A Lookback at Salone 2024

Last week, Salone del Mobile. Milano concluded a record-breaking iteration. From the whopping 370,000+ attendees, a little more than half had flown in to attend the Milanese annual fair. This feat consolidates the event’s prowess of being perhaps the most anticipated interior design fair in the world. For team Salone, the challenge to outdo themselves in the upcoming years might be overwhelming, but like Love That Design’s Co-Founder (and our Milan trooper) said, “The city and the fair are rammed; but this is a great problem to have.”

Milan is replete with scenic streets and picturesque architecture, and this year, the participating brands seemed to have leveraged the city’s storied structures more than previous years. In our round up of FuoriSalone 2024, we spotlight the installations, exhibitions and showroom displays that left a mark. In this article, we are going to speak Salone, and unveil what the top brands presented and what the emerging trends seem to be.

Furniture

Furniture is what shapes a space; it decides how people will move around a room. At the same time, furniture (alongside decor and lighting) is also where fluctuation in trends is first noted. And in our opinion earthy is coming back, but there is a ‘vivacious’ and sustainable twist to it.

Our first hint was Arper’s Catifa Carta chair. Designed by the brand’s long-standing partners, Lievore Altherr Molina, this chair is a sustainable remake of their signature, Catifa 53. The difference being the composition of Catifa’s sleek shell will now be made of PaperShell. The novel material is made of 29 layers of paper bonded with natural resin, PaperShell and at the end its life, the material can be converted to biochar (a high-carbon substance that effectively sequesters carbon-dioxide) through pyrolysis. This path-defining development in the brand’s trajectory was also reflected in their booth, which was decked in darker colours, further emphasised by cloth separators moonlighting as projection screens.

Other new collections by Arper included Lepal by Doshi Levien, Steeve Lou by Jean-Marie Massaud, Ghia 74 and Kata Chair by Studio Altherr Désile Park, Oell by Jean-Marie Massaud, Dizzie by Lievore Altherr Molina, and Nuur by Simon Pengelly.

Arper at Salone 2024

INCLASS, a brand known for their quiet yet impactful silhouettes also presented new collections at Salone 2024. Existing collections, Lea and Essens saw new extensions. The Lea Armchair is one that is reminiscent of classroom chairs in the early 00s, but slightly more curved handles and backrests – that give it a quirkier look. The Essens family has a new Occasional table, that offers an option of three bases, each made of100% recyclable polyethylene. With the all-new Wabao collection, INCLASS welcomes a chunkier and stubby form to its portfolio. Another addition is the Nuc, a contemporary, bench-to-table modular collection.

Pedrali continued its streak with DWA Design Studio, this time under the theme of Colours of Lightness. True to the chosen theme, the stand boasted myriad colours and as many as 12 new product introductions. To lounges with soft curves like Lamorisse and Buddy Oasi, to stylish and stackable lounge chairs like Steil and Philia, Pedrali has embraced colours, textures and forms with open arms. Ester Lounge, Caementum side table and Dome stool showed potential to be stand-out pieces, while the Hera Straw and Hera Soft chairs embodied muted luxury.

First row: INCLASS; Second and third row: Pedrali

Colours and texture continued to shine at Quinti’s booth, too. It was designed by Gualtiero Sacchi, and was showcasing upholstery by printed Rubelli. In addition, the brand debuted two new collections, Pat and Margo (both designed by Cristian Gori, Archirivolto Design),  on the floors of Salone 2024. Pat is a chair with a wooden finish, straight lines and thin metal base. But Margo takes the more luxe route and would definitely fit right into a restaurant with a retro or maximalist scheme.

True Design ‘rocked’ at Salone 2024 – literally! There was a 300 kilogram rock placed in the centre of their stand. Overall, the stand conformed to a cross between Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. The wood used in these styles juxtaposed the rock beautifully. Making its debut at the booth, was a versatile working table doubling as a kitchen, named “Flap Kitchen” designed by Parisotto + Formenton Architetti. Essence crafted by Norm Architects was an all-wooden series, whose locking mechanism served as visual details. Extensions to the Lisa and Inside collections were also part of the display.

First and second row: Quinti; Third and fourth row: TRUE Design

Presenting a focus on mobility and products ideal for education, Infiniti’s ‘Sit Around Your World’ booth showcased three new chairs with an emphasis on their dynamic stackable chairs, GT01. by Round&Roll, a low stool designed by Oleg Pugachev was playful and came with storage, while Flip by BrogliatoTraverso achieves a technical accomplishment by incorporating a load-bearing bend right beneath the seat. Lastly, there was Takumi by Studio Dessi, a collection of upholstered chairs that was the confluence of circular design, Japanese forms and comfort.

