It is fair to say that one of the most exciting times of the year – in the design space – is the much-anticipated design week that occurs in Milan. This year, we had the pleasure of attending Milan Design Week and as expected, it was more captivating than we could have imagined.
Upon reflection, there were many thoughts and therefore many conversations had, so as a team we thought it would be best to share our perception and feelings on the events that took place during design week, as well as the notable trends that we saw that are both intriguing and influencing in so many different ways.
Part of Milan’s design week includes the Salone Del Mobile. For those that don’t know, it is the largest and most prestigious furniture fair. It serves as a showcase for the newest design ideas, trends and innovation. More than 2300 companies are involved in the fair in some way, over 370,000 professional visitors attend worldwide, and 500 national and international journalists come to cover the course of the event.
The Salone Del Mobile is an event that started in 1961 to promote Italian exports of furnishings and designs and has now evolved to explore the relationship between humanity and design.
The theme for Milan Design Week this year was ‘Materia Natura,’ meaning ‘Matter Nature’. The theme has an overarching emphasis on sustainability. The term ‘matter’ engages with the idea of natural design and creative thinking.
In this year’s 62nd edition, we noticed some new trends, that we believe are here to stay.
The first thing we noticed during the Salone Del Mobile was the use of colour.
Colours used by designers, in pieces of furniture, artworks and other materials were playful, punchy and present in big ways. It was evident through furniture, installations, kitchen design, materials etc.
A lot of the installations showed us that bold colours were a momentary element and were juxtaposed to neutral shades, making the addition of colour seamless.
Colours we loved seeing were Cobalt blue, Burgandy and Vibrant Green.
It was Gucci’s exhibition at its flagship store that had heads turning. Sabato De Sarno, incorporated the signature colour “Rosso Ancora” red into pieces of furniture against bright green carpeted rooms. Two bold colours that would have almost certainly clashed, worked so cohesively in the space created. Such creative installations made us grow an infinity to some colors used, as it was done confidently and expressively.
While we explore the theme of matter and nature at Salone Del Mobile, the principle of sustainability remains at the forefront for designers and manufacturers.
It is understandable that the design industry, and the production and sourcing of materials can have negative impacts to our environment and nature itself. It was this year’s design week that really exhibited the positive change we are making as a society for sustainable practice. It was our first stop at Constentino where we caught a glimpse of this ecological approach.
Consentino is a Spanish, family-owned company that produces and distributes ‘sustainable and high-value surfaces.’ The supplier started from humble beginnings as a marble manufacturing company and is now one of the biggest stone-producing companies in the world. It differs from others through its Zero Waste approach and its conscious effort to minimise environmental impact.
Throughout our tour at Cosentino, we discovered that it has largest solar panel farm in all of Spain, with a count of 66,000 solar panels. The company uses 100% renewable electricity and reuses 99% of water. It also has 0% material discharge into rivers and seas.
‘We invest so that today’s waste becomes tomorrow’s resource.’ – Consentino Team
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