Last week, the international design scene was buzzing, with everyone who had the chance to attend the 62nd Salone del Mobile in Milan, where the world's top manufacturers showcased the latest trends in furniture design and interior decoration.
Every year, the event provides an exciting platform for the best-known furniture, lighting, cladding, home accessories and sanitaryware brands in both the B2B and B2C markets. Their aim is to showcase their latest collections, providing inspiration to industry professionals and design enthusiasts alike. This year did not disappoint, with plenty of exciting new products and creative solutions on display at the stands. Now, let's take a look at what shape, fabric and material trends dominated this year's Salone.
Comfort and ergonomics played a key role in the design of furniture this year. Designers have increasingly focused on the home and the diverse needs of users, creating furniture that is comfortable, adaptable and aesthetically pleasing. For example, we have seen several families of public seating furniture that offer soft, comfortable sofas for the office, so that after the home office, the feeling of home, security and ’good sense of life' can be brought to the office. The upholstered furniture can be optionally ordered with an additional table, lamp or storage unit for maximum comfort and functionality.
The age of the boring offices is over.
Simple, angular design pieces have been nicely replaced by organic, rounded shapes, with both natural and bright colours in the design, bringing a unique style and splash of colour to the space. A play on textures was popular, from fine woven fabrics to long furry upholstery, with soft, warm textiles dominating. In wood products, solid wood or solid-effect, even with a burnt finish, side tables appeared from most manufacturers, combined with metal or marble. Two or three of the more daring manufacturers have also introduced cabinets and table tops with textile surfaces, creating a new user experience and playfulness.
Metal frames are making inroads at virtually every manufacturer, not just for exteriors but also for interiors. The hardness and rigidity of the frame is mostly balanced by soft sponges and cushions, creating inviting seating. Several manufacturers have been seen combining a metal frame with a natural woven seat, made exclusively of natural materials. Artificial rattan has (thankfully) disappeared from the range of leading manufacturers.
Sustainability is becoming more and more prominent in furniture design, it is practically inevitable, so all manufacturers are trying to reduce their ecological footprint. Recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes have become important considerations for designers. For example, we have seen furniture that uses degradable, bioplastic composite plastics in addition to natural, sustainably produced woods, or uses far less water in the production of textiles. These efforts are a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go for leading manufacturers to achieve climate neutrality.
Salone del Mobile 2024 clearly showed that trends in furniture and interior design are constantly evolving, with market players reacting to new needs and each other's innovations. Comfort, aesthetics and sustainability are becoming increasingly important for designers and brands alike.
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