design dispatch: milan design week
Rive Roshan
For design enthusiasts, there is no better place to be than Milan Design Week, also known as Salone del Mobile. This annual event is a vibrant showcase of the world’s most innovative and inspiring design concepts, where the boundaries of creativity are constantly pushed and refined. From cutting-edge technology to timeless aesthetics, Milan Design Week is the ultimate hub for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the design world. In this post, I’ll dive into a few of the trends that emerged from this year’s event that stood out and stuck with me. From the latest in stunning lighting and a retro revival of 1960s Mod to the transparent beauty of glass, get inspired and discover how these trends can transform your space.
Enzo Mari
Asymmetric Curves
Say goodbye to the rigid symmetrical designs and embrace the unconventional with the fluid, organic shapes of asymmetric curves. This trend is all about breaking the mold and adding a unique, artistic touch to the space. Designers are experimenting with unconventional forms, creating furniture and decor that is both visually stunning and functional. From curved chairs that appear to be in motion to asymmetrical vases that catch the eye, this trend is ideal for those who want to stand out and make a statement.
Lighting
Lighting is more than just a practical necessity; it’s an art form. This year, designers at Milan Design Week are taking lighting to the next level by making it a statement piece. From suspended orbs to abstract forms and interactive tech-driven installations, lighting took on a sculptural role, creating mood and drama in even the most minimal spaces. Designers embraced bold silhouettes, diffused glows, and kinetic play, proving that a good lamp can be pure poetry.
Andrea Ferrari
Faux Fur
Texture took center stage, and faux fur was everywhere; draped over seating, wrapped around lamps, and even used as wall treatments. Plush, exaggerated, and often in unexpected colors, this trend added a cozy, playful layer to otherwise sleek design environments. It’s maximalism with a wink.
Saint Laurent
1960s Mod
A major nod to the 1960s showed up in pop colors, circular shapes, and space-age influences. This wasn’t pure retro, though it was the mod era reimagined through a contemporary lens. Think high-shine finishes, lacquered surfaces, and playful palettes that feel fresh and forward, not nostalgic.
Glass
Glass is having a moment, and it’s all about transparency and elegance. Designers are using glass in innovative ways, from transparent furniture that makes a room feel more open and airy to intricate glass sculptures that add a touch of sophistication. With advancements in glass technology, we’re seeing new textures and finishes that bring depth and character to each piece. When it comes to nailing the glass trend, it’s about minimalism and clean lines. Whether it’s a frosted glass table, an etched glass lamp, or glass cubes, any sleek glass is a timeless choice for modern homes.
Final Thoughts
Milan Design Week continues to set the tone for what’s next; not just in interiors, but in how we experience space, texture, and emotion through design. This year’s trends showed us that playful expression, tactile richness, and sculptural elements are here to stay. Whether you’re drawn to the softness of faux fur, the allure of asymmetry, or the retro-futurism of mod shapes, there is inspiration everywhere. Design is getting bolder, more personal, and more artful - and I am here for it.