Design Week 2024

Design Week 2024

The Design Week of this year, just concluded, left us with eyes full of wonder and inspiration, eager to share with you all that we have discovered. In this article, we will try to recount our experiences both from the Salone and the Fuorisalone, although the crowd that filled the stands and the streets of Milan prevented us from seeing everything we would have liked.

This year’s Design week was a real magnet for designers, architects, and design enthusiasts from around the world. Every corner of Milan exuded a fascinating mix of cultures, charm, and originality, making the experience even more engaging. The fair at Rho managed to gather in its countless pavilions the production of Italian and foreign design. This year, unfortunately, the luxury sector was absent, but EuroCucina and the Salone del Bagno shone in the forefront.

As in the past editions of 2023 and Design Week 2022, the leitmotif of the event was sustainability, technological innovation, and functionality, themes that also found resonance in the new approach to digital design. Furthermore, the important role of circular economy, reuse, and sustainability of processes and materials was emphasized, underlining the importance of conscious practices that promote efficient use of resources and minimize environmental impact.

Orac materials

Clever Lamps by iGuzzini and materials by Orac

BATHROOM

The bathroom appears in a never-before-seen guise: ceramic, traditionally candid and discreet, has transformed into a palette of vibrant colors, embracing pastel shades like delicate pink and refined pearl gray, but also bold colors like seductive bordeaux. The washbasins, true design jewels, oscillate between circular and ovalized shapes for countertop models, while those recessed maintain their elegant rectangular geometry, offering a variety of options. Materials such as fragranite and transparent crystal emerge as undisputed protagonists of the contemporary bathroom, adding transparencies and chromatic plays that confer modernity to the spaces. The plumbing stands out for a variety of finishes and colors, with a decrease in stainless steel in favor of bronze coatings, pale gold, and rose gold. But the real revolution occurs in the sanitary ware, which embraces artificial intelligence and home automation with innovative solutions. Companies like Rocha present automated models capable of anticipating our every need, from the autonomous opening of the lid to the cleaning of the bowl, offering an unprecedented experience of comfort and practicality inspired by Japanese culture. The simplicity of old-fashioned sanitary ware thus transforms into a sophisticated fusion of design and technology, reflecting the evolution of needs and desires.

boredeaux  washbasin
stand alone  washbasin
intelligent wc

Washbasin Arbi Bathroom, stand alone Washbasin Sanycces e Intelligent Wc by Kolher

 washbasin terrazzo
tap finishes
 radiators Tubes

Washbasin tops in terrazzo, new finishes of taps and vertical furnishing radiators Tubes

KITCHEN

 

In the kitchen, island and peninsula continue to reign supreme in our favorite environment, the one that indulges our palate and allows us to relax while cooking. More and more space is dedicated to storing utensils, which are proudly displayed or discreetly hidden behind elegant glass doors, revealing both their contents and the intricate details of the kitchen.

modulnova
kitchen shelves displayed
modulnova

Once again, the enthusiasm for terrazzo finishing is palpable this year, with its rich range of earthy tones captivating the senses. However, we still encounter resistance in convincing clients to fully embrace it. Hopefully, it will finally establish itself in the collective imagination.

Kitchen terrazzo rho
terrazzo finish

Solid top or HPL countertops, adorned in uniform hues, and marble, whether natural or reproduced on ceramic surfaces, remain steadfast choices. Additionally, kitchen spaces are enriched with elegant metallic finishes or claddings in satin-finished iron or steel, aimed at infusing the kitchen with subtle metallic reflections.

kitchen metallic finish
interior of metallic finish kitchen

For those nostalgic for the ’80s, the comeback of bullnose kitchen countertops, with pronounced edges, is a joy like no other. Even the snack counter embraces softly, with few linear surfaces and many with rounded forms, enveloping the kitchen with gentleness and harmony. Dining tables follow this trend, with few sharp-cornered examples and many gradually rounding off to become almost oval, making room for round tables, true protagonists of the kitchen space.

