11 Highlights From Stockholm Design Week 2025

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

Stockholm Design Week 2019, anchored by the Stockholm Furniture Fair (February 5-9), presented an array of exhibitions and installations that skillfully blended Swedish heritage, a commitment to sustainability, and the charm of village life with contemporary design. The event, held amid a snowy Stockholm, showcased numerous designers and studios, each contributing to a rich tapestry of Nordic aesthetics and innovative practices. Among the highlights was French designer Pauline Deltour's 'Rope Rug' for Hem. Deltour's meticulous process involved exploring 25 braiding techniques to create three distinct rug designs available in four modern tones: terracotta, seaweed, salt & pepper, and night blue. Produced in collaboration with Indian manufacturers, these rugs emphasize traditional craftsmanship and intricate dyeing, resulting in a rustic yet contemporary appeal. Note Design Studio, based in Stockholm, created the 'Snowtopped' installation for Tarkett, demonstrating the versatility of Tarkett’s sustainable vinyl flooring. This installation reimagined the Nordic landscape with layers of snowdrifts and dunes, showcasing the material's limitless possibilities beyond its functional use. The aim was to highlight the material's flexibility and adaptability in an unexpected way. Copenhagen-based Frama and Andreas Martin-Löf Arkitekter collaborated on 'Spatial Sensibilities.' This exhibition, located in a newly renovated architectural office overlooking the Riddarfjarden waterway, presented Frama’s minimalist designs and muted tones within a naturally lit modernist building. The setting offered a tranquil contrast to the bustling design week activities. Neri + Hu, the Chinese design duo, served as the guest of honor at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. Their site-specific installation, 'The Unfolding Village,' addressed the global issue of disappearing village cultures. Inspired by the alleyways and street life of clan-based villages, the structure, constructed from local timber, unfolded to reveal furniture designed by Neri + Hu, emphasizing the preservation of community and tradition. Färg & Blanche presented 'The Baker’s House' in an 1800s Swedish townhouse, which was the former home of co-founder Emma Marga Blanche’s great-great-grandfather. This personal exhibition featured new designs that referenced the Blanche family's historical Crispbread factory. The display included contributions from brands such as Petite Friture and Gärsnäs, merging personal history with modern design. Sight Unseen collaborated with Swedish brand Kasthall to showcase the capabilities of its new Rug Designer tool. The vibrant and graphic rug designs highlighted the bespoke potential of the digital service, allowing both designers and non-designers to experiment and create unique pieces. The inspiration for the designs subtly drew from the trompe l’oeil geometric patterns often seen on Milanese building facades. British architect David Chipperfield's product designs were featured in an exhibition displaying his work for brands like Alessi and e15. The exhibition also introduced new iterations of his ‘w102’ lamp for Wästberg, originally launched in brass, now available in a black steel finish and various configurations, including wall and floor mounts. The collaboration 'Sie Wohnen Hier' by Bukowskis x Magniberg brought together contemporary art and design from the auction house Bukowskis with textiles from Magniberg. The abstract showcase featured artful compositions, pairing oriental porcelain and cubist furniture with layered prints and textured surfaces, aiming to inspire design-led curiosity. Snøhetta's ‘s-1500’ chair for NCP reimagined Bendt Winge’s classic ‘R-48’ chair using recycled plastic waste from fish farming, including nets, ropes, and pipes. This exhibition at the fair highlighted the material and craft heritage of northern Norway and underscored Snøhetta's commitment to sustainability, encouraging other companies to rethink material repurposing. Claesson Koivisto Rune opened the Portal Bar in St. Eriksplan during Stockholm Design Week. This new space, owned by chef Klas Lindberg, hosted numerous events and featured interiors with murals by Jesper Waldensten, custom lighting by Wästberg, and furniture by Swedese, quickly becoming a central hub for social gatherings. Finally, Baux introduced 'Acoustic Pulp,' revolutionary acoustic tiles made from Swedish fir and pine trees, water, wheat bran, potato starch, plant wax, and fruit peels. This biodegradable, recyclable, lightweight, durable, and sound-absorbing material, originally developed for the coffin industry, showcases a true dedication to nature, with geometric patterns organically derived from the wheat content. These diverse presentations collectively underscored Stockholm Design Week's focus on innovation, heritage, and environmental responsibility. #StockholmDesignWeek #SwedishHeritage #SustainableDesign #NordicDesign #InteriorDesign #FurnitureFair #Craftsmanship #MaterialInnovation #ArchitecturalDesign

