Our unmissable highlights at London Design Festival 2025

Paris Design Week 2024, held from January 18 to 22, showcased a diverse array of new launches in fabric, wallpaper, lighting, and furniture across various arrondissements of the French capital. Despite sub-zero temperatures, the event attracted significant crowds, with St Germain serving as a central hub for Paris Deco Off and Maison Objet In The City, hosting over 100 showrooms, apartments, and pop-up spaces. Key highlights included Dedar Milano's 'Contemporary Archives' collection, which featured an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary styles. Noteworthy were three new interpretations of their woven jacquard tiger’s skin, available in varying scales of deep orange tiger-print fabrics. Sahco, with its 200-year textile legacy, presented designs inspired by 'Neo-classicism in the North,' including 'Deedee' (a graphic polka dot), 'Fiorella' (an epic flower design), and 'Satora' (a vibrant leopard print). Loro Piana showcased new products focusing on personalization for various home areas, displayed in an apartment with Eiffel-designed ceiling beams. Their offerings included customizable tablecloths, placemats, runners, linen napkins with embroidery and openwork, organic cotton and linen bedding, and a cashmere blanket with chevron ribbon options. They also introduced the 'Sils Stripe' rug, handwoven in New Zealand wool, and new indoor fabrics like Harris Tweed interpretation (Hebrides), a cashmere and wool mix (Khangai), a hemp/jute/cotton/viscose blend (Tusco), and an ultra-soft cashmere and linen (Ponente). A selection of outdoor fabrics with high recycled content was also featured. Studio Liaigre presented a capsule collection of five pieces, including seating and lighting, originally designed by Christian Liaigre for Hotel Costes, embodying clean lines and simplicity in neutral palettes. Delcourt Collection celebrated its 30th anniversary with the 'Piece By Piece' series of contemporary furniture and new textiles, reflecting Christophe Delcourt's discreet French excellence, highlighted by the 'Nin' console and the 'Oko' side table. The Socialite Family curated 'La Scopa' in a classic Parisian apartment, drawing inspiration from a centuries-old Italian game. This temporary exhibition featured their latest furniture, homeware, and art, intertwined with items from Puces de Saint-Owen, with the 'Rotondo' modular sofa being a standout piece. Tolix unveiled the completed 'Patio' collection by the late Pauline Deltour, showcased at the Septieme Gallery, extending the iconic galvanized chair line with considered design, material finishes, and colors. Ligne Roset announced a series of 18 designs by midcentury designer Pierre Guariche, to be released through Cinna. Creative director Michel Roset emphasized Guariche's natural fit with Ligne Roset's avant-garde ethos, with pieces like the 'Vallée Blanche' chaise longue expected to launch in May 2024. Project 213A, founded in 2020, debuted at Paris Design Week with sustainable, well-crafted furniture and homeware, including lighting, artisanal ceramics, and handcrafted wooden pieces like the 'Mirror' lounge chair and 'Porto' modular sofa, made by local craftsmen in Northern Portugal. Little Greene introduced 'National Trust Papers IV,' its fourth collaboration with The National Trust, featuring eight wallpaper designs from historic properties in freshly imagined, contemporary colorways. Rubelli, under new creative directors Formafantasma, launched the 'Gardens' collection, a botanical-themed range with literal and abstract designs in sherbet hues. Hermès unveiled a new tableware collection by Benoît-Pierre Emery, featuring fine drawings by Virginie Jamin inspired by equestrian braiding, colored in tangy hues of lemon, mint, and petrol blue alongside natural leather shades. Fromental collaborated with Marta Sala Éditions for 'The New Guilded Age,' showcasing four distinctive wallcoverings—Haiku, Molten, Equus, and Kiku Garden—in curated rooms with Marta Sala Éditions furniture. #ParisDesignWeek #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #TextileDesign #Wallpaper #HomeDecor #LuxuryInteriors #DesignExhibition #FrenchDesign

Milan Design Week, also known as Salone del Mobile, traditionally serves as a pivotal event for design enthusiasts and a leading international exhibition for furniture and interior design. In recent years, the event has expanded its scope, attracting significant participation from the fashion industry. Brands such as Gucci and Loro Piana are increasingly featured alongside established home brands, presenting events and new product launches that blur the lines between fashion and home design. Among the highlights of Milan Design Week 2025 is Miu Miu's Literary Club, which dedicates two days to exploring the works of French philosopher and writer Simone de Beauvoir. Concurrently, Prada Frames will host a symposium centered on the multifaceted concept of transportation. Louis Vuitton is set to introduce a new home collection, further solidifying the convergence of high fashion and interior aesthetics. La DoubleJ will host tarot card readings at its new headquarters, adding a unique experiential element to the design week offerings. Loewe, marking its ninth appearance at Salone, has collaborated with 25 artists, designers, and architects to create a collection of teapots. These pieces, crafted by figures such as Edmund de Waal, Walter Prince, and David Chipperfield, explore the cultural significance and conventions surrounding tea, ranging from highly literal to abstract interpretations. Loewe is also offering a Salone homewares collection, which includes coasters and leather charms. Prada Frames, the annual symposium organized by Prada, focuses this year on “In Transit,” investigating the infrastructures that facilitate the movement of both people and ideas. Discussions are held in unique historical settings, including the recently restored 1950s train, Arlecchino, designed by Gio Ponti and Giulio Minoletti, and the ornate Padiglione Reale, a former royal waiting area at Milan’s Central Station. Louis Vuitton is launching its inaugural home collection, showcased at Milan’s Palazzo Serbelloni. This new line encompasses furniture, lighting, tableware, textiles, and games, with a pinball machine reportedly inspired by Pharrell. The collection complements the brand’s existing Objets Nomades, a series of limited-edition pieces created by notable designers like India Mahdavi and the Campana brothers, which will also be on display. La DoubleJ is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by unveiling its new five-story headquarters, dubbed the “LDJ Starquarters,” in Milan’s Navigli district. This new space is designed to foster positive energy and will host a week of events, including tarot card readings and sound healing sessions in the newly opened Gong Temple on its rooftop. The brand is also releasing new versions of its Napoli Rosa homeware collection. Miu Miu's Literary Club returns for its second chapter, “A Woman’s Education,” building on last year's “Writing Life.” This year’s program explores themes of girlhood and love through the works of Simone de Beauvoir and Japanese author Fumiko Enchi, featuring performances and talks by authors such as Lauren Elkin, Geetanjali Shree, and Naoise Dolan. Gucci presents “Bamboo Encounters,” an exhibition at the 16th-century Milan monastery Chiostri di San Simpliciano. Curated by architect Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli, the exhibit highlights bamboo’s historical significance to the house through multidisciplinary works, including sculptures, bamboo baskets, and kites. Kartell is commemorating 25 years of its lighting line with an exhibition at its Milan flagship store, featuring iconic lamps and lighting pieces. The Kartell Museum, also celebrating its 25th anniversary, will host a retrospective on Italian industrial designer Joe Colombo. New products and re-editions, including a reissue of Colombo’s 1964 KD28 lamp, will also be released. Finally, Loro Piana has partnered with Dimoremilano to create “La Prima Notte di Quiete,” an installation transforming the courtyard of Loro Piana’s headquarters into a 1970s-style home. The space features furniture by Dimorestudio for Loro Piana Interiors, Dimorestudio pieces with Loro Piana fabrics, items from Loro Piana’s The Art of Good Living collection, and artworks from Milanese galleries. #MilanDesignWeek #FashionHomeCrossover #LuxuryInteriors #ArtAndDesign #PradaFrames #LouisVuittonHome #LaDoubleJ #MiuMiuLiteraryClub #GucciBamboo #KartellLighting #LoroPianaDimoremilano