Spanish brand, Punt Mobles premiered as many as six collections at Salone 2024. Storage, seating and tables combined with superior craftsmanship seemed to be the common thread between the releases. For example, Monica Armani’s Dune Collection (armchair, storage, table) was a foray into the trends of chunky bases. The Ombra Collection featuring designs by Sebastian Herkner (chair), Arik Levy (table) and Mario Ruiz (storage) brought attention to the grains on wood, and how they can play a significant role in bringing allure if the silhouettes are simple enough. The Sussex lamps by Terrence Woodgate used layered wood veneers to create an effective rustic ambience. A collaboration between Odosdesign and CREAVALO, unleashed the potential of recycled materials via furniture items in tubular forms.

First and second row: Infiniti; Third, fourth and fifth row: Punt Mobles

The Knoll pavilion, designed using repurposed and recycled materials, was crafted by Belgian architecture firm OFFICE. At Salone 2024, the brand presented the archival Tugendhat Chair, originally crafted in 1929 by Mies van der Rohe and the Perron Pillo Sofaby Willo Perron, whose form resembles stacked pillows, providing unparalleled comfort and adaptability to any space. Knoll also introduced new ultra-matte finishes for its Bauhaus-era collections, giving iconic pieces by Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer a contemporary twist.

Bringing their homegrown Mediterranean Essence to Salone 2024, POINT Outdoor Living showcased their new collections in a stand designed by architect Héctor Ruiz. Between woven curved walls, the elegance of the slender Neck Collection by Studio Meneghello Paolelli came to light. The woven sides and back of the Legacy Collection by Mario Ruiz and thread work on the Summer Collection by Christopher exemplified tasteful detailing. On the other hand, the sturdy and straight-forward Kubik Collection by Gabriel Teixidó romanticised minimalism.

First and second column: Knoll; Third and fourth column: POINT Outdoor Living

iSiMAR introduced TOPOS, a series of outdoor furniture pieces that honour Mediterranean lifestyle and blend Zaha Hadid Architects’ design proficiency with iSiMAR’s deep knowledge of materials. Inspired by the geographical notion of topography, the TOPOS collection interprets contour lines found on maps into industrial design, capturing not just the beauty of Mediterranean landscapes but also the vibrant lifestyle they embody. 

Resol’s booth was designed to merge the worlds of indoors and outdoors seamlessly. At their stands were there plants that were made of recycled polymers. The Baobab collection, for instance, features configurable tables crafted with advanced rotational moulding techniques for durability and lightness. The new lounge chair from the Woody Collection oozes vintage vibes, while the new stool from the Bini collection is elegantly contemporary. The boldest pieces there belonged to the Anthea Outdoor Collection by Monica Armani.

First row: iSiMAR; Second and third row: RESOL

Sancal presented the concept of ‘UnRoom’ at Salone 2024. This exploration into undefined spaces aimed to raise awareness about the repercussions of ‘unsustainable’ practices. In this context, Sancal’s new products aimed to adapt rather than replace. So Modular seating solutions like the modern but unique Cita by Note, the jigsaw-like Canto by Mut with matching side tables, the ‘laid-back’ Vibe sofas and armchair, and the mushroom-inspired Seta by Geckeler Michels took centrestage. Additionally, new variants of the Bold table by Studiopepe and a revised version of Sylvain Willenz’s Body chair for auditoriums were also unveiled.

Lapalma Design presented contemporary, curvy forms through their new collections, LYT, light side table by Klaus Nolting, 10:30 Chair and LEAN by Anderssen & Voll, and HAWI, chair by Mario Ferrarini Studio. On the other hand, Marset showcased mobility at their booth, blended with sleek forms.

First and second row: Lapalma Design; Third and fourth row: Martex; Fifth and sixth row: Sancal

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Kitchen & Surfaces

Cosentino participated in the S.Project exhibition at Salone 2024, showcasing their latest offerings across their primary brands in a 200 square metre booth. The event highlighted innovative collections like Silestone®XM Le Chic Bohème (an extension of the 2023 LeChic collection), the inaugural Silestone®XM collection including EARTHIC®, along with new releases such as Dekton® Ukiyo.  Also, various habitat and design brands, kitchen and bath fabricators, and home appliances companies exhibited applications of Silestone®, Dekton®, and Sensa by Cosentino® at their respective stands. Examples included Stosa, Doimo Cucine, Vezzdesign, and Officine Fanesi at EuroCucina; and Bizzotto Italia, Vela Arredamenti, or Isimar at Salone Internazionale del Mobile, among others.

Quooker has its own niche, and at EuroCucina visitors could not help but recognise the novelty. One top that gives, boiling, room temperature and chill water – also still and sparkling? That is still an anomaly in day and age where netizens are worrying about AI taking over. At their stand, Quooker presented their new chrome finishes and sleek designs.