London Design Festival 2025, in its 23rd edition, showcases a diverse array of installations, exhibitions, and products across the city, emphasizing design's role beyond aesthetics in driving innovation and societal progress. Festival Director Ben Evans highlights the event's commitment to supporting the entire design ecosystem, from emerging talent to established brands, and showcasing London's creative energy. The festival includes numerous district-wide events and installations at leading institutions such as the V&A and the Design Museum. Key highlights include 'Material Matters' at Space House, returning for its fourth edition with new materials like Mycoworks' mycelium-based products and recycled PVB film from FILIE Materials. The Brompton Design District, curated by Alex Tieghi-Walker with the theme 'A Softer World,' invites new voices and unconventional formats, featuring designers like Charlotte Taylor and Tione Trice across non-traditional exhibition spaces. British designer Paul Cocksedge's 'What Nelsons Sees' at Trafalgar Square provides a unique perspective of the city through telescopic viewing portals. Lee Broom's 'Beacon' at the Southbank Centre is a site-specific light installation using upcycled glass fragments to reinterpret classic street lamps into a sculptural chandelier. Max Radford Gallery collaborates with Ercol, commissioning London-based designers to reimagine traditional wooden furniture using rejected parts, displayed at the Clerkenwell Fire Station. The David Collins Foundation presents 'Convergence' at The Lavery, an exhibition celebrating its 40th anniversary and founder David Collins' vision, featuring works by eleven artists and designers. Aram and EcoLattice offer a sustainable alternative to foam with 'Beyond Foam,' commissioning designers to create furniture using EcoLattice's 3D-printed recyclable elastomers. 'A Seat at the Table' by Design Everything is a mobile furniture exhibition travelling in a Luton van, hosting community events with pieces by emerging UK designers. Ceramicist Emma Louise Payne's 'The Objects we Live By' transforms her childhood home into an exhibition space, showcasing crafted design pieces integrated into daily life. Heirloom studio's 'Out of Orifice' explores objects designed for the human body, from medical to pleasurable. Design London Shoreditch debuts with three exhibitions focusing on workplace design, sustainability, and interior trends, featuring prominent designers and brands. 'Otl Aicher: The Legacy Archive' at Wiedemann Lampe offers a rare glimpse into the legendary designer's work, including classic posters and unique pieces for sale. Industrial designer Terence Woodgate and automotive engineer John Barnard collaborate on 'Lightness of Form,' a collection using carbon fibre displayed at Carpenters Workshop Gallery. Finally, 'Reconstructing Value' at the Bank of England Museum features a sculptural installation made from reclaimed banknotes, complementing an exhibition on the Bank's architectural evolution. #LondonDesignFestival #DesignExhibitions #InteriorDesign #MaterialInnovation #SustainableDesign #PublicArtInstallations #EmergingDesigners #FurnitureDesign #ArchitecturalEvolution

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

The 2015 Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair showcased a vibrant array of established brands and emerging talents, with a refreshed layout that enhanced the exhibitor experience. Guest of honor Ilse Crawford, founder of Studioilse, reimagined her South London studio within the fair's central meeting area, providing a space for visitors to explore the profound impact of design on daily life. Coinciding with the fair, Crawford unveiled her inaugural collaboration with IKEA, introducing an accessible collection of furniture, lighting, and smaller items, including cork tables, hanging lights, accessories, and a day bed. This collection was presented in the charming setting of Ett Hem, a historic Stockholm house that Studioilse had previously redesigned into a boutique hotel in 2012. Several promising designers from previous years demonstrated their evolution into established brands. Baux, for instance, made its debut in the main hall, introducing a new wall system developed in partnership with Stockholm-based Form Us With Love. A notable newcomer was Taiwanese brand NAKNAK, a Taichung-based manufacturer with extensive experience in producing metal components for other brands. NAKNAK launched its first in-house collection, collaborating with international designers like Kyuhyung Cho from Stockholm. Their powder-coated metal wire house numbers, designed by Cho and Erik Olovsson, garnered significant attention for their innovative design. The fair's annual Greenhouse exhibition, a platform dedicated to fostering emerging talent, was curated by Note Design Studio. Their mirrored pavilion ingeniously highlighted the work of several up-and-coming designers. Among these, Danish designers Pettersen & Hein captivated with their structurally dynamic light objects, while Glen Baghurst showcased his colored concrete tiles and a versatile movable chair. Adding to the fair's dynamic, established Swedish architects and Wallpaper* Design Award winners, Claesson Koivisto Rune, ventured into production with their new homeware company, 'Smaller Objects.' This new venture focuses on everyday design, offering a collection of household items ranging from cooling stone coasters to innovative herb pots. In parallel, the architects launched a bright light collection with Wästberg and a structural modular sofa and side table with Offecct. Danish design stalwarts and fellow Wallpaper* Design Award winners Carl Hansen & Søn introduced a double-sided tray table with collapsible legs and a removable tray, available in light oak and smoked oak veneers, which quickly became a customer favorite. On a larger, architectural scale, Spanish powerhouse Cosentino, known for its ultra-compact slab material Dekton, collaborated with Munich-based designer Steffen Kehrle. Kehrle crafted a small structure entirely from Dekton, creating an informal gathering space called 'House of Dekton,' which offered a serene escape from the bustling fairground. The fair also featured other notable pieces like the 'Ghost Chair' by Ingrid and Olle Wingård for Minus tio, the 'Tuann' red shelf by Shuang Liang, and new copper 'PH 3.5-2.5' table lights from Louis Poulsen, all contributing to the diverse and innovative displays at the 2015 Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair. #StockholmFurnitureFair #DesignExhibition #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #EmergingTalent #NordicDesign #InteriorDesign #Homeware #ProductInnovation

