9 Must-Know Trends From the 2019 Milan Furniture Fair
Minimalism is out, Bauhaus is in, and sustainability is finally here. See what's new at this year's Salone del Mobile
Antonia Solari
20 April 2019
This year’s Salone del Mobile fair (also known as the Milan Furniture Fair and held in Italy from 9 to 14 April 2019) presented countless reinterpretations of the current design Zeitgeist and offered clues to the shifts in thinking that are happening within the industry. Houzz editors were on the scene, and have picked out the nine most popular trends from the 2,400 exhibits.
This list highlights two emerging forces that are on their way to revolutionising the furniture design industry. First, environmentally friendly materials and production systems are becoming increasingly central and visible in the industry. And second, technology and furniture are being placed in ever-closer dialogue in the name of comfortable living.
This list highlights two emerging forces that are on their way to revolutionising the furniture design industry. First, environmentally friendly materials and production systems are becoming increasingly central and visible in the industry. And second, technology and furniture are being placed in ever-closer dialogue in the name of comfortable living.
The Cassina Perspective installation; image by Stefano De Monte
1. Goodbye minimalism, hello colour and geometry
It seems that subdued ambiences, monotone palettes and pieces made of single, continuous materials are now stepping aside in favour of the clean geometries and extreme functionality of Bauhaus interiors. Also reappearing is Bauhaus’ tendency to mix and match contrasting primary colours to create bold spaces with lots of character.
1. Goodbye minimalism, hello colour and geometry
It seems that subdued ambiences, monotone palettes and pieces made of single, continuous materials are now stepping aside in favour of the clean geometries and extreme functionality of Bauhaus interiors. Also reappearing is Bauhaus’ tendency to mix and match contrasting primary colours to create bold spaces with lots of character.
Wall storage unit: System, by Piero Lissoni for Porro
2. Colors: blue, green and earth tones
There are three main colour protagonists this year: blue, green and earth tones. These appeared in upholstered pieces, varnished furniture and interior finishes.
7 Colour Trends You’ll Love in 2019 From Maison & Objet in Paris
2. Colors: blue, green and earth tones
There are three main colour protagonists this year: blue, green and earth tones. These appeared in upholstered pieces, varnished furniture and interior finishes.
7 Colour Trends You’ll Love in 2019 From Maison & Objet in Paris
Egg, Swan and Pot armchairs by Fritz Hansen
Within each colour category, certain shades are emerging as the heroes. This was true, for example, of Fritz Hansen’s product launches this year. Kalina Kalarus, European marketing coordinator at Fritz Hansen, says: “Midnight blue and mustard yellow are our colours for this year, and we’ve used them for both new products and relaunches of models from the past”.
Within each colour category, certain shades are emerging as the heroes. This was true, for example, of Fritz Hansen’s product launches this year. Kalina Kalarus, European marketing coordinator at Fritz Hansen, says: “Midnight blue and mustard yellow are our colours for this year, and we’ve used them for both new products and relaunches of models from the past”.
Bed: Lovy Bed by Sergio Bicego for Bonaldo
Sofa: Taiki Sofa by Chiara Andreatti for Lema
Clothes Racks: Parentesi by Fabrice Berrux for Bonaldo
Warm, earthy colours – ranging from ochre and mustard yellow to orange-red – featured in a variety of pieces, from accessories and upholstered furniture to bookcases. This is part of a bigger trend towards warmer and more welcoming interiors in place of the colder living areas we’ve seen over the past few years where muted and neutral colours dominated.
Elegance is Back! 9 Trends for 2019 From Maison & Objet in France
Warm, earthy colours – ranging from ochre and mustard yellow to orange-red – featured in a variety of pieces, from accessories and upholstered furniture to bookcases. This is part of a bigger trend towards warmer and more welcoming interiors in place of the colder living areas we’ve seen over the past few years where muted and neutral colours dominated.
Elegance is Back! 9 Trends for 2019 From Maison & Objet in France
Wall system: LT40 by David Lopez Quincoces for Lema
Chairs: Copa by Ramos & Bassols for Viccarbe
Chairs: Briscola by Pinuccio Borgonovo for Natevo
Designers are continuing to use green, last year’s iconic colour, often in shades of sage and other tones that are easy to match with other hues.