Paris Design Week 2025 showcased a diverse array of innovative and luxurious home decor and furniture designs from various international brands and designers. The event featured installations and new product launches across different venues, including Maison&Objet; and Déco Off, attracting interior design professionals and enthusiasts. Pierre Frey transformed the historic Hôtel de Guise into an immersive experience, presenting its first in-house furniture line, the sand-dune-inspired Déserts collection, and Chroma, a plush cotton velvet created in collaboration with India Mahdavi. The installation was enveloped in scenography by French artist Elizabeth Leriche, showcasing a rich array of patterns and textures. Design Rendezvous, a pop-up on Rue Guénard, featured collaborative works. Jiun Ho's Piedra chair was displayed with JG Switzer’s hand-felted upholstery, alongside Sarah Von Dreele’s metallic cork Ascend wallcovering, and Parete’s new collaboration with Scottish rug designer Wendy Morrison, highlighting unique textures and artistic expressions. Lala Curio's founder, Laura Cheung Wolf, unveiled the Feuillage collection at her private home. This couture-quality series of 10 intricately detailed wall panels, inspired by Japan's Yakushima Island, included designs like Fuki, Cabinet of Curiosities, and the namesake Feuillage, which incorporated wooden beadwork, raffia, and paillettes. Faye Toogood, named Maison&Objet;’s Designer of the Year 2025, presented “Womanifesto!”, a four-part retrospective. The exhibition featured archival furniture in surrealistic settings, such as drawing-room-inspired spaces with anthropometric lounge chairs and a forest-themed room adorned with tree-sized cardboard sunflowers and Toogood’s Woodlands wallcovering for Calico Wallpaper. Samuel & Sons collaborated with passementerie artist Elizabeth Ashdown for the vibrant Kaleidoscope collection. This line included 12 bold, multitonal woven designs, such as pom-pom fringes, scalloped braids, and tasseled borders, all crafted using centuries-old passementerie techniques. Tai Ping unveiled the Nakashima Edition, a collection of rugs that reimagines two original George Nakashima rug prototypes from 1959. The eight distinct designs included Migration I, Dark Moon II, and Bird Star II, paying homage to the late American architect and woodworker. De Gournay’s new introductions at Déco Off were inspired by avant-garde fashion designer Paul Poiret. The collections featured designs like the stippled, gilded silk Dunand and Pietra Dura, a colorful, vignette-style wallcovering accented with hand-painted blooms and birds, designed to evoke inlaid marble. Dedar showcased new textile designs, including the kid-mohair-covered Thank You for Sending Me an Angel velvet, the cloud-flecked Lilaz, and Queneau, a water-repellent wool satin available in over two dozen colorways. Aux Abris founder Karen Robert introduced the Alchemy collection, an old-world-style series printed on gleaming metal leaf grounds. Highlights included the Japanese mural-inspired Paradiso, the Italian Renaissance–driven Palazzo, the marbled Cosmo, and the olive-dotted Martini. The Pollack|Weitzner apartment featured playful patterns, with Pollack’s rhythmic Open Studio series and Spring 2025 additions to the Spring Street line. Lori Weitzner presented her Moorish architecture–inspired Alhambra as Muse collection, which included the polychromatic printed velvet, Intrigue. Zoffany’s previews attracted a notable crowd. The Indienne collection showcased block-print designs and collaborations with artists Charlie Calder-Potts and Melissa White. Upcoming launches included the historically informed Rare Textiles series and the pattern-rich Domino Velvets line. Féau Boiseries celebrated its 150th anniversary with a showcase from The Invisible Collection. The exhibition featured new Garcé & Dimofski–designed floorcoverings from Beni Rugs, sculptural pieces by Indian designer Ashiesh Shah, and newly acquired pieces from Mobilier National, such as Maison Leleu’s Panter chair. Fabricut presented Barry Dixon’s Elysium collection for Vervain, featuring designs like the marbleized ombre Pan Atlas, the pastoral Birds & Bittervine, and Cacao Nut, an enchanting trim with egg-shaped pom-poms. Schumacher’s showroom featured artisanal beauty, including a collection of fabric-sheathed light fixtures by French ceramist Elsa Foulon and a botanical fabric design, Flemish Tapestry, based on a 17th-century Belgian tapestry. Ralph Lauren Home released the Rue Bohème collection, a range of runway-ready textiles available through Designers Guild. The line, inspired by the fashion designer’s Spring 2024 fashion collection, included distressed cotton-linen florals, silk-blend ticking stripes, paint-splattered velvets, and botanical embroideries. CMO Paris introduced designs from its 2025 collection, including the braided Bamboo Petit Chevron wallcovering, the sheer, hand-spun Cashmere Degradé curtain fabric, and Wild Water Lily, a serene mural fashioned from all-natural aquatic fibers. Giobagnara showcased its latest designs, including Kelly Wearstler’s leather-accented Maris line, Glenn Sestig’s minimalist walnut Tanell bar table, and an Elie Saab monogram-stamped folding side table. The Vale London’s founder, Melinda Marquardt, unveiled the Maddox line, an homage to Bauhaus pioneers. The primary-color-drenched collection included 16 designs, such as the zigzagging Diana Stripe fabric, the Roman Holiday wallcovering, and the geometric Charlie upholstery. Belgian wallcoverings brand Omexco launched three collections: Light at Night, with 10 glimmering metallic designs like Stardust; Oase, featuring nine textural paper-weave patterns; and Pure, comprising a dozen soothing monochrome styles like Sensitive and Refined Earth. French furniture designer Franck Genser introduced the Morse series at his Parisian showroom apartment. The three-piece collection featured walrus-inspired designs, including a marble-topped coffee table with tusk-shaped legs and an iridescent neoprene-upholstered settee with a coordinating armchair. Arte’s Luster collection showcased four ultradimensional wall designs hand-inlaid with pearlescent capiz shells: Perula, Lucea, Abalone, and Cornice, available in multiple hues. Uchronia’s “What’s New? In Hospitality” installation, designed by Julien Sebban, featured a retro-fueled aesthetic with a hand-curated color palette by Tonester Paints. The display included a round, 1970s-style bed by Treca Paris and Diesel Living’s dinnerware for Seletti. L’Objet collaborated with South African artist Ruan Hoffmann for a highly collectible ceramic line. The 13 playful pieces, adorned with 24-karat gold finishes, included the three-dimensional Love You More plate and a three-wick candle with a mask-like lid. These debuts collectively demonstrated a trend towards luxurious materials, artisanal craftsmanship, historical inspirations, and bold artistic expressions, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the future of interior design. #ParisDesignWeek #MaisonObjet #DecoOff #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #TextileDesign #Wallcovering #LuxuryDesign