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

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

Stockholm Creative Edition, an independent design week established by Ulrika Kjellstöm Attar and Philippe Attar, showcases contemporary Swedish design from emerging and established artists and companies. This event, running through 29 September, contributes to Europe's dynamic design landscape, following Milan Design Week and 3 Days Of Design in Copenhagen. A central theme of the Stockholm Creative Edition is the innovative application of traditional Scandinavian materials: wood, glass, and metal. The various exhibitions, presentations, and workshops highlight both functional and futuristic interpretations of these classic elements. Monica Förster played a significant role in launching Subjective, a new brand founded by Ruben Schildt and Sebastian Schildt of Oxenstiernan restaurant. Initially, this collection, which includes plates, glasses, and tablecloths, was created for the Östermalm eatery. However, due to its success, it has now entered production. The items are crafted by local artisans with an emphasis on traditional methods and sustainability. Förster's notable contribution is the Babushka, a versatile glass container available in three sizes. Its lid is designed to function as a magnifying lens, enhancing the visual appeal of its contents, whether they are food items or decorative flowers. Glass is also prominently featured in the architectural design of Liljevalchs+, the recently completed extension of a beloved Stockholm museum. Architect Gert Wingårdh collaborated with potter and designer Ingegerd Råman to create the building's façade, which consists of a concrete wall embedded with 6,860 glass cups. This innovative solution ensures an ample flow of natural light into the interior. An exhibition at Liljevalchs+, running until 17 October, celebrates Råman's work, presenting a collection of unique glass vases that are the result of extensive experimentation with this material. In the realm of wood, Massproductions presents the Hercule, a coat-hanger made from oat or walnut. This piece, described as both playful and practical, is part of the exhibition 'Who Are You Hercule?' where the studio Specific Generic has reimagined it as an illustrated character. Designer Chris Martin noted that the product's shape often reminded people of an animal's nose or a human face, inspiring an installation that uses projections to animate illustrations by Patrik Mollwing. Asplund, a company known for promoting young Scandinavian designers since 1990, also features wood in its collection. Their Moci dining table showcases legs that gracefully connect with the tabletop, forming elegant curves and blending Swedish and Japanese design aesthetics. Creative director Sandra Adrian Asplund explains that the design was inspired by a coffee table created by Moa Sjöberg, which was seen at the Malmstens Linköping University graduate show. Metal is highlighted through Margarita Matiz Bergfeldt's Twilight, a wall-mounted candle-holder produced by Klong. Inspired by multigraph photography, which uses mirrors to multiply subjects, Bergfeldt aimed to achieve a similar effect with candlelight. The Twilight features metal surfaces in two finishes that amplify light, illuminating even the darkest areas of a home. This piece also serves as a vase. Metal is also a key component in office furniture, a sector where Swedish designers excel. Lammhults utilizes metal in its Corso Easy chair, a straightforward design based on a tubular metal structure and a leather or canvas seat, referencing Peter Andersson’s work. While designed for office environments, its rounded form allows it to be used in various settings. The chair is designed for disassembly and uses minimal materials, contributing to a lower environmental impact. #StockholmCreativeEdition #SwedishDesign #GlassDesign #WoodFurniture #MetalDesign #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #SustainableDesign #NordicCreativity

