New shapes of home living ruled at Salone del Mobile 2019, the annual international furniture fair that takes place in Milan. The show—one of the most prestigious and important of its kind in the world—unveiled new design trends that are sure to inform the decor of homes, hotels, and offices throughout the year.
Sofas, for instance, became bigger, more comfortable, and more flexible. The Dock design by Piero Lissoni, for B&B Italia, features a large wooden platform that can be placed directly on the ground, giving the sofa a more eastern touch; it can also be raised off the ground through a light metal structure. Versatile and creative, the collection is designed to guarantee multiple configurations through the 84 components available.
In terms of materials, marble is one that was used worldwide this year by designers to make tables, lamps, and home accessories. An example is Alice, the table lamp by Bethan Gray for Editions Milano, which is inspired by the black-and-white stones of historical buildings found throughout Europe. Made of arabescato and marquina marble along with brass, the lamp is part of a series of pieces that includes a bowl and three cake stands.
This year, Salone del Mobile introduced Euroluce: a whole area dedicated to lighting fixtures. Among the most intriguing items is the Diapason collection by Giorgio Soressi for Melogranoblu, which gives a modern twist to retro-like lamps made in brushed natural brass and frosted glass. And designed by Bernhardt & Vella for Fabbian, Amulette is a lamp with a metal frame in gold and black, with an extra-clear glass diffuser and a distinctly contemporary style.
In addition, LondonArt presented a new collection of wallpapers designed by the famed Marcel Wanders. The floral motif is part of Delft, ideal for the bedroom; Melbourne, meanwhile, with its colorful stripes, can be placed in a small living room or in the kids’ bedroom; and Kyoto is a good fit for Japanese-inspired environments that favour minimalism and simplicity.
A highlight for design enthusiasts across the globe, Salone del Mobile provides inspiration for the months to come. Going far beyond furniture, the fair promotes creativity through thoughtful and intentional spaces, suggesting that a good life is one surrounded by beauty.