Cosentino and Quooker

At the EuroCucina exhibition, Porcelanosa displayed their kitchen and bathroom innovations. Gamadecor | Porcelanosa Kitchens presented four kitchens featuring the latest additions, including the Smartkitchen worktop, new soft wood finishes, grooved fronts, and rotating pantry module fittings. Noken | Porcelanosa Bathrooms introduced Lounge Fluid, a new tap designed by Simone Micheli for Noken, known for its fluidity molded by water. Other exhibits included Swan taps (IF Design Awards 2024 awardee), Finish Studio finishes, wellness treatments, new Eye, Lounge, and Seasons shower heads, flushing systems, smart toilets, Oxo, Forma, and Lounge Fluid collections, as well as the Water Forest eco-initiative. Know More. 

At Salone 2024, Neolith, introduced a new line of products without crystalline silica, focusing on people’s well-being. Alongside, a model made with digital technology called Neolith WhiteSands, was also released. The brand also exhibited their latest products like Calacatta Roma, Everest Sunrise, and Cappadocia Sunset, celebrating nature’s beauty.

First row: Porcelanosa; Second and third row: Neolith

At the fair, Atlas Concorde showcased its “Atlas Concorde Concept Home”, designed by Studio Lissoni & Partners, offering innovative views of modern living spaces. Visitors experienced refined elegance in the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, highlighting new collections from Atlas Concorde, Atlas Plan, and Atlas Concorde Habitat. The outdoor area featured Boost Natural Pro and Ile table, offering handcrafted-concrete effects and warm porcelain surfaces. The kitchen displayed collaboration between Atlas Plan and Modulnova, presenting durable yet stylish surfaces like Appennino and Silver Root. The living area featured Boost Natural Pro and Marvel Onyx surfaces, while the bathroom showcased Essenza washbasin and Evoluzione washbasins, complemented by Marvel 3D and Boost Color wall tiles, all exhibiting innovative designs and exquisite craftsmanship.

Atlas Concorde and Smeg

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Decor: Flooring & Lighting

Jaipur Rugs, an Indian carpet brand, imbued its creations with rich narratives. At Salone 2024, they expanded their global presence through collaborations with three prestigious international partners to create unique carpet designs. Teaming up with Vimar 1991, a part of Chanel’s esteemed collective of craft ateliers, marked their debut in carpet weaving. Their collection showcased reinterpreted Douclé tweeds and herringbone twills, intricately woven into monochromatic patterns. Architect Michele De Lucchi and AMDL Studio drew inspiration from architectural facades for their patchwork-style collection, challenging traditional carpet conventions. Additionally, the Zig Zag Collection by DAAA celebrated the fusion of Mumbai’s liveliness and Milan’s sophistication through abstract black and white rugs embellished with colourful zig-zag stitching, symbolising the connection between these two cultures.

Sans Souci collaborated with design firm Christopher Guy to unveil an ethereal booth. Luxury furniture pieces from CG sparkled under Sans Souci’s illustrious collection. The Galileo collection by Sans Souci captures the essence of light and darkness in the universe through meticulously crafted glass orbs, reflecting the beauty of celestial bodies. Meanwhile, the BOND collection offers customizable lighting solutions that interact with natural light, providing versatility in ambiance throughout the day. In contrast, the RAW collection showcases the raw beauty of glass straight from the furnace, allowing for dynamic interior designs with its bold and unique components. Lastly, the Contour collection draws inspiration from nature, featuring delicate glass leaves adorned with gilded lines, adding a touch of luxury and elegance reminiscent of the natural world’s contours.

Sans Souci & Jaipur Rugs

Jan Kath held a continual live demonstration of their handmade carpets, while Kriskadecor’s stunned visitors with colourful installation composed of their indegenious aluminium chains.

The exclusive Faemina coffee machine and Touch&Match coffee grinder by Gruppo Cimbali was spotted throughout Milan Design Week 2024. At Salone 2024, in particular it was at Colombini Group SpA and Colombini Contract. The Touch&Match coffee grinder flaunts a fast and user-friendly adjusting system that accommodates various types of coffee, including espresso and filter coffee. Furthermore, the on-demand grinding ensures the freshness of the coffee grounds, resulting in the perfect preparation of all coffee-based drinks. On the other hand, the Faemina coffee machine incorporated cutting-edge technologies (such as extraction temperature control, double boiler, and integrated water softening filter in the water tank) that ensured superior cup quality, certified by WBC and IEI. Sleek design, premium materials (steel and aluminium), and its entirely Italian production render this machine a timeless masterpiece built for longevity.