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

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

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

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 perception of Scandinavian design, particularly Swedish design, has long been synonymous with minimalism: functional, pared-back aesthetics characterized by blond wood and stark white walls. However, a noticeable shift is occurring in Stockholm, where a resurgence of more colorful, richly textured, and historically inspired design elements is challenging this established notion. This movement is reintroducing forgotten periods of Swedish design history, injecting vibrancy into contemporary spaces. One prominent example of this evolving aesthetic is the Stockholm design shop Layered, housed in a 500-year-old building. Unlike the minimalist stereotype, Layered features marble pillars, gold scalloped moldings, and walls painted in deep turquoise and salmon. The interior is adorned with antique fringed lamps, furniture upholstered in dusty pink and marine blue velvets, and surrealist carpeting. This eclectic mix signals a departure from the purely functional and highlights a return to more ornate styles. This shift draws inspiration from several historical Swedish design trends. The gilded opulence of the 18th-century court of King Gustav III, known as Gustavian gilt, is making a comeback. Another significant influence is Josef Frank, a textile designer celebrated for his wild textiles and individualistic spirit. Additionally, the “Swedish Grace” movement, an appealing pastiche of Nordic folk motifs and ornate craftsmanship that emerged concurrently with Art Deco, is gaining renewed attention. Swedish Grace furniture and ceramics garnered international acclaim at the 1925 Paris world's fair and were exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, only to be overshadowed by functionalism and mass production in the 1930s, largely due to the rise of companies like Ikea. Andrew Duncanson, owner of Modernity, a vintage furniture gallery in Stockholm, notes the change, recalling a time when Swedish interiors were predominantly “50 shades of white.” He observes a current progression toward color, luxurious fabrics, and unexpected objects, executed with a distinctly subdued Scandinavian sensibility that sets it apart from trends in other European design hubs. This unique maximalism can be seen in historical sites like the Royal Swedish Opera and King Gustav III’s Pavilion, which showcase Sweden’s subtle interpretation of French Rococo, and Ragnar Ostberg’s mosaicked City Hall, a testament to Swedish Grace. The enduring Stockholm boutique Svenskt Tenn, which has carried Josef Frank's designs since 1934, also plays a role in this reawakening. A pivotal moment for this new aesthetic was the opening of Ett Hem, a hotel designed by British decorator Ilse Crawford in collaboration with Jeanette Mix. This 12-room Art Nouveau townhouse blends traditional Scandinavian elements, such as handwoven wicker chairs and tiled kakelugen stoves, with truffle-colored velvet sofas, snow-white marble, and classic candelabras from the 400-year-old brass foundry Skultuna. The Haymarket by Scandic Hotel further exemplifies this trend. Designed by the Stockholm firm Koncept, this hotel, housed in a 1920s department store, features interiors that lean more towards a "Miami than Scandi" aesthetic, incorporating palace red carpets, Deco wallpaper, and a kaleidoscope of velvet. Malin Glemme, the owner of Layered and a local designer, expresses her intention to rebel against the city’s long-standing aversion to ornamentation. She believes that minimalism has been dominant for too long and that Swedes are now more interested in expressing their individuality through design. #ScandinavianDesign #SwedishDesign #Maximalism #InteriorDesign #GustavianGilt #JosefFrank #SwedishGrace #StockholmArchitecture #DesignTrends

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

Helsinki Design Week 2024, themed 'Underneath,' highlighted Finland's integral approach to design within everyday life, emphasizing a surge of progress driven by design innovation in the capital. The event, held from September 6 to 15, showcased a variety of design-related initiatives and developments across Helsinki. Beyond traditional trade fair exhibits, the week featured explorations of architectural landmarks, including new projects by notable architects like Steven Holl, alongside innovative urban developments such as a new hotel and headquarters predominantly constructed from wood for the forestry company Stora Enso. Discussions also revolved around the planned redevelopment of Helsinki's old harborfront into a new museum quarter, spearheaded by an architectural competition for a Museum of Design and Architecture. The event also served as a platform to introduce new creative directors of established Finnish design brands, signaling a vibrant and forward-looking design landscape. The article touches upon the broader Finnish societal context, noting the country's high ranking in global happiness surveys and highlighting unique social provisions such as free, state-funded hot meals for children under 16 during summer holidays, and an extensive underground tunnel system designed to shelter the entire urban population during a catastrophe, complete with essential services and amenities for three years. While acknowledging these remarkable social aspects, the piece also addresses the economic challenges facing Helsinki, particularly in its tourism sector due to geopolitical events and the impact on air travel, which has affected the city's role as an Asian transit hub. Despite these hurdles, a director from the digital design agency Reaktor explained Finland's agile transition from manufacturing to a technology-driven economy, positioning the country as a laboratory for brand development. Key highlights from Helsinki Design Week 2024 included a significant focus on education and research at Aalto University. The university, formed by the merger of business, technology, and design institutions, inaugurated a new building dedicated to AI, augmented reality, brain research, and communication. Its 'Designs for a Cooler Planet' exhibition showcased student work on sustainable solutions, such as textiles made from recycled banknotes, alternative packaging, and wood-based sequins, underscoring the university's role as a future-oriented research hub. Iittala, under its new creative director Janni Vepsäläinen, presented a captivating 'Kaamos' exhibition, featuring ten monumental glass sculptures that explored the interplay of light and glass, celebrating the brand's heritage while embracing a dynamic future. The Helsinki Design Museum, recently merged with the Museum of Finnish Architecture, hosted 'FIX: Care and Repair,' an exhibition that thoughtfully examined the cultural impact of maintenance and repair on belongings and buildings, coinciding with plans for a major new design and architecture museum. Further enriching the design week was the Finnish Design Shop's launch of its own-brand collection, 'Pelata,' celebrating its 20th anniversary with a range of playful wooden objects for children and adults, emphasizing engagement over mere aesthetics. The Habitare trade fair, while primarily serving the Finnish market, showcased emerging talents like Myceen, which explores mycelium as a building material, and Teemu Vidgren, who reinterprets traditional Finnish vernacular objects. Lastly, the upcoming Ruoholati Playground, a collaboration between children's author Linda Liukas and Helsinki's chief design officer Hanna Harris, was introduced as the world's first computer-themed playground. This innovative space aims to demystify digital culture for children through interactive play, aligning with Alvar Aalto's philosophy of learning through engagement. #HelsinkiDesignWeek #FinnishDesign #DesignInnovation #SustainableDesign #AaltoUniversity #Iittala #HelsinkiDesignMuseum #UrbanDevelopment #PlaygroundDesign #Architecture