Stockholm Design Week 2025, held from February 3-9 in conjunction with the Stockholm Furniture Fair, showcased the dynamic and evolving landscape of Scandinavian design through a diverse array of exhibitions, events, and furniture launches. The event featured experimental and limited-edition pieces, particularly from the collectible design platform Älvsjö Gård. Among the notable presentations was "Table 4" by Niklas Runesson for Älvsjö Gård, a birch table featuring legs inspired by a beaver's tail, designed to comfortably seat seven. OEO Studio, for &Tradition, introduced the Ita table and bench collection, crafted from oak using Miyadaiku, an ancient Japanese carpentry technique that eliminates the need for screws or glue. This collection, including dining and coffee tables and benches, is designed for flat-pack shipping and easy assembly. Studio Stockholm, in collaboration with Dusty Deco, presented "Decadent," a club chair with a gracefully curved backrest and seat. Made from FSC-certified wood and upholstered in a dusty rose wool-blend bouclé Jacquard, it adds a feminine touch to a classic design. Erik Bratsberg's "CabinEtt" for Älvsjö Gård was a striking limited-edition piece made of walnut framing unevenly cut Mappa burl wood veneer. Form Us With Love designed the Nest Club Chair for +Halle, integrating a side table into a lean silhouette, aimed primarily at the hospitality market. Axel Wannberg's "Lamp 53" for Nordiska Galleriet, named for its 53-degree design angle, was re-released in new powder-coated stainless steel finishes. Thomas Bernstrand and Stefan Borselius, for Blå Station, introduced "Villhem," a lounge chair that blurs the lines between business and residential design with various customizable upgrades. David Ericsson's "V.DE.07" for Verk is a distinctive armchair with an optional Gotland sheepskin seat cover, known for its unique wool. Rug company Layered celebrated a decade with "Ten Years Unfolded," an archival collection re-presenting three existing geometric patterns—Illusion, Letters, and Triangle—in new colorways, all hand-tufted from 100% wool. Form Us With Love also collaborated with Baux on "X-Felt," a soundproofing solution featuring large-format acoustic panels and tiles with circular patterns inspired by Japanese Zen gardens. These panels are made from GRS-certified PET plastic, meeting fire safety standards without harmful chemicals. Finally, Kay Bojesen introduced the "Painted Mini Monkey," a four-inch rendition of the iconic wooden monkey, now available in apple green and power pink, crafted from FSC-certified beech wood. These highlights collectively demonstrate the innovation and aesthetic diversity showcased at Stockholm Design Week 2025. #StockholmDesignWeek #ScandinavianDesign #FurnitureFair #InteriorDesign #ProductLaunches #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #DesignExhibitions

The year 2024 is characterized by a highly personalized approach to interior design, where nearly anything goes. This shift is evident in the rapid cycling of viral aesthetics on platforms like TikTok, including 'Unexpected Red,' 'Bookshelf Wealth,' and 'Mob Wife' trends. Design experts emphasize that personalization is paramount, with a growing focus on previously underestimated areas of the home such as hallways, pantries, utility rooms, and laundry rooms. Searches for 'handmade' and 'eclectic interior design vintage' items are steadily increasing on platforms like Etsy and Pinterest, reflecting a desire for unique, collected pieces rather than coordinated sets. Key trends emerging from Milan Design Week 2024 and insights from ELLE DECOR A-List designers and industry experts include a move towards more luxurious and embellished furniture. Gold accents are becoming prominent, moving beyond traditional stone and leather palettes. Examples include Edra's new Minerals fabrics with glittering upholstery and Molteni&C;'s gold edition of the D.154.2 armchair. Armani Casa's new collection, inspired by Giorgio Armani's travels, also features significant metallic accents, such as gold leaf in stone surfaces and 24-karat gold hardware in kitchen ranges from Officine Gullo. Outdoor furniture is also experiencing a surge, with an emphasis on rounded and squishy forms. This continues the trend of kidney bean-shaped furniture seen in recent years, now extending to outdoor sofas, armchairs, and cocktail tables. Brands like Dedon and Meridiani showcased curvy outdoor pieces, while De Padova introduced the 'Afternoons' collection with a woven basket aesthetic. Indoors, the preference for squishy, low armchairs and sofas is highlighted by Poltrona Frau's new 'Squash' collection by Faye Toogood and Minotti's Emmi armchair by Hannes Peer. The aesthetic of the late 1980s and 1990s is making a comeback, replacing the long-standing fascination with the '70s. This era is remembered for its optimism and pop culture influences. Ikea is reissuing popular '80s designs like the Klippan sofa and Poäng lounge chair. Local firms are also drawing inspiration from this period, evident in collections featuring postmodern-ish chairs, lamps, and tables. Cork is gaining traction as a material of choice due to its sustainability, being biodegradable, chemical-free, durable, water-resistant, and renewable. Designers like Studio Dorian and Charlap Hyman & Herrero are incorporating cork extensively in interiors, covering walls and ceilings. High-gloss walls are out, and textured surfaces are in. Designers are moving away from slick, reflective finishes in favor of brushed or hand-applied textures such as Roman clay, limewash, or hand-tooled plaster. This preference for texture also extends to natural materials, with designers exploring three-dimensional patterns in wood and manipulated stone surfaces. Brown is emerging as a significant statement color, replacing drab gray tones. Dark brown, yellow, and light brown are identified as top color trends, offering warmth and richness. Rug companies like Woven are incorporating chocolate browns, rust, and golden wheat tones into their designs. Terra-cotta tiles are experiencing a revival, with designers appreciating their sculptural opportunities and natural shades. Ceramic and terra-cotta were highlighted as popular materials in a 1stDibs survey, admired for their versatility across various design styles. Bouclé fabric remains popular, but with fresh updates. While a classic, new versions feature thicker pile and diverse colors, moving away from skimpy cream and off-white variations. The trend leans towards integrating curves and softer shapes into furniture design, seen in iconic pieces like Hans Wegner’s Wishbone chairs and Vladimir Kagan’s Serpentine sofas. Artisanal, handmade pieces are highly sought after, reflecting a desire for human touch and irregularity in design. This includes ceramic tile, hand-carved wood, and handblown glass, with a focus on celebrating imperfections in natural materials. Finally, high-tech lighting is becoming an essential decorating tool, offering the ability to change light intensity and color, enhancing both ambiance and the display of art. Companies like Philips, AiSPiRE, and USAI Lighting provide programmable LED solutions. Sustainability continues to drive the adoption of alternative materials. Designers are prioritizing materials that are consciously sourced and environmentally friendly, such as furniture made from recycled cardboard or sawdust. Victorian-era details are also seeing a resurgence, with a modern interpretation that emphasizes architectural elements like beaded board, square and diamond shapes, crown moldings, and chevron floors, balancing ornate styles with cleaner, more geometric forms. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends2024 #MilanDesignWeek #SustainableDesign #FurnitureTrends #ColorTrends #TextureInDesign #ArtisanalCraft

