From the Milan trade fair straight to Polish homes

30 of June '23

Alphabet of Light luminaire, Artemide

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Piotr Kurleto Jr, co-owner of the nationwide architectural multibrand, Max-Fliz, talks about the design trends expected in Poland after the world's largest architectural fair.

Held in Milan since 1961, Salone del Mobile is one of the most prestigious events in the furniture and design industry, attracting design enthusiasts from around the world every year. This is where the most important furniture companies present their latest concepts and products, which not only affect the prevailing trends, but also inspire and delight. Investors and designers from Poland also look there for design innovations that are sure to attract the attention of the Polish consumer, encouraging them to create their own unique interior.

Sustainable design

More and more consumers are looking for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for their homes, while designers are striving to incorporate environmentally friendly materials into their designs, while reducing carbon emissions and cutting waste in the production process. Sustainable lifestyles became one of the major themes of the 61st Salone del Mobile. The fair featured furniture and materials made from renewable or recycled materials.

One outstanding example of this approach is the Italian company MIDJ, which successfully combines tradition with modernity. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, the brand has perfectly mastered the artisanal production of furniture on an industrial scale, while maintaining its identity.

Suite MIDJ chair

Marlene armchair, Nicoletti Home

The regional artisanal tradition is also referenced by Nicoletti Home. At the same time, the brand is actively committed to creating a cleaner and more sustainable future, using fabrics in its products made from 100% recycled plastic bottles collected in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions. The Tesla sofas and Marlene armchairs are prime examples of the use of these innovative materials. Both MIDJ and Nicoletti Home are also ISO 14001:2015 certified, confirming their environmental compliance. Speaking of going green, it is worth noting the lighting brand LZF. It is known for producing original lamps using certified wood veneer. Importantly, the material used by the LZF brand is created without the use of chemicals.

Osca pendant lamp, LZF

Today, the commitment to environmental responsibility is more important than ever before and covers many different areas, so at MaxFliz we place great emphasis on relationships with manufacturers who support these values, says Piotr Kurleto Jr. By taking care of the environment, we can be sure that we are providing our customers with sustainably created products that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future, he adds.

In tune with nature

This year's fair brought a return to roots and natural raw materials. Designers used materials such as wool, jute, natural leather and fabrics and wood - preferably sourced locally and processed using artisanal techniques. Plant-based elements were commonly present at the fair, creating spaces full of life and nature. The decor was dominated by colors inspired by Mother Earth's palette, from reigning shades of brown and beige to muted greens.

Nature also inspired a move away from perfectionism - with more freedom of arrangement, the rooms are even more responsive to our natural needs. The furniture and decorations presented at the fair were characterized by flowing lines, organic forms and rounded shapes. They blended harmoniously with each other, evoking a sense of deep connection with nature. These elements will reign supreme in our homes in the near future.

In lighting, it is worth noting blown glass, which is gaining popularity. Brands specializing in blown glass fixtures, such as Bomma, Masiero and Italamp, offer lamps with unique shapes and shades. Specialized glass manufactories create unique fixtures, and each is different and naturally imperfect. Choosing these products is a great way to escape standardization and monotony in everyday life.

Pebbles pendant lamp, Bomma

Masiero Horo S3 pendant lamp

Nube lamp, Italamp

Multifunctionality and personalization

Consumers are living faster and have high expectations, so personalization of spaces is therefore becoming increasingly important. Designers are looking for solutions that adapt to the changing needs and preferences of increasingly demanding users. The answer to this is the trend of modular furniture in interior design. They can be easily transformed and customized, achieving maximum functionality and making the best possible use of the space in their homes. Modular seating has become particularly popular, as it can be arranged in a wide variety of configurations while adding uniqueness and individuality to spaces. Calia Italia modular sofas attract the attention of those who appreciate extravagance in the interior. The brand offers a variety of modules made of materials of different patterns and colors, which can be freely combined and play with the palette. For those who prefer elegance and more subdued colors, Maxdiviani modular sofas are an excellent choice.

Kalimba modular sofa, Calia Italia

Chicca modular sofa, Maxdivani

Lighting - background or foreground?

Lighting solutions attracted special attention from customers at this year's Salone del Mobile. Designers began to treat lighting as a philosophy, emphasizing the huge impact it has on mood and emotion. In doing so, however, designers have not given up on functionality - their designs are often distinguished by the ability to personalize the color of the light, the angle of incidence, dimming.... This is in response to the needs of consumers, who increasingly pay attention to maintaining work-life balance and seeking harmony in everyday life.

Plusminus light fixture, Vibia

Also of interest are system solutions that make it possible to connect light fixtures of different sizes and purposes in different locations, using a single electrical outlet. It is worth noting the products of the Vibia brand, especially the minimalist Plusminus light systems, which allow discreet illumination of any place or piece of furniture. The Artemide brand, on the other hand, has created a collection distinguished by modern bent wires that form an alphabet - Alphabet of Light in the form of bent rails. This trend will undoubtedly be followed by other brands in the coming year, as the new systems now support multiple lighting zones, giving greater design freedom without architectural interference.

Alphabet of Light luminaire, Artemide

In minimalist interiors, lighting has become the main protagonist of the space. The lamps presented at Salone del Mobile have taken on sculptural forms, often with organic shapes and unusual designs. Designers are boldly proposing scaled-down models. These can be found in the offerings of Bomma, Masiero, Tom Dixon or Italamp, Contardi. Many brands also use colorful fixtures, especially in pastel shades, balancing between boldness and discreetness. This trend can be seen at Foscarini, Masiero, Estiluz or KDLN.

Visio lighting system, Masiero

Technological innovations

The Milan fair, as every year, was also the place to present the latest technological solutions in the furniture industry. Smart home is a term that has been talked about for a long time, but smart systems are undoubtedly the future of our homes. From lighting and heating management systems to voice control capabilities, technological developments are serving designers by facilitating projects that promote two key ideas: sustainability and personalization.

Insights into needs

The trends evident at the 61st Salone del Mobile create a coherent vision and herald a new era of innovative and highly personalized spaces. When decorating our home, it makes sense to focus on using sustainable materials, and with smart solutions we can reduce energy and water consumption. A color scheme alluding to Mother Earth will guarantee us a timeless aesthetic, while sculptural lamps will add a unique touch.