After returning from Milan Design Week, it has taken us days just to curate the photos and videos that best encapsulated our experience there, out of the 7k+ that we have taken... because in Milan, beauty, design, quality fashion and exquisite cuisine are showcased around every corner. It's impossible not to take photographs of the stunning architecture, the products on show at the Fair and the temporary installations that were scattered throughout the the city itself.
Salone Del Mobile is an international event originated in 1962 and has evolved into a globally influential occasion, now better known as Milano Design Week. It attracts the best of Italian design alongside renowned international brands, all converging to exhibit their products, materials, designs, colours, patterns, and textures. It's a sensory overload, akin to Disneyland for designers and decorators like myself.
We endeavoured to arrive early each day to avoid the crowds, though it's nearly impossible as the venue teemed with eager visitors. The atmosphere buzzed with curiosity and excitement as attendees flocked to witness the latest innovations. Navigating through kilometres of inspiring products and innovative concepts requires a considerable amount of walking, but we rewarded ourselves with the excellent food and wines that Italy is also famous for.
The sheer volume of offerings can be overwhelming, with an incredible number of stands and showroom and events open to visit. 900+ events fill the calendar of this busy week - don't believe those that tell you the've seen all there was to see. Amidst the excitement, it's an incredible experience to witness the juxtaposition of old and new, traditional techniques alongside cutting-edge technology. Beauty and inspiration abounded in every corner.
As I wandered through the exhibits, I aimed to distill the essence of what I saw, discerning what resonates and ultimately what holds relevance for our Australian Design Market. And while I look forward to reporting my 'discoveries' to live audiences in the next few months, I've taken the liberty of compiling a quick recap of my experience of Salone Del Mobile 2024 in a video. Condensing a week's worth of events and displays into a half-hour video was no small feat, however, have a look.
Now, for those unable to attend one of my live Milano Recap Events, here's a very brief overview:
Colors: Muted blues and greens prevail, yet it's the rich ochre reds and oranges that steal the show.
Materials: Winners are natural stones and porcelain surfaces that emulate the beauty of veined marbles. Light-coloured timber is still present with an emerging presence of deeper chocolate hues. In soft furnishing: leather, short-cut velvets and the enduring popularity of bouclé and textured fabrics.
Textures: Vertical linear patterns are still strong winners, for both horizontal and vertical surfaces, in hard materials as well as soft furnishings.
Overall, I noticed a consistent emphasis on quality over quantity, with a preference for organic materials and environmentally sourced resources. Wanna know more? Don't forget to follow my Social Media channels and read my Blogs for the images and videos that will filter through from now on.
James Treble has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. James is also an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for plenty of Design information. Watch his free Online Series to see how an Interior Designer renovates his own home.
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