Milan Design Week 2022 showcased a variety of temporary installations designed to captivate the design community. These installations frequently leveraged unique settings, ranging from abandoned nunneries and military hospitals to former sports venues and historic villas, to create impactful experiences. The event featured nine notable installations that demonstrated innovative approaches to design and material use. One featured installation was “A Statement of Form” by Gaggenau, a kitchen manufacturer, which was located in the Villa Necchi Campiglio, a historic Italian villa known from the film “House of Gucci.” This installation, a collaboration with architecture firm 1zu33, marble expert Salvatori, and ceramic specialist Kaufmann, presented a sleek kitchen design within a luxurious setting. Another highlight was "Monumental Wonders" by SolidNature, exhibited at Alcova’s Lavanderia building. This installation showcased the versatility of natural and semi-precious stones, featuring nine types of onyx in a dramatic entry portal. OMA designed a stone-wrapped doorway and marble-and-onyx furniture pieces, including a rotating cabinet and a bed with hidden storage. Sabine Marcelis contributed a pink onyx bathroom sculpture, demonstrating the material’s aesthetic and functional potential. “Silentscape” by Isabella Del Grandi for Slalom, also at Alcova, focused on acoustics. This colorful sound studio installation integrated soft surfacing materials and suspended upholstered spheres to create a calming, sound-absorbing environment, highlighting acoustic system solutions. Hermès presented "Houses" by Charlotte Macaux Perelman, a luminous installation of ash wood and translucent colored paper structures at La Palota. Inspired by water towers, these glowing geometric forms displayed new cashmere fabric designs for the home. Flos’s “See the Stars Again” exhibition, curated by Calvi Brambilla at the Fabbrica Orobia, introduced 14 new lighting products. A key feature was the anniversary edition of the Arco lamp, Arco K, which showcased its lead-free crystal base. The exhibition also included sculptural displays and indoor gardens. Lee Broom’s “Divine Inspiration” presented six new lighting collections and 30 products in a gallery setting. Drawing inspiration from religious architecture, the exhibition featured unique moods in each room and included limited-edition hand-sculpted pieces, such as a broken pendant light in the Requiem collection. Amine El Gotaibi’s 300-pound ceiling-mounted weaving for Beni Rugs, titled Spoken Lines, was unveiled at Alcova. This site-specific artwork, made from 80 feet of natural wool, set the stage for a collection of 10 rugs and was crafted by a cooperative of female weavers in Morocco. Caffè Populaire, a collaboration between Lambert & Fils and DWA Design Studio, offered an _aperitivo_ garden at Alcova. The installation combined sculptural lighting from Lambert & Fils with flowered wallpaper by Superflower and various plantings. It featured an elevated interior garden and a water sculpture, contrasting Brutalist lighting forms with hyperrealistic floral imagery. Finally, "Holotype" by Refractory, a newly launched furniture brand, was presented at Alcova’s E/Space building. The installation created a unique sensory experience with the scent and visual presence of turmeric, used to tint concrete walls and piled on the ground. This backdrop framed Refractory’s artisanal furniture and lighting pieces, crafted from materials like cast bronze and solid black walnut, and incorporated paleontological specimens and imagery of America’s West. #MilanDesignWeek #InstallationArt #ProductDesign #InteriorDecor #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #TextileArt #MaterialInnovation #ExperientialDesign

The London Design Festival 2025 showcases a dynamic exploration of wood, challenging its traditional perceptions and highlighting its versatility through innovative designs. This year’s festival features numerous projects that push the boundaries of this everyday material, ranging from experimental uses of discarded offcuts and material combinations to the extraction of pine resin and novel manipulation techniques. Designers emphasize wood's environmental benefits and its adaptability, positioning it as a material perfectly suited for future design. Many young designers are redefining wood's potential. Blake Carlson-Joshua of B.C. Joshua, for instance, has transitioned from paper pulp to hardwoods, incorporating hand-painted aluminum inlay into his work. He notes that modern systems like CNC and laser cutting have significantly broadened creative possibilities in wood design. The festival also includes 'Grain Pile,' an exhibition at Clerkenwell Fire Station, where Max Radford Gallery collaborated with British furniture maker Ercol. Six London-based designers, including Lewis Kemmenoe, reimagined Ercol's wooden furniture, producing contemporary stools, tables, benches, chairs, and a rocking chair. Concurrently, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) at Material Matters in Holborn spotlights emerging talents such as Andu Masebo, Daniel Schofield, and Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng. These designers craft furniture from 'No.1 Timber,' an underused, knotty hardwood grade, in partnership with Benchmark workshops. This initiative promotes a sustainable approach to material selection, embracing natural imperfections over demanding pristine materials. Additionally, Material Matters hosts the Wood Awards, exhibiting its 2025 shortlist, which features a range of wood-based creations from small furniture pieces to Feilden Fowles’ timber pavilions at the Natural History Museum gardens. These collective efforts demonstrate that tradition and innovation are complementary forces in wood design, revealing surprising new possibilities for a material with a long history. The article highlights seven specific projects that exemplify this innovative spirit. Brogan Cox and Nat Maks, inspired by Margate's tides, created 'Tides' tables using marbled timber surfaces. These sycamore pieces are CNC-machined, hand-finished, and then dipped into swirling inks. B.C. Joshua's 'Dogtrot II' stool, made from CNC-cut British ash with hand-painted aluminum inlays, draws inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance and African American history, featuring motifs of Black cowboys. Lewis Kemmenoe's 'Patchwork Rocking Chair,' crafted from ash and oak including factory waste, incorporates a spindle back with solid, paneled sides and distinctive patchwork detailing, transforming familiar forms. Jacob Marks explores pine resin, a historically significant material displaced by petroleum, showcasing its potential in contemporary design through various objects like handles, lights, and furniture, as well as a sustainable composite material. Darren Appiagyei’s 'Ignatius' vessels, made from cherry and horse chestnut wood, demonstrate his evolution into a wood artist through intricate pyrographic finishes. Tabitha Isobel and Dom Callaghan's 'Ferro' collection, including a side table, mirror, and wall light, utilizes London Plane timber sourced from felled city trees, presenting clean lines and a checkerboard pattern. Finally, Shintaro Oku of KOPPA showcases zero-waste designs using camphor wood off-cuts from Kagoshima, Japan, transforming them into smooth, textural forms and stackable cups dyed with natural methods, embodying a commitment to sustainability. #LondonDesignFestival #WoodDesign #SustainableMaterials #FurnitureDesign #MaterialInnovation #Craftsmanship #DesignExhibitions