calligaris table
rho kitchen rounded
bullnose
kitchen details
wall units glass

Thus, we witness a vintage revival in the kitchen, juxtaposed with increasingly advanced technology, as exemplified by TFK – Technology for Kitchen. In household appliances, new features emerge, with vibrant touchscreen displays allowing us to entrust the oven with selecting the optimal cooking settings for our dishes, all while it cleans itself with remarkable efficiency, as seen in the brand-new Bosch oven. The trending finish for appliances proves to be black stainless steel, a matte anthracite shade so deep it verges on black.

 home appliances
black stainless steel

HOME ENVIRONMENT

 

Exploring the world of home furnishings, we encounter a wide range of intriguing options. Sofas, the true protagonists of living spaces, appear increasingly imposing and enveloping, with circular shapes that embrace the surrounding environment, delicately hovering just above the floor without revealing a hint of legs. The bouclé cream upholstery, despite requiring some care in cleaning, remains a beloved choice for its softness to the touch and elegant appearance.

Minotti
Minotti

Living Room by Minotti

Hommes
Hommes

installation Hommés at Casa del Manzoni

As for materials, wood in its natural tones and reeded wood maintain their prominent role, both in their raw and varnished form. Finishes diverge from stainless steel, opting for softer and more vintage tones like bronze and pale gold, imparting spaces with a touch of refined elegance.

Garofoli Group
reeded wood

Living Room by Garofoli Gruop e reeded wood detail

De Castelli
De Castelli
De Castelli

Metallic finishes by DeCastelli

The current trend increasingly favors exposed elements over those hidden behind doors, with symmetrical bookcases alternating with metallic supports and wooden backings.

The motto of modern homes, especially for those who inhabit them, is order. Orderliness is sought in open bookshelves and increasingly transparent wardrobes with fewer usable shelves.

However, it should be noted that this aesthetic pursuit may sometimes compromise the actual practicality of spaces. Current trends lean towards larger, freer, and lighter homes, which can detract from actual living volumes, inversely proportional to the prevailing trends.

Moooi

Moreover, bold, vibrant colors, along with enveloping textures, transform walls and furniture into true works of art, with daring graphics that stimulate the mind while evoking a sense of dream and wonder.

Pedrali
Driade

Sofa by Pedrali e cabinet by Driade

Magis
Magis

Stand di Magis

Moooi
Moooi
Moooi

Wallpaper and furnitures by Moooi at Salone dei Tessuti

FASHION

 

Fashion is increasingly merging with the world of interior design, creating a unique blend of personal style and home environment. The influence of colors and materials worn is reflected in furnishings, fostering a harmonious synergy between fashion and design. Renowned brands like Hermès and Loewe utilize leather not only for bags and accessories but also for lamps and magazine racks, seamlessly blending fashion and home decor into a singular expression of style. Additionally, raw and natural materials such as bricks, stones, and wood harmoniously coexist with fabric textures and colors. The concept of “vintage” intertwines with the contemporary, creating an intriguing ambiguity between what is past and what is current. Fashion knows no age.

Hermes
Hermes
Loewe
Loewe

Objects by Hermès – Lamps in leather and paper by Loewe

LUXURY

 

The concept of luxury in interior design has evolved to encompass not only elegance and opulence but also a relentless pursuit of exquisite materials and unique craftsmanship. Even though luxury products may originate from industrial processes, they must still embody a spirit and execution of artisanal craftsmanship. Every detail matters, down to the hinge of a wardrobe, which must be custom-made. The more challenging the transformation of materials into forms, the more excellent the result, and the more luxurious the object becomes.

The brands that consistently meet these expectations are the major automotive-associated houses. In Bentley and Bugatti, a synesthetic relationship is formed between the vehicle and the furnishings, creating an almost indissoluble and recognizable bond between the two. The clean lines and bold curves seen in automotive design are translated into furniture, with leather inserts found in both cars and desks, and fluid surfaces echoing the natural world.

 

Bentley Bugatti
Bentley
Bentley
details Bentley
Bugatti
Bugatti
Bugatti library

THE HOUSE BY ELLE DECOR – MATERIAL HOME

 

Exploring the home according to Elle Decor is a sensory journey through seven distinct environments that reflect our vision of domestic life. Among the standout materials, we find cement, lime, and terrazzo, derived from the mixing, cooking, and recomposition of powders, seamlessly blending with metals, woods, and leather. This creates a play of reflections and material illusions that capture the gaze and stimulate the senses. The colors, initially soft and muted, intensify as we move through the different rooms, giving rise to a crescendo of visual emotions.