Above: Jan Kath and Kriskadecor
Below: Gruppo Cimbali

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Sanitary & Bath

At Salone 2024, Kohler unveiled their latest collections in a booth crafted by George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg of Yabu Pushelberg. Focused on creating a journey with mesmerising pause points, the duo did what they promised. From creating a water feature out of a shower arrangement to use colour-coded door handles to create a backdrop, this booth experience stirred wonder. The exhibit also paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of Arts/Industry with an art installation by David Franklin, celebrating Kohler’s collaborative artist-in-residency program.

Standout features encompassed technology-driven solutions like the KOHLER Anthem + digital showering system and the Kohler x SR_A Formation 02 smart toilet. KLAFS showcased its collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche on the S11 free-standing sauna, while Kallista introduced the Bandeau Artistic Shower collection, among other innovations. The display also showcased material and colour advancements, including 3D printed sinks, new faucet finishes, and a curated range of archival green tones. Sustainability initiatives were highlighted, such as the WasteLAB Vox sink crafted from recycled materials.

Kohler

During Salone 2024, AXOR was poised to elevate bathroom personalization to new heights. Antonio Citterio’s latest bathroom collection for AXOR introduced unique elements such as cubic cuts and chamfers all around. Surface textures from AXOR Signature and AXOR FinishPlus surfaces were set to introduce fresh opportunities in the realm of sanitation. Furthermore, a collaboration between Stuttgart-based design office PHOENIX and AXOR resulted in new thermostats that offered comfortable tactile and auditory feedback, alongside surrounding paddles equipped with the latest Select technology, enabling swift and convenient switching between spray modes and users. Last but not the least, yet again, vibrant colours formed part of the narrative.

RAK Ceramics and Kludi (a sub-brand of bathroom and kitchen mixers by RAK) alluded to an elegant and muted theme. RAK-Skin, a collection of exquisite washbasins was introduced at Salone 2024. Among them, RAK-Batu evoked the tropical ambiance of Bali, while RAK-Plano featured the popular terrazzo finish for countertops. Catering to minimalist tastes, RAK-Variant, created by Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri, offered a modular wash basin collection available in elegant matte white and black finishes. Additionally, RAK-Petit, designed by Giuseppe Maurizio Scutella, was showcased—a versatile collection of small washbasins.

First and second row: Axor; Third and Fourth row: RAK Ceramics & Kludi

Curated by Barcelona-based architecture firm Muesa, Roca’s stand (Mediterranean Perspectives) at Salone 2024 was doused in earthy shades and textures. “Mediterranean Perspectives” paid homage to Barcelona’s architectural marvels and the Mediterranean lifestyle, while presenting Roca’s latest collections. The booth embraced geometric principles leveraging intricate geometric patterns ubiquitous to  Mediterranean architecture. These patterns formed distinct capsules, each housing a unique collection, illuminated by nuanced lighting and connected by a textile mesh ceiling. This exhibit also embodied Roca’s sustainability ethos by reusing materials from previous events. At the heart of the space was the vivid and playful Nu faucet collection by Studio Inma Bermúdez, surrounded by other offerings from the brand.

Another bathroom giant, Jaquar introduced QLOUD, a system that leverages technology and touch. Spanish bathroom brand Sanycces bought their A-game at Salone 2024. Be it the colour palette, the form of their bathtubs or even their mixers, it all spelled understated luxury.

First and second row: Roca; Third row: Sanycces; Fourth row: Jaquar

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Trends

Last year, there were blurring boundaries between work, home and hospitality. This iteration, it could be perceived that both home and work are inching towards a similar approach as hospitality, but the lines between home and work have gone somewhat apart. There are still products that cater to the home-office or show versatility, but they are lesser in volume, in comparison to Salone 2023.

Overall, earthy palettes seem to have made a comeback – but with an updated definition. Muted shades were now accompanied by some brighter or bolder shades to enliven the mix. Green, Yellow, Terracotta and a few select shades of Pink looked popular this time around. While Scandinavian, Minimalist and Japanese aesthetics have been trendy since the past decade, the latter is gaining more traction than ever. The ‘clutter-free’ and ‘zen’ vibe might also have influenced smaller-sized products. But that doesn’t mean that good-sized products are not well-received. They are still aplenty, however, compact and sleek measurements are quickly attracting consensus. More accommodating sizes might even be practical given ‘bijou’ spaces (courtesy of skyrocketing real estate prices).

Be it furniture or sanitary curves are the most popular element currently. Some designs looked innately modern, yet flaunted a slight curve at Salone 2024. At the same time, movement – whether in the form of mobility, modularity or even dynamism – seems to be on its way to become the next big thing. That along with camouflage prints are trends we are awaiting to follow-up on next season.

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