The Salone del Mobile exhibition, the biggest celebration of design, took place from April 16 to 21. We present the 5 most interesting interior design trends from the 62nd edition of the event.
The 62nd Salone del Mobile exhibition in Milan
Photo: Katarzyna Mikulska
Round forms
Organic shapes and soft lines dominated this year's exhibition. Tables had both rounded tops and legs with round profiles. Delicate ovals can also be found in handles, armrests of armchairs or edges of shelves. Mirrors and decorations, on the other hand, take on more organic but still spherical shapes.
- The ubiquity and quantity of soft forms was quite surprising. Even a piece of furniture that seemed angular from afar, when viewed up close had a lot of rounding in the details — describes architect Katarzyna Mikulska.
We can find oblique forms both in lounge furniture and tables
Photo: Katarzyna Mikulska
A variety of glass
Glass was the most commonly used material. It is worth noting its non-standard use. During the exhibition we could see, among other things, ornamental and craft glass with the effect of a sheet of water. Designers reached for both classic and colored glass, for example, in shades of ochre, brown or blue.
- The technological and aesthetic possibilities of glass could be seen at the exposition of Glas Italia, an Italian manufacturer of furniture and glass elements (partition systems and doors). Furniture collections created by world-renowned designers were astounding. All-glass tables and bookcases, very delicate and filigree, but with bearing capacity, were impressive. The use of tinted glass or elements of smoky mirrors gave a mosaic effect. My attention was particularly drawn to two collections by Patricia Urquiola. The first one is called Shimmer. It is a collection of tables and consoles made of laminated and fused glass. The furniture changes color depending on the viewing angle. They are light, joyful and original. The second collection is named Simoon. It consists of roughly centimeter-long glass sheets glued with UV rays, with a layer of grained Murano glass in shades of amethyst, pale blue or topaz. Visually light and very unobvious, and due to the granularity imparted, they were not visually cold (this is, unfortunately, a common feature of glass furniture) — mentions the architect.
Colorful glass is one of this year's biggest trends
Photo by Katarzyna Mikulska
Unusual use of leather
It is worth noting the unexpected leather designs. In addition to the upholstery of armchairs, sofas and pouffes, it also appeared on the fronts and inside the drawers of dressers and closets. The material appeared in natural colors, i.e. various shades of beige.
- The exceptions were displayed in the Poltrona Frau showroom, where dyed leather, for example, co-created monochromatic arrangements together with walls and lacquered furniture - says the architect.
Poltrona Frau showroom with leather
Photo: Katarzyna Mikulska
Neutral colors
To keep the arrangements from being boring, showrooms have been varied with interesting textures, such as fluted table edges, the still fashionable bouclé fabric and accessories with long hair and a distinct weave. Monochromatic, subdued interiors in a color scheme based on earth tones, i.e. beiges, creams, browns, shades of white and gray beige are still in.
- Fortunately, not everything was beige and subdued. There were colors native to the 1970s: bottle greens, reds, yellows and purples. They often complemented monochromatic, neutral arrangements; they tended not to appear in strong color combinations, but as accent colors - stresses Mikulska.
Interior arrangements are still dominated by earthy colors
Photo: Katarzyna Mikulska
Attention to detail
The high quality of the furniture presented at the exhibition was evidenced by the attention to detail. For example, the wooden elements system allows you to build cabinets according to your needs. The interior of their drawers, on the other hand, can be made of leather.
- Details are important in the presented products: attention to stitching and finishing of wooden or metal elements are features of good design. Experiencing objects so refined and thoughtful is a great pleasure for the senses — explains Katarzyna Mikulska.
Poltrona Frau bookcase with shelves covered with leather
Photo: Katarzyna Mikulska
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Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