Designers are continuing to use green, last year’s iconic colour, often in shades of sage and other tones that are easy to match with other hues.
Sofa: Binario by Pinuccio Borgonovo for Flou
Forest green has emerged as the dominant shade of this natural hue: “Forest green and pumpkin orange brushstrokes: these are the colours that serve as the foundation of our 2019 collection,” reads Flou’s official press release.
Botanic Green, Meant to be Seen
Forest green has emerged as the dominant shade of this natural hue: “Forest green and pumpkin orange brushstrokes: these are the colours that serve as the foundation of our 2019 collection,” reads Flou’s official press release.
Botanic Green, Meant to be Seen
Umbrella: Meteo by Kostantin Grcic for Kettal
In part, the pull of nature is another reason for the centrality of green tones this year. As discussed below, the influence of the natural world was felt throughout the fair in everything from colour and pattern to sustainable materials and processes.
In part, the pull of nature is another reason for the centrality of green tones this year. As discussed below, the influence of the natural world was felt throughout the fair in everything from colour and pattern to sustainable materials and processes.
Chair: S Chair Brocade by Tom Dixon for Cappellini
3. Floral decor
Nature was also the muse for this year’s prints. Patterns at this year’s fair were predominantly florals on neutral or multi-coloured backgrounds, in an intensification of a trend we’ve followed for several years now.
3. Floral decor
Nature was also the muse for this year’s prints. Patterns at this year’s fair were predominantly florals on neutral or multi-coloured backgrounds, in an intensification of a trend we’ve followed for several years now.
Sofa: Josh by Edward van Vliet for Moroso, photo by Alessandro Paderni
Edward van Vliet, the designer behind the Josh sofa from Moroso, explains why, of all the available upholstery options for this piece, he chose a floral pattern for the Salone display. “When I design a piece of furniture, especially if it is upholstered, I immediately think about the fabric that I would like to use,” says van Vliet. “The strength of a floral pattern is that it includes every colour. This is precisely why it is easy to combine a floral fabric with any piece of monotone furniture, making it possible to create millions of different combinations.”
Edward van Vliet, the designer behind the Josh sofa from Moroso, explains why, of all the available upholstery options for this piece, he chose a floral pattern for the Salone display. “When I design a piece of furniture, especially if it is upholstered, I immediately think about the fabric that I would like to use,” says van Vliet. “The strength of a floral pattern is that it includes every colour. This is precisely why it is easy to combine a floral fabric with any piece of monotone furniture, making it possible to create millions of different combinations.”
Partition: Paravan Mood by Lievore Altherr for Arper
4. Multi-functionality
Multi-functionality is another aspect of the Bauhaus spirit that is showing up this year. We saw partitions and moveable walls that not only divided spaces but were also fitted with sound-absorbing panels so they doubled as sound insulation. Another example was furniture retrofitted with electric wiring to double as a light source, reducing the overall number of items that need to be placed in a room.
4. Multi-functionality
Multi-functionality is another aspect of the Bauhaus spirit that is showing up this year. We saw partitions and moveable walls that not only divided spaces but were also fitted with sound-absorbing panels so they doubled as sound insulation. Another example was furniture retrofitted with electric wiring to double as a light source, reducing the overall number of items that need to be placed in a room.
Partition: Swing by Ron Gilad for Magis
Bookcase: Sailor by David Lopez Quincoces for Living Divani
5. More modularity
This preference for multi-functionality may also be behind the continued popularity of modular furniture. This includes bookcases that can be placed next to one another; removable joinery elements such as shelves, drawers or cupboard fronts; and seats that can be downsized or upsized by adding or removing one element at a time.
Expert Eye: The Biggest Trends in European Design for 2019
5. More modularity
This preference for multi-functionality may also be behind the continued popularity of modular furniture. This includes bookcases that can be placed next to one another; removable joinery elements such as shelves, drawers or cupboard fronts; and seats that can be downsized or upsized by adding or removing one element at a time.