Salone del Mobile 2024, held from April 16-21, alongside Milan Design Week, presented an extensive program of events, installations, and new product launches across various venues in Milan. This year's Salone del Mobile introduced an experimental approach, including a new cultural program and the biannual Eurocucina and International Bathroom Exhibition. A notable highlight was the involvement of filmmaker David Lynch, who contributed “Interiors by David Lynch. A Thinking Room,” an immersive installation designed to be a meditative space. The fair also featured 'Under the Surface,' an installation reflecting on water's role in bathroom design, created by Accurat, Design Group Italia, and Salotto NY. This submerged island installation encouraged contemplation on daily water consumption habits and how modern bathroom design can influence them. Additionally, the Design Kiosk, designed by DWA Design Studio and curated by Corraini, was set up in Piazza della Scala, offering art and design publications and serving as a platform for creative discussions. Fuorisalone 2024, the city-wide counterpart to Salone del Mobile, transformed Milan into a vibrant design hub. Key locations included Triennale Milano, which hosted the Wallpaper* Class of '24 exhibition showcasing emerging global talent. Other exhibitions at Triennale included Inga Sempé’s ‘La casa imperfetta,’ displaying her recent work within a domestic setting, and ‘Emeco to Emeco,’ an exhibition designed by Jasper Morrison celebrating 80 years of the American brand. Rossana Orlandi's ‘Design Walk in Budapest’ featured Hungarian designers, and Keiji Takeuchi curated ‘Walking Sticks & Canes,’ an interpretation of the walking stick by various designers. ‘Universo satellite’ marked 25 years of Salone Satellite, supporting emerging designers, and ‘Io sono un drago - The true story of Alessandro Mendini’ honoured the late designer’s legacy. Capsule Plaza, returning at Spazio Maiocchi and 10 Corso Como, curated by Alessio Ascari and Paul Cournet, presented contemporary brands and creatives pushing design boundaries. Collaborations included Ecco Leather with At.Kollektive, Harry Nuryev with Poltronova, Alaska Alaska with Nike, and Muller Van Severen with BD Barcelona. An immersive Panton lounge celebrated Verner Panton’s work, featuring reissued pieces and new collaborations. Rimowa partnered with La Marzocco for a grooved aluminium-clad coffee machine, showcased in a Milanese café installation. Marimekko’s pop-up Unikko cafe brought its iconic print to life. Alcova 2024 utilized two historical villas, Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, to host a multilayered presentation including furniture by Junya Ishigami, collaborations by Objects of Common Interest, Kiki Goti, cc-tapis, and Calico Wallpaper with Colin King. Dropcity, located in the arches around Stazione Centrale, hosted ‘We Mediterranean,’ a collaborative project on home design, and ‘Elements: Unique Details of 20th Century Architecture and Interior,’ a photographic exhibition. Caffè Populaire, a pop-up by Lambert and Fils and DWA, featured Sophie Lou Jacobsen and Ananas Ananas, displaying new lighting and a collection of vessels made from recycled materials. Bagni Misteriosi, a Rationalist public pool, hosted Azimut’s ‘Mooring by the Moon’ installation by Michele de Lucchi and AMDL Circle, culminating in the unveiling of the new Seadeck 6 yacht. Milanese Palazzos, such as Palazzo Visconti, Palazzo del Senato, Palazzo Isimbardi, Palazzo Cusani, and Palazzo Litta, opened their doors for exquisite installations. Flos presented new projects at Palazzo Visconti, Kohler unveiled ‘Formation 02’ toilet design at Palazzo del Senato, and Lasvit showcased ‘Porta’ at Palazzo Isimbardi. Atelier Biagetti collaborated with MCM at Palazzo Cusani, and Palazzo Litta featured material-based displays, Gufram’s iconic Bocca sofa, and Nifemi Marcus Bello’s poignant Omi Iyọ. Alessi presented ‘Myth Makes Belief’ at Palazzo Borromeo D’Adda, and Loewe Lamps celebrated design and craft through light at Palazzo Citterio. Brera’s picturesque streets hosted Design Space AlUlA with works by Saudi and international designers, Loro Piana's 'A Tribute to Cini Boeri,' and new collections from Lodes and Flexform. Via Solferino featured Boffi, Salvatori, Dimoregallery, Muuto, Ceramica Flaminia, and Missoni Home with Roda. Hermès staged an exquisite exhibition at La Pelota, while Blond Laboratory presented new designs for offline living. Unno Gallery displayed 'The Origen' with works by Mark Grattan and others, and ECAL showcased student work and research projects. Grau presented a bonfire light sculpture installation, and Moroso unveiled new designs. Mutina showcased a special release by Ronan Bouroullec, and UniFor unveiled ‘Andromeda.’ Interni Venosta, a new furniture brand, debuted at Gipsoteca Fumagalli e Dossi. The Quadrilatero della Moda featured Italian furniture showrooms like B&B Italia, Edra, Natuzzi, and Cassina, which reissued Eames lighting. Technogym celebrated 40 years with an exhibition, and Kaldewei previewed a collaboration with E15. Lighting brands Artemide, Danese, Flos, Nemo, and Occhio were present on Corso Monforte, alongside Kvadrat’s #coloureffect installation and Living Divani Gallery. Porro unveiled new pieces, and fashion brands like Armani Casa, Meridiani, Visionnaire, Poliform, and Baxter showcased their latest collections. Gaggenau launched new products at Villa Necchi Campiglio, while Bottega Veneta partnered with Cassina and Fondation Le Corbusier for ‘On the Rocks.’ The Prada Frames symposium, led by Formafantasma, returned to Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, and JW Anderson made his Milan Design Week debut. Gucci Design Ancora reimagined design icons, and Herno presented ‘With Love, Herno Blooms.’ Faye Toogood staged her Rude Arts Club, and Aesop opened a new store with an installation by Nicolas Schuybroek. 5Vie, a historical district, focused on 'Unlimited Design Orchestra,' featuring Gunjan Gupta’s ‘Indian Tiny Megastore’ and Rooms Studio’s ‘Bedrooms’ display. Gaetano Pesce’s exhibition ‘Nice to See You’ and ‘L’Uomo Stanco’ installation were also featured. South Milan’s Zona Tortona and Navigli district hosted Ikea’s exhibition, Zaha Hadid Design with Karimoku, Atelier Biagetti’s ‘Love Boat,’ and Formafantasma’s ‘La Casa Dentro’ exhibition at ICA. Milan’s design galleries, including Nilufar, Nilufar Depot, Rossana Orlandi, Dimorecentrale, and Oxilia Gallery, showcased commissioned projects and works by emerging talent. #SaloneDelMobile2024 #MilanDesignWeek #Fuorisalone #DesignInstallations #FurnitureDesign #ItalianDesign #EmergingDesigners #LuxuryInteriors #ArtAndCulture

The latest season of The Block showcases a variety of innovative and practical design details that are influencing modern interior trends. Contestants have consistently pushed creative boundaries, moving beyond traditional aesthetics to incorporate functional and versatile elements. One prominent trend is the use of cozy textures, achieved through neutral color palettes such as greys, beiges, browns, and creams. These understated tones serve as a flexible base, allowing for easy restyling with bold feature walls, unique furniture, and colorful accessories, making spaces adaptable to different seasons without major overhauls. Neutral hues also contribute to an open and spacious feel, and when combined with natural textures like wood and marble, they create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. An example of this is Maddy and Charlotte’s main bedroom, which features beige cabinetry and walnut drawers in the walk-in wardrobe, a combination lauded by judges for being on-trend and sophisticated. Another significant design shift observed is the embrace of asymmetry. While symmetry is a foundational principle in interior design, The Block contestants have challenged this by introducing asymmetrical elements that create a unique and calming ambiance. Ricky and Haydn’s guest bedroom effectively demonstrates this with a large, curved asymmetrical wall, illuminated by LED strip lighting and adorned with a palm tree wallpaper. The use of asymmetrical bedside tables, with varied accents, further reinforces this innovative approach. Complementing this, curves and arches have largely replaced sharp edges, appearing in various forms such as mirrors, furniture, feature walls, and lighting fixtures. These elements introduce a soft, modern, and textured effect, as seen in Ricky and Haydn’s bathroom vanity. Timber panelling is another recurring detail, used for feature walls, cabinets, ceilings, and bathrooms. This adds significant texture, especially when paired with deep colors and neutral tones, creating luxurious and calming spaces. Kristian and Mimi's main bedroom exemplifies this with a timber panelling feature wall that evokes a coastal and serene atmosphere. Furthermore, green accents have been subtly integrated into many neutral palettes, providing a hint of color while harmonizing with the earthy tones dominant in the homes. Kristian and Mimi’s kitchen, featuring a blend of walnut, gold, and green, was particularly praised by the judges. Practical design solutions also feature prominently. Hidden curtains, extending from the ceiling to the floor, eliminate visible curtain rods, contributing to a more luxurious and open feel in a space. Ceilings themselves have become a canvas for design, with feature ceilings like coffered designs and timber slatting being incorporated. Kristian and Mimi's bathroom, with its decorative ceiling, was highlighted as a notable success. LED strip lights are strategically used to enhance and define features in various rooms, from behind mirrors and in shower niches to above curtains and in wall features, as seen in Kristian and Mini’s guest bedroom. Finally, shower niches, installed in showers and above bathtubs, offer a smart space-saving solution for organizing toiletries, contributing to an uncluttered and open aesthetic, exemplified by Courtney and Grant’s guest bathroom. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TheBlock #DesignTrends #NeutralPalette #Asymmetry #CurvedDesigns #TimberPanelling #LEDLighting

