Set against in the stunning backdrop of the Palazzo Serbelloni is the biggest and one of the most anticipated annual events on the global design calendar, Salon de Mobile.
Here is a world platform where new product launches, home technology and breathtaking new designs take centre stage. Here is a glimpse into what we can expect to see hit Australian market this year.
New from Vitra design were reworked versions of the iconic Eames plywood chairs with seats newly available in dark pigmented walnut or natural ash timber. Metal bases are now able to be powder coated in black.
Also on show was a the Verner Panton chair, reimagined with a chrome finish and a colour update of the Maarten Van Severen Collection, with warm tones of mushroom and funky timber textures applied to classic furniture designs.
Fabulous lighting came from Raw-Edges Design Studio with their ‘Horah’ light – a rotating flower-like form fashioned using 30 molten glass screens to cast a soft glow and imbue a gentle movement into a space.
King Living launched their first ever lighting range – the Solifore range – designed together with long-time collaborator Sydney-based designer Charles Wilson, who comes out of the Local Design interior design hub founded by passionate Australian design advocate Emma Elizabeth.
Designed to stand together in a cluster or alone for a more minimal aesthetic, the lighting trio of floor lamps have distinctive hand-blown glass heads, designed to reflect the beautiful heads of flowers - Gymea, Protea and Arum lily, atop slim-line bronze stems of different heights. These stems morph into conical concrete bases, where the control mechanism delivers dimmable task illumination at the lightest touch. Due for immediate release in King Living stores across Australia.
Also coming out of Local Design was the breathtaking ‘Bloom’ cabinet - a collaboration between Sydney-based Australian designer Adam Goodrum, and Arthur Seigneur - a masterpiece in straw marquetry.
Part of Salon di Mobile is Eurocucina which focuses on the kitchen and didn’t disappoint with the launch of Smeg x Dolce Gabbana’s new major appliance collection to launch the show.
Major appliances continued to steal the show with Whirlpool have added a stunning ‘Sunset bronze’ and elegant ‘Black Stainless Steel’ finish to their refrigerator range – both looks are lust-worthy and can be styled to perfection with cabinetry and tapware.
The adoption of smart appliances continues to percolate into our daily lives, and big-name appliance companies are putting customer needs first, developing new technology to help appliances talk not only to us, but to one another as they tackle our everyday tasks. Functions such as voice control, integrated touch systems and home automation are all key initiatives, together with a continued focus on sustainability.
Whirlpool appliances now come with internet connectivity to access a bank of features and services, including hand-free voice interaction via Google Assistant, online recipes and, together with the 6th SENSE Live app remote control and customisable cooking modes and, performance optimisation.
Other innovations are microwaves that can bake or fry dishes with no additional oil.
“Increasingly, consumers are seeking out smart appliances that are easy to use and truly able to improve their standard of living. By helping consumers simplify household tasks, connected appliances can help take the stress out of daily life and give them more time to enjoy doing the things they love.” Says Liam Bryers, General Manager Marketing, Whirlpool Oceania
“Over the next few years, Whirlpool’s appliances will be seamlessly integrated with each other and into our connected homes and lives for a truly optimised experience, further enhanced in the future through innovative forms of voice interaction and connectivity”.
KitchenAid fans rejoice with the announcement they’re bringing major appliances to Australia this year, starting with their new ‘Sous Chef’ induction hobs and multifunction oven range, which incorporates a steam function.
The star of the show however must be award-winning architect and designer India Mahdavi, who’s colourful creations dotted more than one designer stage in Milan.
On our wishlist is her ‘Garden of Eden’ collection of rugs for luxury brand Golran1898. A stunning colour palette of earthy greens realised in unusually striking geometric shapes with jaggered edges around swirling patterns.