 

materials elle decor
kitchen elle decor

Within these spaces enveloped by light and shadow, we find iconic design pieces that lend an aura of elegance and sophistication to every area. Light itself becomes a key element, enveloping and delineating the furnishings, giving them dimensionality and depth. The surfaces, transforming, adapt to the surrounding environments, becoming soft and enveloping in the bedrooms, while wall coverings create cozy and relaxing atmospheres.

surfaces
curved surfaces

Finally, a nod to our connection with nature, with walls clad in materials such as hemp, ash, and cotton canvas, prompting us to reflect on the sustainability of resources and the future of construction, inviting us to create spaces that harmonize with the surrounding environment.

Elle Decor
Elle Decor

The restaurant area, a creation by Elisa Ossino, stands out for its creative use of geometries and the thicknesses of hand-glazed lava stone. The walls are adorned with decorated terracotta paneling adorned with circles, harmoniously interacting with a diamond-patterned floor. Refined, tactile fabrics with a suggestive painterly effect are used for perimeter draperies and as upholstery for sofas, poufs, and armchairs. The tableware also stands out for its mix of materials, while the lamps precisely illuminate tables and seats.

 

Restaurant elle decor

PALAZZO LITTA AND STATALE

 

Palazzo Litta stands tall as an embodiment of dreams, where dreamlike installations and artistic performances harmoniously blend with design works, transforming this excellent location into a journey through aesthetics and innovation. Its majestic Baroque structure, imposing and captivating, surprises and enchants at first sight, welcoming visitors into a world of wonders. At the entrance, one finds oneself enveloped by a light installation, “Extraordinary,” which evokes the gracefulness of clouds, conveying sensations of air and warmth with suggestive power. In one of the rooms, the gaze is captured by the iconic mouth-shaped sofa, a lively and dynamic work conceived by Gufram and MotionItalia, which seems to come to life and smile like a real mouth. In the subsequent rooms, projects unfold around three fundamental pillars: aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

 

Palazzo Litta
Bocca Sofa
Palazzo Litta
interiors palazzo Litta

In the vast spaces of the Università Statale, works by various designers alternate in an artistic and conceptual play, ranging from the luminous spheres by Cyril Lancelin to the chandelier created by Faggini. A particularly evocative installation is “The Amazing Walk,” conceived by MAD Architects studio, which transports the visitor into a world of suggestions, with a mountain reflecting on a water mirror, traversing a suspended path in the void, a metaphorical symbol of journey and exploration of deeper artistic dimensions.

Amazing Walk Statale

CONCLUSIONS ON THE DESIGN WEEK

 

We declare the death of white. No longer its pristine brilliance on countertops, in cabinets, nor even in bathrooms. As a white enthusiast myself, I admit it was a blow to the heart, but I will strive to broaden my perspective and imagine a new universe without white, not even on the walls. Natural colors, like rope or brick, are emerging as the new pillars of contemporary aesthetics, becoming a canvas on which to paint our creativity.
Wood continues to dictate the rules, confirming its eternal dominance in the realm of furniture and design.
We conclude with this reflection: the trend of recent years is moving towards an increasingly green future, with a growing focus on sustainability as the cornerstone of the creative and design process. This will be our guide and our responsibility towards the future.

Vintage Reflections: A Journey into the Interior Design of an Apartment in Milan

Vintage Reflections: A Journey into the Interior Design of an Apartment in Milan

In the bustling heart of Milan, architect Lorenzo Visioli has breathed life into an apartment that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modernity through the skillful use of refined materials and details. Let’s explore how the soft reflections and captivating mirrors play a central role in this unique space that we’ve had the pleasure to furnish.

 Reflections, mirrors and roundness

ENTRANCE

The entrance warmly welcomes guests with a floor covered in light gray mortar, illuminating a relatively narrow corridor. A service cabinet entirely clad in mirrors on one side visually expands this confined space, creating an effect of spaciousness and brightness. Inside the cabinet, shelves and hanging space add functionality without compromising style. 