The 2025 Salone del Mobile in Milan showcased a variety of furniture and lighting innovations, with Moooi's collection of sculptural lighting fixtures standing out among the exhibitors. Moooi, a Dutch design company, presented pieces that merge artistic expression with practical functionality, embodying the exhibition's theme of "A Life Extraordinary." Their display featured designs from both emerging talents and renowned international designers, emphasizing dynamic movement and aesthetic appeal in lighting solutions. Among the notable contributions was Umut Yamac's 'Perch' series, characterized by lamps resembling paper origami birds. These fixtures offer an elegant design that diffuses soft light, while also functioning as kinetic sculptures. The birds are designed to gently sway, adding a subtle, dynamic element to interior spaces. The 'Perch' series is versatile, suitable for individual sconces or as part of larger, tree-like light installations, demonstrating how lighting can contribute to a home's artistic ambiance. Another compelling collection was Moooi's 'Raimond II' series, originally conceived by Raimond Putts in 2009. These spherical lights, punctuated by numerous LED bulbs, create captivating shadow patterns as they twist and turn. The series was presented in various models at Salone del Mobile, illustrating its capacity to transform a room into an engaging visual experience, reminiscent of a contemporary disco ball. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the theatrical potential of well-designed illumination. Adding to Moooi's innovative offerings is the 'Serpentine' suspension lamp, a new fixture designed by the Swedish studio Front. This lamp features interconnected elements that resemble a series of interlocking paper fans. Its design allows for diffuse lighting, and its serpentine form suggests continuous movement, contributing to a sense of fluidity and dynamism within a space. The 'Serpentine' exemplifies Moooi's commitment to exploring novel forms and functionalities in lighting design. Moooi's approach involves collaborating with individual designers, ensuring a continuous stream of fresh and inventive products. This strategy allows the brand to maintain its position at the forefront of design innovation, showcasing that design can seamlessly integrate artistic vision with everyday utility. The company's presentation at Salone del Mobile underscored its philosophy that lighting fixtures can transcend their primary function to become significant art pieces within a living environment. For those interested in acquiring these lighting solutions, Moooi provides a store locator on its website, detailing both physical retail locations and online purchasing options. #SaloneDelMobile #Moooi #SculpturalLighting #UmutYamac #RaimondPutts #FrontDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernLighting #DesignInnovation

Milan Design Week 2025 showcased a significant evolution in the relationship between design and theater, extending beyond retail and hospitality environments to become a prominent theme throughout the festival. Both the Salone del Mobile and the Fuorisalone events, which encompassed over a thousand installations, integrated theatrical elements, utilizing staging solutions often reserved for live performances. Rather than merely presenting objects, actors engaged audiences in product reveals and participated in performances set amidst furniture, automobiles, and other design pieces. This intersection of design and theatricality emerged as one of the most discussed topics of the week. Among the standout installations was Bob Wilson’s “The Night Before. Objects, Chairs, Opera” at Teatro alla Scala. This collaboration between the Salone del Mobile and the renowned opera house marked the symbolic opening of design week. Wilson conceived a performance where design shared the spotlight with music. The theater orchestra, under Michele Spotti, and soprano Marina Rebeka presented operatic excerpts, with minimalist and abstract furniture-like objects serving as sets, and light playing a central role in the narrative. This fusion highlighted how design elements could function as protagonists within a dramatic context. Cassina’s “Staging Modernity,” curated by Formafantasma, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand Collection. Held at the Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber, the installation immersed visitors in a theatrical experience. Original pieces from the collection were displayed in the lobby, while new editions were arranged on stage and various plinths in the seating area. Actors, directed by Fabio Cherstich, periodically recited original texts by Emanuele Coccia, Andrés Jaque, and Feifei Zhou, creating a performative dialogue around these iconic design pieces. Range Rover’s “Futurespective: Connected Worlds” offered an immersive, time-travel-themed experience. Designed in collaboration with NUOVA, the installation began with visitors receiving a time-travel ticket in a sci-fi-inspired space. The first room recreated a nostalgic 1970s London Range Rover dealership, complete with actors portraying salespeople and a pre-production 1970 olive green Range Rover. Guests then passed through a secret door into a modern, all-white space, where the brand’s latest fifth-generation Range Rover Autobiography, in a bespoke metallic green, was presented, illustrating the brand's journey from past to future. Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino’s “La Dolce Attesa” for Salone del Mobile explored the theme of waiting. Amidst the fast pace of Design Week, Sorrentino created an installation inviting visitors to embrace slowness. Guests, limited to two at a time, were greeted by actors portraying nurses in a hospital-like setting. An elevator transported them to a long room where they sat on moving armchairs, experiencing changes in lighting, heart-like sounds, and reflections from a large heart-shaped sculpture. This highly conceptual piece provided a condensed, slow-paced theatrical memory within the hectic week. Finally, Dimorestudio’s “La prima notte di quiete” for Loro Piana transformed the fashion brand’s headquarters into a narrative-driven interior. The installation, devoid of screens, enveloped visitors in a dark space filled with music and voices. Lights gradually revealed a bedroom, bathroom, and living room, showcasing Loro Piana’s products within a seemingly natural yet disrupted environment. Spilled water, broken glasses, and dripping ceilings created a sense of an event having just occurred, leaving visitors to piece together the story. This intriguing approach to interior design became one of the most discussed installations, demonstrating how design can effectively convey a compelling narrative. #MilanDesignWeek #DesignAndTheater #SaloneDelMobile #Fuorisalone #BobWilson #Cassina #RangeRover #PaoloSorrentino #DimoreStudio

