniture products.
The combination of limestone and oak is a key element when it comes to the Japandi style popular among Japanese people and to creating a space with a calm ambiance.

Cersaie 2023 Trend Report available here.

Next, let’s take a look at B&B’s new table that combines a glass tabletop and white marble legs.
Both of these materials give a feeling of cleanliness, and provide a space with a trim and tidy ambiance. Furthermore, the careful attention paid to the form of the legs is highlighted by these simple, unassuming materials.

B&B

Boffi

Last up is Boffi.
This kitchen combines chic matte black marble with attractively-grained ash wood.
While at first glance it feels like this would be somewhat of an intense combination, balance is maintained through the ratio of wood and stone grain.
By keeping highly characterful wood grain to a smaller area and enlarging the size of the calming stone area, it is possible to create a modern, resplendent kitchen space.

Fuorisalone: The Work of Japanese Designers in the Spotlight

The Fuorisalone, that is held in Milan, also had a vibrant and lively atmosphere that rivaled the Fiera venue. The activities of Japanese designers were particularly in evidence, and what I would like to introduce to you here is the contemporary design studio we+, which is based in Japan.

Straordinaria

First of all, let’s look at an installation with a beautiful gradient of colors.
This installation is called Straordinaria, and it is a collaboration between we+, Italian kitchen brand Elica, and the modern art foundation Fondazione Ermanno Casoli.
One encounters a range of temperatures co-existing in kitchens, and these include the coldness of water, the heat of flame, and warmth nurtured by people through food. This piece beautifully expresses this transformation and intermingling of the air in a kitchen.
The venue in which it is exhibited is the courtyard of the Palazzo Litta, built more than 260 years ago and characterized by its beautiful Baroque style.
The sight of the piece swaying in the breeze that flows through the courtyard is a perfect expression of the transition of the air, giving visitors a feeling of the coming of spring.
Its brilliant and colorful expression has been highly acclaimed, and it was selected for the Media Partners Special Mention at the Fuorisalone Award 2024.

Next, I would like to draw your attention to WONDER POWDER - a joint project between a long-established Kyoto-based manufacturer of analytical and measuring instruments and other such devices called Shimadzu, and we+.
In this project, two approaches were taken toward the movement of powdered materials: a “logical approach” in which Shimadzu analytical instruments were used, and a “sensibility approach” that emphasizes intuition and subjectivity.
This installation is the result of two years of research into the beauty that can be achieved by mixing powder with water, as can be seen in the photograph.
Some of the works can be moved by the viewer, allowing them to produce their own effect and to find their own personal version of beauty using their hands and eyes.

WONDER POWDER

Hokuto Ando, co-founder of we+

Don’t Take Your Eyes Off Milano Salone

The scene at the Fiera venue

The scene on the street

These were the featured trends that I wanted to bring your attention to from Milano Salone 2024.
In addition to those discussed here, Milano Salone showed visitors the signs of many more unmissable trends on the horizon.
I have only covered a small selection here, but if you wish to really delve in and find out more, then contact us from the following!

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