Book Milan 2026 NOW

Every April, the city of Milan becomes the beating heart of global design. Milano Design Week, anchored by the legendary Salone del Mobile, is the world’s largest and most influential design fair. Across the city, thousands of events, installations, and exhibitions transform Milan into a playground for design lovers. Whether you are an interior designer, architect, stylist, or simply passionate about good design, this is where the world comes to see what’s next.

And here’s the thing: April 2026 may feel far away, but now is the time to get organised. Flights, accommodation, and event access book out quickly, so early planning will make your experience enjoyable, inspiring, and (most importantly) relevant for your business.

Why Travelling to Industry Fairs Matters

Attending international design fairs is so much more than just a nice trip abroad. It’s about:

• Spotting Trends Early – See what’s new in materials, finishes, furniture, lighting, and technology months, sometimes years before they appear in Australian showrooms.

• Understanding Market Shifts – Learn what’s fading away and what’s rising in popularity, so your design choices stay ahead of the curve.

• Meeting Makers and Innovators – Engage directly with global brands, designers, and artisans to understand the thinking behind the products you specify.

• Recharging Your Creative Energy – There’s nothing like immersion in a global design hub to bring fresh ideas and inspiration back home.

Milan is the ultimate meeting point for the international design community. Salone del Mobile showcases the best in furniture and product design, while EuroCucina and Fiera Internazionale del Bagno (held every second year) set the tone for kitchens and bathrooms worldwide. Designers travel from every corner of the globe – and many return year after year – because there is truly no other event with this level of depth, diversity, and energy.

I personally attend Milan every second year beacuse Kitchens and Bathrooms are my favourite rooms to design. After many visits, I no longer find the city or the event daunting – in fact, I look forward to it. Every trip fills me with new ideas and gives me a clear view of what’s relevant to my Australian practice and clients.

Going Solo vs Joining a Tour

For first-timers, Milan can be overwhelming. With thousands of events across multiple districts, knowing what not to miss can be tricky. This is why I often recommend joining an organised tour, such as the ACFA 2026 Tour to Milan Design Week. Benefits include:

1. Expert guidance to navigate the must-see exhibits and events

2. The chance to share the experience with like-minded design professionals

3. The ability to discuss what you’re seeing, compare notes, and gain perspective on what matters most for the Australian market

Milano Design Week is a unique chance to immerse yourself in design culture, connect with global peers, and bring back inspiration that will shape your projects for years to come. I’ll be there in April 2026, especially excited to explore EuroCucina and Bathroom International Fair once again. I'll catch up with the ACFA Tour group and if you’re going too, maybe we’ll bump into each other there :)

Spaces on the ACFA 2026 Tour are limited and selling fast so book now – you can check out the full itinerary and all the inclusions at https://www.acfa.net.au/2026-tour/

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.