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 Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building), offering a comprehensive experience for enthusiasts of interiors, home decor, architecture, technology, and art. The event, held in January 2026, features immersive environments, insights from celebrity designers, presentations by local and international brands, and innovative installations. It commences with an Opening Night party, transforming the show floor into a stylish lounge with live performances and DJ sets, marking the official start of Toronto Design Week. One of the main attractions is the "How We Work" feature, which explores the future of productivity through narrative-driven, cinematic environments. Collaborative design teams, including Ste. Marie x Moooi and 3H + Syllable Design, present installations that investigate the impact of workspaces on creativity, focus, and wellbeing. A notable exhibit within this section is the "Pomodoro" installation by BDP Quadrangle, which provides a physical interpretation of productivity cycles using light and texture. The Central Bar at IDS, named "Field of Interaction," serves as an interactive art installation created by Yury Goncharov and Alina Tacmelova. This space combines cocktail service with artistic engagement, featuring floating threads symbolizing human connection and a large "social rock" bar that allows guests to experience art from within. The show also highlights "Colour Drenching," a major trend emphasizing bold, saturated hues. Benjamin Moore showcases its 2026 Colour of the Year, Silhouette AF-655, a charcoal-plum shade, demonstrating how confident, monochromatic aesthetics can be integrated into home environments through brands like Hollis + Morris. The event features a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Canadian design figures such as Tommy Smythe, Brian Gluckstein, and Colette van den Thillart. International design icons, including Yves Béhar of Uber's founding team, Eames Demetrios, and architect Tatiana Bilbao, also contribute to the program. A keynote address titled “Rethinking AI’s Impact on the Business of Design” explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the design industry. IKEA Canada returns to IDS with a 600 sq ft immersive kitchen experience. This exhibit demonstrates practical and affordable world-class design solutions, showcasing a main kitchen, a hidden prep kitchen, a dining area, and a walk-in pantry. Another highlight is ILLUMINATE, a new feature curated by ThinkL Lighting Studio. This immersive "tunnel of light" combines art, technology, and design, presenting innovative lighting solutions from brands such as Anony and Delta Light. IDS also introduces the Furniture Forecast, a debut gallery-style showcase curated by Azure Magazine. This feature highlights the year's most exciting design innovations, including the Canadian premiere of works from international brands like Moooi, HAY, and SEM Milano. It provides an exclusive look at groundbreaking products such as Yves Béhar’s modular Peaks Sofa and Nicholas Baker’s Haybale Lounge Chair, emphasizing sustainable materials and contemporary silhouettes. Additionally, Atriani presents its evolving artistic direction, featuring rich, moody hues like terracotta and burgundy with deeply textured fabrics. Their booth showcases the debut of the Ottagono Coffee Table set and the Tuscano Chair, alongside updated versions of their core collection, like the Cielo Arm Chair, coinciding with the opening of their second Toronto showroom. #IDSToronto #InteriorDesignShow #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #Architecture #InteractiveArt #DesignInnovation #TorontoEvents #DesignWeek