Isola participated in Dutch Design Week 2023 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, for the fifth consecutive year, presenting two primary exhibitions under the theme “Nothing Happens if Nothing Happens.” The event, held from October 21st to 29th, showcased Isola's dedication to sustainable design, craft, and collectible designs. Gabriele Cavallaro, co-founder and CEO of Isola Design Group, highlighted the organization's strong ties with Dutch designers and local partners, emphasizing their aim to spotlight exceptionally talented designers and their pioneering approaches. DesignWanted served as a media partner for the event, featuring eight notable projects from Isola's showcase. The first exhibition, "Nothing Happens if Nothing Happens," was part of the "Something Bigger" event at the Schellens Fabriek. This 400-square-meter space hosted over 60 exhibitors from more than 24 countries, displaying approximately a hundred products. The showcase included innovative biomaterials, circular products, and collectible design pieces. Isola further demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by incorporating Polygood® material from The Good Plastic Company, which is made from 100% recycled and recyclable plastic, into its exhibition setup. The second exhibition, "Tools & Crafts," paid homage to the rich Dutch tradition of craftsmanship. This exhibition was held in collaboration with a local woodworker at Fuutlaan 12c, featuring more than 20 exhibitors and over 35 products. The focus was on a new generation of artisans who blended traditional expertise with innovative and experimental techniques to create contemporary and collectible design pieces. Among the featured projects, "Icons Re/Outfitted" by The Visionary Lab transformed iconic Vitra chairs using repurposed denim from Levi’s, addressing textile waste by upcycling furniture with materials from fashion. Designers like Nkwo Onwuka and Hannah Brabon contributed to this project, showcasing diverse techniques in creating artful chairs. "Pleated Scenery" by Kim Melody Zoutewelle presented wall lamps made from glass powders on colored and formed glass, which, when illuminated, created a shimmering, dream-like landscape effect. These lamps were crafted using artisanal techniques, ensuring each piece is unique. Giulia Toneguzzo's "Spektrum" introduced a wall shelf that interacts with daylight, utilizing colors to materialize the nature of light and enhance the atmosphere of a space as it changes throughout the day. The Makkuro vase by Iammi exemplified sustainable innovation, crafted from discarded automotive foam waste sourced from Re-Mat, an Italian startup recycling mattresses and foam. IAMMI studio also designed Isola’s exhibition layout for the event. Zeynep Boyan's "Units" featured sculptural stoneware ceramic products designed to hold multiple objects. These collectible pieces, created by hand in Montreal, combined stoneware clay with burnished aluminum and hand-sculpted ceramic knobs, blending traditional and experimental techniques to create functional art. "Compact Sun" by vanPlestik, a collaborative research project, showcased a wall lamp made from 100% recycled plastic from used CD cases. This modular design, with its 3D-printed lines, created a mesmerizing sun-like reflection. Ruben de Haas's "Egglamp" was a playful exploration of materials, featuring a lamp made from real eggshells, offering a soft and warm glow with unique imperfections. Finally, "Moiréverse" by Thanos Deenen presented objects that combined movement, color, and pattern to create a moiré effect, originally part of an interactive installation, now imagined as interior design pieces. These projects collectively highlighted the themes of sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovative design that Isola championed at Dutch Design Week 2023, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to product creation and material usage. #DutchDesignWeek #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #CollectibleDesign #InnovationDesign #RecycledMaterials #InteriorDesign #LightingDesign #Upcycling

This year-in-review article from Core77 highlights significant trends and notable designs in furniture and lighting throughout 2011, alongside a retrospective of major international design festivals. The review begins by emphasizing the continuous relevance of furniture and lighting in industrial design, noting that while broader topics like technology emerge, these categories remain fundamental. Key discussions include the versatile use of wood as a material in furniture, featuring pieces ranging from left-field commentary to subtractive designs, crazy curves, and plywood pods, often incorporating nest-like warping. The article also showcases various applications of reclaimed materials, from preserved and polished pieces to de-militarized items and those simply repurposed. Lighting designs are explored in depth, highlighting how many lamps creatively mimic other objects, including the lampshade itself, leading to skeuomorphic designs like the cluster-like 'TamTam' ceiling lamp, the futuristic 'LED Shade Lamp,' and the humble 'Sympathy for the Bulb.' The popular levitating lamps by Light Light are also mentioned. Beyond conventional forms, lamps took on abstract biomorphic shapes, both 3D-printed and otherwise, and imaginative forms such as an open-ocean predator, fly kicks, and a maritime marker. The intersection of indoor lighting and upcycling is noted, with designers transforming plumbing fixtures into steampunk lighting and repurposing recyclable materials into elegant pendant lamps and minimalist desk lamps. The 'Liter of Light' project, developed by MIT students, is recognized for its significant social impact in providing sustainable lighting solutions. Chairs, a staple of furniture design, are presented through their diverse material explorations. These include aluminum wire, cork, laser-cut steel, Twintex, recycled PET bottles, piano keys, circuit boards, salvaged signage, and even the creative use of empty space. The article humorously contrasts a chair made of discarded candy wrappers with one made entirely of candy, both praised for their aesthetic appeal. The vast array of chair designs in terms of shapes and sizes is acknowledged, including those designed for bachelors and by student bachelors, and chairs that resemble other objects. DIY approaches to seating are also covered, ranging from emphatically designed pieces to simpler, deconstructed or remixed versions of classic designs like the Eames Lounge. The enduring popularity of the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) aesthetic is discussed, noting its continued presence in designs both at home and internationally, despite playful attempts to 'retire' it. The MCM movement persists through the resurrection of long-lost designs, limited-edition reinterpretations, and online resources. The review then shifts to an overview of global design weeks and festivals. Dutch Design Week 2011 is highlighted for its conceptually rich work, including Tom Gottelier's wax creations and Dennis Parren's 'CMYK Lamp.' The inaugural Beijing Design Week showcased 'site-specific' designs reflecting mainland Chinese cultural touchstones, such as the 'Chinese Stuff' exhibit and the Water Calligraphy Device Tricycle Hack, with Naihan Li's 'CRATES' collection of mobile pop-up furniture being a notable success. Design Tide Tokyo, part of Tokyo Design Week, featured 'Souvenir' by Design Soil, a series of furniture designed for easy disassembly and travel. Exhibitions in Tokyo offered a comprehensive view of Japanese design, from traditional crafts to contemporary issues and accessories. Vienna Design Week, though smaller, presented significant installations, including Philippe Malouin's collaboration with Lobmeyr and Thomas Feichtner's crafted 'M3' chair. The Salone Milan, recognized as the year's largest design event, featured Studio Formafantasma's 'Botanica,' an exploration of material science roots, and Thomas Lommée's forward-thinking OpenStructures project. The Open Source movement's impact on furniture design, seen in DIY projects and design-build firms, is also emphasized. Milan's diverse offerings included craft mashups, photoluminescent lamps, and unique material explorations. New York Design Week, including ICFF and the Noho Design District, showcased American innovation and craftsmanship, with notable works from Uhuru and Lindsey Adelman, and a tribute exhibition for Tobias Wong. London Design Week featured diverse European designs, such as the 'Argonaut' collection by Greek designers and Kyuhyung Cho's experimental typography, alongside student projects from the RCA and eco-minded cardboard furniture startups, concluding the review with a look at cardboard's versatile applications. #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #DesignFestivals #MaterialInnovation #Upcycling #MidCenturyModern #DutchDesignWeek #BeijingDesignWeek #TokyoDesignWeek #ViennaDesignWeek #SaloneMilan #NewYorkDesignWeek #LondonDesignFestival #OpenSourceDesign #SustainableDesign