Here’s another example of a mirror-clad cabinet welcoming at the entrance.

mobile entrance open closed
 handle detail

KITCHEN CORNER

The kitchen, the heart of the home, embodies the fusion of style and functionality. Structured in a niche divided into two parts, with an equipped base and a frontal island, it stands out for the absence of conventional wall cabinets. In their place, vintage lamps in the style of “The Great Gatsby” illuminate the polished steel worktop, creating suggestive reflections that interact with the surrounding elements. The kitchen base, in a dark and clean tone, features concealed handles.

kitchen with island
kitchen zoom

A touch of originality is introduced by the niche beside the window, transformed into an open bar with crystal shelves hosting selected spirits. The presence of undulated glass, now a major trend, on each side reflects bottles and liquids, adding a touch of color. Internal LED lights make this element even more captivating when switched on.

open bar niche and window
niche open bar
 wavy glass detail reflections

FUNCTIONAL STORAGE

A key element of functionality and discretion is the integrated storage in the bathroom, where a washer and dryer find their place alongside all necessary household tools. Two tall, lacquered doors, matching the wall color, fold onto themselves, creating a visual effect that imparts continuity and harmony to the surrounding environment. This approach not only optimizes the available space but also adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design, thanks to slim handles and meticulous finishes.

 functional storage room
 handle detail

LIVING AREA

A delicate arch connects the entrance to the living and kitchen areas, introducing a sense of softness while emphasizing the importance of access. The flooring transitions from industrial mortar to vintage parquet, laid in three different patterns to enliven the pace. Refined details, such as reflections playing on materials and shapes, contribute to creating a dynamic and enveloping ambiance.

Here’s another example where reflective materials play a significant role in the project.

arch living area entrance
parquet detail

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this vintage-inspired project distinguishes itself through the reflections generated by carefully chosen materials. Each element, from the luminous mirrors to the reflective surfaces, contributes to amplifying the spatial sense and creating a unique dynamism. A perfect blend of past and present, transforming living into an exquisite and timeless experience.

Space Transformation: Corner Kitchen with Extendable Round Table

Space Transformation: Corner Kitchen with Extendable Round Table

In this cottage nestled at the foot of Colle Ranichese, we have redesigned a corner kitchen. We made it compact and bright, paired with an extendable round central table, to redefine the spaces and internal flows of the living area.

lateral kitchen with round extendable table

KITCHEN: Maximizing Capacity and Organization

To ensure the maximum available storage space, elements develop vertically, reaching just below the shaped and illuminated plasterboard. Particularly, the wall cabinets provide extra space without compromising the clean aesthetics of the kitchen. Inside, shelves and pull-out drawers offer smart solutions for optimal organization. Ovens have been strategically placed in a column that closes the kitchen corner towards the living area, harmoniously reflecting an imposing opposite column. This hosts a large freestanding refrigerator, complete with an internal ice maker and dual temperature for a potential wine cellar in the lower part of the freezer.

In this article, another compact and functional corner kitchen in shades of gray is highlighted.

opening doors and drawers
doors opening with aventos
drawers with internal drawers
tidy dividers

MATERIALS: Resilience and Refinement in Every Detail

Material selection has been crucial to ensure both durability and style. The silk-effect One World laminate used for the external doors is very matte, deviating from the classic slightly reflective laminates, resembling almost a lacquered wood but with the robust properties that characterize it. Drawer guides, white to maintain chromatic cohesion, come with internal dividers for order. The Dekton countertop, a high-quality ceramic material, withstands thermal shocks and features a beautiful marbled color that harmonizes seamlessly with brown tones. The coffee-toned fragranite sink complements the countertop, completing the color harmony in the environment.

