Since 1961, Milan has played host to Salone del Mobile, the world’s largest furniture fair and an essential event for architects, designers, and design aficionados. This year’s edition ran from April 21 to 26, welcoming 316,000 visitors to over 1,900 exhibitors, including new exhibitions like Salone Raritas (collectible design), Aurea (Architectural Fiction), and Abito (design-fashion ties). After navigating the massive pavilions, Surface spotted these five trends set to dominate interiors.
1970s Inspiration Remains, But the 1990s Are Catching Up
A half century since the era of bell bottoms, many designers have turned to the maximalism and low-slung furnishings of the 1970s. At Salone, Knoll revived its 1973 Morrison Hannah Chair for European offices, while Minotti placed shag fur carpets in its '70s booth before transitioning to 1990s-inspired wares, including oversized modular seating by GamFratesi, Hannes Peer, and Giampiero Tagliaferri.
Build Your Own Conversation Pit
Sofa cushions were thoroughly stuffed and puffed, with insular arrangements referencing the midcentury conversation pit. Large, curved sectionals dominated booths of brands like Dedon, Minotti, Nii, and Tacchini. Norm Architects created an elongated version for Audo Copenhagen, while Acerbis went literal with a communal lounge platform. Claudio Salocchi's Free System now includes new corner elements for added configuration.
Cabinetry Gets Puzzling
In contrast to simple Shaker-style cabinetry, exhibitors embraced the complex. Xavier Lust's Salone Raritas booth showcased an intricate gold satin-lacquered bar cabinet. Ilmari Tapiovaara's casework by La Permanente Mobil Cantù hid storage behind bookshelf panels. At Zanat, a chest of drawers by Michele De Lucchi was carved to appear interlocking.
We All Just Want to Be Held—By Seating
B&B Italia returned after a 25-year hiatus with a Formafantasma-designed booth, highlighting a Vincent Van Duysen outdoor chair with overstuffed cushions for an enveloping effect. Minotti offered curved upholstered backrests on dining and lounge chairs. Kartell's Super Tubby sofa by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba featured an angled section to hug the sitter, while cierre1972 presented a pillows-on-frame model for total comfort.
The Color of the Fair? Orange
While neutrals were plentiful, many brands embraced color—especially orange. Knoll's Biboni lounge chair by Johnston Marklee stacked tiered curves in the hue. Karl Andersson & Söner presented a zigzag sofa in orange. Campeggi's Quilt Pipe sofa by Giulio Manzoni took a dustier approach. At Salone Raritas, Nilufar presented orange sconces, while Su Yang Choi's seaweed-based lighting and Midtun's cathedral glass-paneled table embraced shades at SaloneSatellite.
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