The WOW!house 2025, a significant interior design showcase held at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, is presented as a pop-up network of 22 distinct display rooms and outdoor spaces. This event, now in its fourth year, has become a prominent fixture for design enthusiasts and professionals globally, offering a glimpse into emerging interior design trends and prevailing themes. Each space within the showhouse is meticulously crafted by designers with established pedigrees, showcasing their individual design philosophies and theoretical attachments while demonstrating aesthetic refinement. Key highlights from the exhibition include the first-ever entrance courtyard by Alexander Hoyle, which features a classic English garden sensibility with architectural stonework by Artorious Faber. The facade, designed by Darren Price of Adam Architecture, exemplifies Georgian architectural principles through its scale, proportion, and symmetrical design. Victoria Davar of Maison Artefact created an opulent entrance hall, inspired by a modern-day Peggy Guggenheim, incorporating sculptural pieces by Cox London and other artisanal items. Chad Dorsey’s drawing room is envisioned as an Arts and Crafts space transformed into an exclusive social club, distinguished by floral wall coverings from Fromental. Staffan Tollgård’s study emphasizes both utility and decoration, featuring a monochromatic, moody atmosphere with wall coverings by Phillip Jeffries, designed to inspire contemplation. Alex Dauley’s media room is a lesson in textural layering, incorporating a Julian Chichester sofa, a custom Porta Romana lamp, and surround sound by Nucleus. Brigitta Spinocchia Freund’s ‘The Curators Room’ exclusively showcases work by women artists, with bespoke rug designs by Stark. Tomèf Design collaborated with Italian brands Fortuny, Bonacina, and Barovier&Toso; to create a primary bedroom celebrating Italian design, evoking the grandeur of Venetian palaces. The primary bathroom by 1508 London, sponsored by House of Rohl, balances practicality with aesthetics, featuring basins and a bath resulting from a collaboration between Victoria + Albert and Sophie-Elizabeth Thompson. Daniel Slowik’s morning room is a tribute to British art collector Richard Wallace, with furnishings sourced from dealers at the Treasure House Fair. Goddard Littlefair’s courtyard blends Andalusian, Moorish, and North African influences, featuring organic tones and outdoor fabrics by Perennials and Sutherland. Emma Sims-Hilditch’s courtyard room, a quintessential English country boot room/dog room, demonstrates the decorative potential of utilitarian spaces with Delft tiles and floral wallpaper. Alessandra Branca’s romantic bedroom is adorned with textiles and wallpapers from her Casa Branca brand’s new Srinagar collection. Laura Hammett’s bathroom celebrates the centenary of Art Deco, featuring an enormous vanity unit clad in Calacatta Oro marble by Ca’ Pietra and made by Ashton Bespoke, with taps from Samuel Heath. Kelly Hoppen’s living room focuses on light to create atmosphere, with lighting by Visual Comfort & Co. The library by Pirajean Lees is designed with acoustics in mind, promoting a relaxed listening experience with luxurious fabrics from Dedar. Nicola Harding’s powder room, a collaboration with Drummonds, showcases a bold approach to color and traditional English design with Bejmat tiles and a silk-tented ceiling. Peter Mikic’s dining room is a vibrant space with a retro inspiration, utilizing Benjamin Moore paints. Toni Black of Blacksheep designed a home bar with handmade joinery and furniture by Shepel’, aiming for a warm and welcoming atmosphere. James Thurstan Waterworth’s snug offers an eccentric, uncurated aesthetic, with artisan lighting by Hector Finch. The kitchen by Ben Penreath Studio is an “unfitted kitchen” designed to evoke a vast country house, built in collaboration with Lopen Joinery. Finally, Randle Siddeley’s garden terrace, in partnership with McKinnon and Harris, is an ultimate summer entertaining spot designed to inspire indoor-outdoor living. The WOW!house 2025 event runs until July 3rd, offering a unique opportunity to explore these diverse and expertly designed spaces. #WOWhouse2025 #InteriorDesign #DesignShowcase #LuxuryInteriors #ChelseaHarbour #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDecoration #EmergingTrends #DesignInspiration

Milan Design Week transforms the city into a global design hub, attracting attendees to both Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone. This year's event showcases a diverse range of installations, highlighting innovative approaches to design, lighting, and materiality. Atelier Biagetti, a recurring favorite at Fuorisalone, presents "The King," an exploration of obsessions inspired by Elvis Presley. Their installation reimagines a fantastical living room featuring "The King Sofa," a modular piece accompanied by guitar cases cleverly reinterpreted as tables with intricate Ravenna mosaics. This piece exemplifies their propensity for the impossible and their unique artistic vision. Ross Gardam, an Australian lighting designer, offers "Transcendence," an exhibit focused on the allure of illuminated glass. Gardam, known for creating meditative moods with his fixtures, demonstrates his broad talents and deep fascination with glass's ability to transcend physical boundaries. The installation promises a dynamic curation of luminaires, showcasing the material's unparalleled qualities. Giopato & Coombes, Treviso-based lighting masters, unveil "18 Pockets" after six years of dedicated research. This exhibit provides a glimpse into their creative process, highlighting the magical qualities of the immaterial. Their previous fixtures are transformed into 18 unique luminaires through a complex system of weight and balance, creating charming and poetic combinations. Galerie Philia's "Desacralized" exhibition takes place in a deconsecrated 11th-century Milanese church, fittingly exploring the theme of desacralization. Over 20 artists from the gallery's roster contribute to this unique setting. Notable pieces include Studiopepe's octagonal marble side table, inspired by Italian baptisteries, Kar Studio’s chair, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese Shang Dynasty script, and a monumental chandelier by Morghen Studio, designed to offer a transformative experience of light within the historic space. SolidNature returns with "Beyond the Surface," an OMA-designed installation that metaphorically connects quarrying stone with the act of dreaming across seven distinct rooms. A highlight is Sabine Marcelis’s lustrous table, an ombré glass coffee table anchored by impressive stone blocks, demonstrating her experimental approach to materials. Objects of Common Interest, composed of Eleni Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis, presents "Poikilos." Inspired by ancient Greek references to iridescence and insights from Romanian artisan Ovidiu Colea, their ethereal objects and tables with opalescent finishes and sinuous curves inject energy into the Nilufar Depot. Loewe Chairs, under Jonathan Anderson's direction, reinterprets chairs into distinctive totems through an emphasis on texture, personality, color, and weaving. The display integrates materials close to Loewe’s brand identity, such as leather and raffia, with unexpected techniques like incorporating thermal blankets, elevating the humble stick chair into a canvas for elaborate woven decoration. Suchi Reddy, founder of Reddymade Architecture and Design, collaborates with Lexus on "Shaped by Air," an installation focused on carbon neutrality. Visitors navigate a forest of Matisse-like forms to discover a life-sized interpretation of the Lexus Electrified Sport, designed to evoke the sensation of being shaped by air. Lastly, "Bar Flora" is a collaboration between Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Nick Ozemba, and Felicia Hung of In Common With. Building on their Flora Collection, which employs Venetian glassmaking techniques to mimic natural forms, this installation transforms Palinurobar into a floral oasis. It introduces two new additions, including a sandblasted amber colorway, further enhancing their partnership. Byredo, known for its unconventional approach to fragrance, showcases "Bal D’Afrique by Dozie Kanu." Founder Ben Gorham teamed with Portugal-based artist Dozie Kanu to capture the essence of the beloved fragrance through a showcase that merges Kanu's unique objects with photographic negatives from Adjoa Armah’s _saman archive_, creating a multi-sensory experience that extends beyond traditional perfumery. #MilanDesignWeek #DesignInstallations #Fuorisalone #LightingDesign #FurnitureDesign #MaterialInnovation #CollectibleDesign #ArtAndDesign