Expert Eye: The Biggest Trends in European Design for 2019
Modular system: USM Furniture System Haller
The Playful Living by Marta Meda
6. A conscious approach
As we also saw at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair earlier this year, sustainability is no longer just an advertising claim. Instead, it is turning into a complete process, a 360-degree vision to limit the environmental impact of design, and transition to a new style of living. Here are three examples of this trend:
The Playful Living was a project presented at FuoriSalone, the city-wide design fair that picks up on the themes of Salone in venues throughout Milan. Developed in partnership with CILAB (the research laboratory of the Polytechnic University of Milan), The Playful Living is a model of a 150-square-metre apartment designed for changing lifestyles. Inside are interlocking furniture pieces, eco-friendly materials such as fabrics made of recycled plastic and FSC-certified wood, and engaging colour palettes.
Marta Meda, who directed the project, says, “It is a home for everyone in a family that needs flexible spaces, where one can both work and live with small children. Natural materials are favoured, and we have also included air purifiers to guarantee high-quality air and living for overall wellbeing”.
6. A conscious approach
As we also saw at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair earlier this year, sustainability is no longer just an advertising claim. Instead, it is turning into a complete process, a 360-degree vision to limit the environmental impact of design, and transition to a new style of living. Here are three examples of this trend:
The Playful Living was a project presented at FuoriSalone, the city-wide design fair that picks up on the themes of Salone in venues throughout Milan. Developed in partnership with CILAB (the research laboratory of the Polytechnic University of Milan), The Playful Living is a model of a 150-square-metre apartment designed for changing lifestyles. Inside are interlocking furniture pieces, eco-friendly materials such as fabrics made of recycled plastic and FSC-certified wood, and engaging colour palettes.
Marta Meda, who directed the project, says, “It is a home for everyone in a family that needs flexible spaces, where one can both work and live with small children. Natural materials are favoured, and we have also included air purifiers to guarantee high-quality air and living for overall wellbeing”.
Scandia Nett lounge chair by Fjordfiesta, part of the Join project by Norwegian Presence, photo by Trine Hisdal
Another example of sustainability taken seriously was the Join exhibition by Norwegian Presence, which presented 21 sustainable projects by Norwegian designers and artists. Jannike Kråvik and Alessandro D’Orazio, curators of the exhibition, ask, “Why should we design a new thing? In addition to aesthetics, which is important of course, the object must have value in terms of materiality or durability. The items we have chosen must give something in return through longevity, decomposability or in the way in which they are produced”.
Another example of sustainability taken seriously was the Join exhibition by Norwegian Presence, which presented 21 sustainable projects by Norwegian designers and artists. Jannike Kråvik and Alessandro D’Orazio, curators of the exhibition, ask, “Why should we design a new thing? In addition to aesthetics, which is important of course, the object must have value in terms of materiality or durability. The items we have chosen must give something in return through longevity, decomposability or in the way in which they are produced”.
Chair: Halo by Studio Philipp Hainke
Finally, the Halo chair, developed by Philipp Hainke for his Organico research project, has a seat made out of hemp and casein. Halo won second prize at the Salone Satellite Awards, which honour outstanding work by young designers.
10 Trends for 2019 You Need to Know From Maison & Objet in Paris
Finally, the Halo chair, developed by Philipp Hainke for his Organico research project, has a seat made out of hemp and casein. Halo won second prize at the Salone Satellite Awards, which honour outstanding work by young designers.
10 Trends for 2019 You Need to Know From Maison & Objet in Paris
Bioplastic chests of drawers: Componibile by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell
7. Bioplastic is catching on
One of the sustainable materials that stepped onto the scene in a big way at this year was bioplastics – or plastics made out of renewable resources. These appeared in the exhibits of several major brands.
Kartell used a bioplastic from Bio-On in the second 100-percent-natural version of its Componibile chest of drawers.
Likewise, international design brand Fabio Novembre presented its recycled – and recyclable – Ice-Dream seat series, which is 3D-printed from bioplastics.
7. Bioplastic is catching on
One of the sustainable materials that stepped onto the scene in a big way at this year was bioplastics – or plastics made out of renewable resources. These appeared in the exhibits of several major brands.
Kartell used a bioplastic from Bio-On in the second 100-percent-natural version of its Componibile chest of drawers.
