Living Interiors Director Steve Berengo has just returned from Salone del Mobile 2023 in Milano. Each year, Europe’s most anticipated furniture and living fair is a highlight of the calendar. This year, Steven reflects on the latest trends, catching up with our exclusive suppliers, the highlight events of the fair, and of course, the best parties!

HQ: Looked like the fair didn’t disappoint! What were your impressions of the latest trends, and how did they compare to last year?

Steve: I really noticed new coloured marble and natural stone, which was an extension of last year’s trend towards more natural materials and textures, and from a colour point of view, alongside the natural trend, more earthy tones. 

This year, there was a real focus on using recycled materials in products, particularly wall claddings - this is a trend that isn’t going anywhere. 

There was also a unique softness to the design, with more round and curved pieces to create more subtle lines - stunning. 

I also noticed that designers were including more flexibility or customisation available with finishes and sizes of furniture, which for our clients, is an important consideration.

HQ: We love seeing how the designers showcase their products at Salone. Did you have a favourite stand?

Steve: Gallotti&Radice I think takes the cake again. They have raised the bar even further by extending the colour pallets with earthy tones along with some new lacquer finishes and natural stones to showcase the extremely high quality of their products.

Desiree also had an impressive display with some fantastic new pieces along with a complete new range of fabrics to further extend their finishing selections. They collaborated with the son of the infamous Carlo Scarpa - Tobia Scarpa with a dining table 'Ciacola' meaning having a chat in the Venetian dialect (Scarpa is from Venice) along with a folding solid walnut dining chair to match the walnut base of the table.

HQ: Apart from the fairgrounds, Milan really puts on a show as it welcomes visitors all over the world. What was your favourite event outside of the fair?

Steve: The Euroluce (held every two years) had a wow factor. Many leading lighting brands showcased their products in an incredible way. Barovier&Toso did an incredible job displaying their new collections.

The city was buzzing with many Fuori Salone (fair events taking place outside of the showgrounds)  events. Attending the V Zug X Habitus Living 'Circle of Design' held in Museo Poldi Pezzoli was a great opportunity to catch up with Australians in the industry. The privately owned museum was mind blowing with its character and charm. Phenomenal!

HQ: Our favourite question each year….what was the best party??

Steve: Euromobil - a night where Marc Sadler the designer of the model SEI kitchen and also various Desiree pieces was the special guest speaker. However, the vibe of the outdoor courtyard in the centre of Milano, drinking Prosecco and Spritz Aperol along with some risotto alla milanese was a night to remember!

Zalf was also special with the Inter Milan players in attendance and the aperitivo located on the street. Zalf did a colab with the Inter Milan soccer team, and hifi brand Hisense. 

We can’t wait for next year!

Friday 24 June, 2022

Report: Salone del Mobile 2023