Resilience is also evident in this olive green laminate kitchen.

glimpse of the corner kitchen
details top and doors
details top and sink
details table

EXTENDABLE ROUND TABLE: Flexibility and Style

At the center of the kitchen space, we placed a Full Moon extendable round table from the Easy Line – Ozzio collection, chosen to meet the demand for accommodating more diners without compromising the surrounding space. The soft lines of the table echo the waves of the shaped ceiling, seamlessly integrating with the space. The double opening allows transforming the table from oval to circle, doubling its dimensions to accommodate twice the number of diners. The anthracite brown of the tabletop coordinates with other dark elements in the living area, while the wood texture recalls the wooden elements of windows and doors.

table open and close

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this project has not only enhanced the functionality of the corner kitchen but has also created an aesthetically captivating space. The kitchen and the extendable round table embody the perfect fusion of practicality and design, transforming the living area into a welcoming and distinctive locale.

kitchen and livingroom

Furniture with a Minimalist Approach for Multifunctional Solutions

Furniture with a Minimalist Approach for Multifunctional Solutions

In a valley rich in history, architectural and artistic presence, surrounded by the greenery of nature, a young family has discovered the perfect solution to optimize the spaces. Through innovative design, the focus has been on the living area, utilizing minimal and multifunctional furniture to create an open, bright, and versatile environment.

kitchen entrance and multifunctional stairs

THE MINIMAL KITCHEN

Integrated into a fitted wall, the kitchen embodies the essence of minimal. With a palette of light colors and the use of natural materials, it provides everything needed without burdening the space. The laminated natural oak wood countertop recalls the external wooded environment and accommodates a modern black granite sink and a induction hob.

The choice of matte white MDF for the kitchen base and refrigerator column, along with ceiling tiles, contributes to maintaining a clean and luminous aesthetic. The light and variegated gray ceramic floor complete the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring ease of maintenance and cleaning, harmonizing with the materials and colors of the house. 

minimal kitchen
details kitchen top
details kitchen top

THE MULTIFUNCTIONAL SIDE STAIRCASE

A light staircase in front of the kitchen serves a dual purpose. Besides connecting the living area to the sleeping area, it has been designed with a structure of modular equipped wood and metal, making it both aesthetic and functional.

It houses shaped drawers that provide additional storage space, avoiding the wall unit to the kitchen for maintaining a light and minimal appearance while providing all the necessary storage space in an unexpected location.

Here’s another example of a staircase solution equipped with drawers.

lateral stairs with drawers
drawers from the top
details drawers
shaped drawes

THE WELL-EQUIPPED LIVING AREA

The living area is designed with careful attention to internal flows related to space utilization. A laminated oak wood dining table, coordinated with the kitchen countertop, accommodates 4 to 6 diners and is positioned in a passageway between the kitchen and the living room. It is convenient and non-intrusive.

Upon entering the living area, the eye is drawn to a free-standing sofa against the wall with a slim high shelf in white lacquered sheet metal, contributing to maintaining a sense of openness and lightness. The frontal TV cabinet, acting as a partition between the kitchen and the living room and supporting the staircase, is an example of well-thought-out storage and organization element. Shaped on the steps, it contains well-studied doors and shelves, utilizing every available centimeter. A true demonstration of how minimalism can be functional. 

kitchen living room dining table
minimal living room
Tv cabinet open and close
lighted cabinet
lightweight sheet metal shelf

MINIMAL MULTIFUNCTIONAL FURNISHINGS

In conclusion, the entire apartment is an example of how multifunctional furnishings with a minimalistic spirit can optimize spaces without weighing them down. The most storage-intensive elements are integrated into the staircase support, while the upper part, thanks to glass handrails, rises transparent and luminous.

Everything around this central monolith of furnishings is essential, allowing to enjoy an airy, bright, tidy, and aesthetically satisfying environment. Living in a compact space does not imply sacrificing comfort and style.

Here’s another example of a minimal multifunctional apartment.

Merry Little Christmas

Merry Little Christmas

We wish you a Merry Little Christmas

In this magical time of the year, inspired by the sweet melody of Martin&Blane, we wish you a “Merry Little Christmas.” In a hectic world, our wish is for you to slow down, take some time for yourself and your loved ones, and live and appreciate the special moments that life offers.

May your heart be light and full of love, and may every shared laugh and hug warm your days. May you experience a serene, joyful, and bright Christmas, just as the song reminds us.

We, too, will dedicate ourselves to our Little Christmas from Saturday, December 23rd, to Sunday, January 7th.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!