Trends from Milan

THE CONNECTION TO NATURE

The Salone del Mobile is a huge source of inspiration for furniture and fashion lovers alike and often a projection of trends to follow for the year.

Nature played an important part in the show - both in design and colour. A strong desire to get away from the perfect, plastic, hard screen environment we all work in has affected design significantly. A connection to natural materials that are raw and tactile like handcrafted wood, ceramic, marble and leather and an emphasis on the sensory experience of touching nature, means getting back to our natural roots before the technology invasion.

Involvement of plants as decor, use of natural colours (such as ocean blues, greens and greys) and materials (such as linen and hemp) was also seen. There were also nods to nature in other unexpected ways; like Bonaldos Corallo chair (below), which is inspired by the shapes and colours of coral and has a branch like frame in a stunning coral pink.

COLOUR & MATERIAL TRENDS

Like last year, velvet was another consistent material we saw - but with an updated colour palette. Gold, mustard, pinks and terracottas made for a warmer theme than previous. Teamed with gold metalware, black marbles with gold veining, pewters and blacks - the overall look was contemporary luxury. Sophisticated, soft with pops of colour and interesting shapes that reflect nature.

Connecting to nature also involved the use of natural metals, minerals and materials such as these golds, raw rocks & stones and even the use volcanic ash in one exhibit.

Mustard in general was a stand out colour and a perfect contrast to natural greys, browns, blacks, blues and greens. A gender neutral, sophisticated colour - mustard was seen in both large scale furniture pieces and smaller accessories.

To take a walk through some of our brands stands, check out the links below.

Alf: https://www.alfdafre.it/en/news/news-and-events/milan-international-furniture-fair-2019/

Bonaldo: https://www.bonaldo.it/en/content/bonaldo-salone-internazionale-del-mobile-2019-milan

Oliver B: https://www.oliverb.it/en/newsen/virtual-tour.html