Cover Photo: @porsche_theartofdreams
As the excitement of Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile's 60th Anniversary wears off, we are left reflecting on the central themes on everyone's mind: Sustainability. After a hiatus of 2 years, an air of optimistic innovation and sustainable forward thinking filled the entire city as Milan opened its showrooms and galleries for all to marvel. Perhaps the design world is in a state of healing after this pause, resulting in some extra time to reflect. One thing is clear, there's a higher focus on the process of the craft and a renewed sense of importance for reusable materials and zero-waste solutions. Follow along as we delve into the four trends we observed from last week's event:
Comforting Curves
It's hard to resist the desire to just sit back and relax on something reminiscent of a cloud. Organic shapes and curvaceous forms could be seen from lounge sets to table settings. Bouclé fabrics (a heavily looped textured material) are the "it" materials, providing the warmth of yarn and tactile connection to your furniture. Modular sectionals are only getting more popular, because who doesn't want the power to configure your own layout the way you want. And with the rise of remote workers, there's a greater need for comfortable lounge sets as our living rooms have also transformed into our work space.
From top: 1. @biekecasteleyn_shapingobjects 2. @elisauberti 3. @othersideobjects 4. @lanenahome 5. @aditions.co + @hellohuman.us 6. @bohincstudio
Sustainability + Slow Design
Living in excess is a thing of the past. Since the impact of coronavirus, the relationship between designers and the natural world has seen its fair share of struggles - with delayed shipments to a lack of manpower. This year however, sustainability brings a new meaning to the things we create. We are now part of the design revolution reducing post-consumption and reclaiming materials with a new purpose.
Nature Squared and ANOTHERVIEW presented VIEW 20, at the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, was a limited edition architectural installation that was truly inspiring on many levels. An exclusive 24-hour "digital nomad window" into another time and landscape, was enclosed by a canopy, handmade from rattan, abaca, gold yearn and edged with strips of baked sustainably sourced crushed eggshell.
photo credit: @nature.squared + @anotherviewproject at @rossana_orlandi gallery
Mixed Marble
Marble is here to stay, and for a very long time. The calming and cooling marble brings a feeling of tranquility and serenity that only nature can bring. There's no surprise that the design world, as seen at Alcova, has now evolved to mix and match the myriad colors and textures offered by marble while still preserving its innate elegance.
@solid_nature at @alcova.milano
The Imaginarium
An ode to unexpected whimsy and playful humor, where innocence and amazement takes over - that's what we define as the imaginarium of Milan Design Week. Like stepping into a Hayao Miyazaki movie, let your imagination for design run wild. The sheer creativity of mixing patterns or materials leaves the mind wandering and wanting for more. We're reminded there are no limits to what we can design and mixing and matching colors and textures can be liberating and wildly expressive. Case in point, play with glass in different colors or bring the digital world into your home with a 3D pixelated table.
From top left: 1. @khaledelmays 2. @nilufargallery 3. @bethanygray 4.@isaloniofficial 5. @reisingerandres 6. @khaledelmays at Nilufar Gallery
Thank you to Salone del Mobile, the galleries, showrooms and creators who worked tirelessly to create amazing spaces and experiences that will inspire a new generation of design.
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