The Inhouse Design team attended the 61st Salon del Mobile, the highlight of Milano Design Week, and came home brimming with inspiration and a renewed sense of optimism as design professionals.
It’s the biggest (and arguably the best) design fair in Europe and is a hotbed of leading design luminaries, devotees and professionals all there to discover and engage with the hottest brands trends and products in the world. For the Inhouse Design team it is a chance to meet with key suppliers, to hone their views on fittings and furnishings, to place essential orders and of course to drink in the magnificent inspiration that sets Milan alight for a full week. Here, some insight into a whirlwind week from Inhouse Designer, Scarlett Begot:
Q What did the week at Salon del Mobile entail?
The Milano Design Week included the Salone Del Mobile which showcases the world’s most innovative and cutting-edge designs in furniture, interiors, and contemporary art. In addition, exhibitions in beautiful old buildings scattered through the busy streets of Milano.
Private events are organized in the evenings, if you are lucky enough to get invites, which we did!The week is a highlight of the year for the Inhouse team – we never fail to come back armed with ideas and inspiration which feeds us on so many levels.
Q What did you most look forward to when going to the show?
The show was greater than ever imagined however I looked forward to meeting the large brands’ reps within their exhibitions and attending the high-end events in the evening. I was anticipating what I would be able to absorb and excited to see new design techniques that I would be able to incorporate into my designs.
In addition to the show, exploring the streets and the different districts while absorbing both architectural and design week exhibitions was definitely a highlight. One can’t underestimate how the experience of being immersed in this intense week of the very best in international design spills into our professional lives back at the studio.
Q What trends did you see that stood out for you?
Curves and colours dominated the fair with the oversized furniture pieces exhibiting a sense of excess comfort yet on the same spectrum, minimalism, clean lines and neutral palettes seemed to make a strong appearance, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Nature-inspired designs incorporating organic materials and earthy tones were also prevalent, encompassing a sense of tranquillity and connection with the environment. The integration of smart technology into furniture and home accessories was showcased while highlighting the growing importance of seamless connectivity in our modern lives.
Q What brands did you make a beeline for?
If I had to pick a few, definitely the Minotti private access showcase, Gallotti and Radice, Gessi Sanware, Poliform, Tom Dixon, Flos, and Moooi – these are all brands I admire in terms of both their perspectives of design, standalone furniture pieces and general scheme. I was excited to see both their products and their jaw-dropping exhibition stands.
Q What industry stalwarts can you rely on to always spark your décor imagination?
Personally, for me, it would be Minotti, when designing more sophisticated and timeless spaces, due to me specializing in High end residential now. In general, I try and take inspiration from all the brands/ companies I know and try to apply it to the desired interior. There is too much inspiration in the world of design to stick to a few Stalwarts.
Q Any trends you think are going to be making a comeback?
From what I witnessed, I saw a lot of maximalism, every aspect of space is detailed to the max to create a meticulous and harmonious space, regardless of whether it be with vibrant, rich velvets or neutral hues, the core theme is there.
I enjoyed seeing the resurgence of vintage and retro merged with contemporary and forward-thinking design.
Q How does Salone feed your creativity back in SA – how will you continue to think global but act local?
From the past weeks being back, I can see how I’ve used the inspiration already, from finishes to joinery details, I source back to photos and try and incorporate the details into my designs.One must use the trends as a guideline and be resourceful and apply them to local projects.
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