The annual Milan trade show – a treasure of design trends that inspire

First of all, full disclosure – I have not attended this year’s event, but I am not a total stranger to this world, as I had the chance in the past to attend Salone del Mobile as part of the MaerCharme exhibition team, and therefore got to experience all stages of the experience, from designing the booth, to connecting with visitors and interacting with the other brands. The atmosphere was electrifying and I cannot wait to come back there. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the dynamic and colourful world of design and furniture contained by such a complex ecosystem in such a vibrant city.

Salone del Mobile. What’s all the buzz?

Every year, Milan hosts the biggest and most prestigious exhibition of furniture and design from all around the world, which began as a trade fair in 1961. This is the place where designers get to display their new products – furniture, lighting and other home goods, keep up with market trends, research and draw inspiration, identify new methods, stay ahead of technological and aesthetic preferences, take a peek at the competition, network and plant the seeds of new collaborations.

 “Evolution and Innovation” are the defining themes of the 62nd edition of this event. To enhance the visitor experience, the new ring-shaped layout enables attendees to now cover all exhibiting space by walking just 640 meters, a significant reduction from the previous 1.2 kilometres. It was indeed a tour de force! Comfortable shoes are a must!

The annual rendezvous for design lovers comes with some interesting installations to bring distinctive depth to the visitor experience.

„Interiors by David Lynch. A Thinking Room

The design fair has evolved from merely showcasing products to engaging visitors in a deeper and more meaningful way. The installation designed by the famous filmmaker David Lynch, is one example of this humanized approach.

Inside Pavilions 5 and 7, two identical mirrored “thinking rooms” wrapped in blue velvet were designed as a symbolic portal to help the audience emerge into the exhibition while exploring the connection between introspection and external design expression. On the pathway leading up to them you could see projections with sequences from his films, showing how he used scenery and furniture.

Fun fact – Did you know David Lynch has been designing and making his own furniture for many years? Multi-talented guy!

„UNDER THE SURFACE„. Created by Accurat, Design Group Italia and Emiliano Ponzi

Bathroom design and water sustainability meet up in pavilion 10 taking the form of a submerged island that creates a visual narrative where critical data about global water consumption combine with technology and design advancements in eco-friendly bathroom furniture in order to raise awareness of the environmental impact of our everyday use of water.

Google, Making Sense of Color

A light and sound installation created by Google Design Studio in collaboration with arts and research lab, Chromasonic, creates an experiential environment for guests, showing how color comes to life through the design of Google’s hardware and consequently, shapes our experience with the world.

Impressive pavilions, special collections and a lot of novelties. A marvellous experience for both professionals and amateurs!

For more information about this year’s edition or updates on the next year’s event, have a look here .

Do you want to visit Milano soon? You need a city guide. YESMILANO has some useful information on how to get around the city.

Milano, ci vediamo!