Likewise, international design brand Fabio Novembre presented its recycled – and recyclable – Ice-Dream seat series, which is 3D-printed from bioplastics.
Armchairs: Ice-Dream by Fabio Novembre for Sammontana
Conifera, installation by Mamou-Mani for Cos, made out of bioplastic bricks
Table: Smalto by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Knoll
8. New finishes
Bioplastic was not the only new material debuted at the fair. Special attention was given to new finishes. These ranged from the enamelled steel we saw on Knoll’s Smalto table to Lago’s XGlass finish, in which wood, marble or fabric-effect patterns are printed onto glass.
We also saw finishes that are usually employed in flooring adopted in furniture: concrete textures on tables; stoneware, porcelains and resins on bookshelves.
8. New finishes
Bioplastic was not the only new material debuted at the fair. Special attention was given to new finishes. These ranged from the enamelled steel we saw on Knoll’s Smalto table to Lago’s XGlass finish, in which wood, marble or fabric-effect patterns are printed onto glass.
We also saw finishes that are usually employed in flooring adopted in furniture: concrete textures on tables; stoneware, porcelains and resins on bookshelves.
Cabinets with doors featuring XGlass, with a fabric finish: Home Couture by Lago
Pendant light with sound-absorbing panels: Trypta by Stephen Burks for Luceplan
9. Human-centric lighting
Every two years, Salone del Mobile coincides with the parallel Euroluce light fair. Like much of the furniture at Salone, lighting at Euroluce was no longer solely presented as a technical instrument, but also as a source of comfort.
Hence, we saw lighting incorporated into sound-absorption panels, and smart lights where the ‘temperature’ of the light – ranging from warm, which is calming; to cool, which boosts one’s ability to focus – can be selected from an app. We also saw the creation of human-centric lightning systems that take into account the individual needs and preferences of each user, their circadian rhythms and geography.
There was a lot to take in at the 2019 edition of Salone del Mobile, and visitors will probably interpret things differently. But in the end, it can perhaps be summed up with the words of Danish designer Johannes Torpe: “Trends in the design industry, like those in the fashion industry, change from season to season, but I think, when it comes to furniture, we should choose what is simple. My personal opinion is that form should respond to the demand for quality and durability”.
9. Human-centric lighting
Every two years, Salone del Mobile coincides with the parallel Euroluce light fair. Like much of the furniture at Salone, lighting at Euroluce was no longer solely presented as a technical instrument, but also as a source of comfort.
Hence, we saw lighting incorporated into sound-absorption panels, and smart lights where the ‘temperature’ of the light – ranging from warm, which is calming; to cool, which boosts one’s ability to focus – can be selected from an app. We also saw the creation of human-centric lightning systems that take into account the individual needs and preferences of each user, their circadian rhythms and geography.
There was a lot to take in at the 2019 edition of Salone del Mobile, and visitors will probably interpret things differently. But in the end, it can perhaps be summed up with the words of Danish designer Johannes Torpe: “Trends in the design industry, like those in the fashion industry, change from season to season, but I think, when it comes to furniture, we should choose what is simple. My personal opinion is that form should respond to the demand for quality and durability”.
Armchair: Easy Chair by Jun Kamahara for Ritzwell. The metallic finish of the armrests was designed for a ‘vintage feel’
Tell us
Which of these trends would you like to see make its way here from Milan? Tell us in the Comments and don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want to know which other trends you can look forward to? Don’t miss Future Trends: What Our Kitchens Will Look Like in 25 Years
Tell us
Which of these trends would you like to see make its way here from Milan? Tell us in the Comments and don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want to know which other trends you can look forward to? Don’t miss Future Trends: What Our Kitchens Will Look Like in 25 Years
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Looks like a very interesting show! most of the stuff was awesome!
None of this furniture looks at all comfortable or enduring. I dislike fads and trends. Prefer wooden furniture over bioplastic(? What is that and how do I recycle it in my household recycling bin or do I put it into my compost bin?) Wood is naturally sustainable, enduring and stores carbon. Prefer natural textiles eg cotton, wool, linen, leather etc. and where are all the plants to clean the air and provide oxygen? The only items of interest to me are the sound proofing panels on the lights - an original and useful idea.