Salone del Mobile 2019: The Changing Face of Design in 9 Trends
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 (Milan, Italy, on April 9–14) presented countless reinterpretations of the current design zeitgeist and offered clues to the big shifts in thinking happening within the industry. Houzz editors were on the scene, and have picked out the most popular trends from the huge variety of exhibits – there were over 2,400 exhibitors from 43 countries – at this year’s edition. From colour and decor choices to minimalism’s step to the sidelines, here we present the most important trends rocking the design world this year.
This list highlights two emerging forces that are on their way to revolutionising the furniture design industry: Environmentally friendly materials and production systems are becoming increasingly central and visible in the industry; and 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: Environmentally friendly materials and production systems are becoming increasingly central and visible in the industry; and technology and furniture are being placed in ever-closer dialogue in the name of comfortable living.
The Cassina Perspective installation. Photo by Stefano De Monte.
1. No to Minimalism, Yes to 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. No to Minimalism, Yes to 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. Colours: 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.
2. Colours: 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.
Egg, Swan and Pot, armchairs by Fritz Hansen
Within each colour category, individual shades have been turning into 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, individual shades have been turning into 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
Chair: Oslo Side Chair by Anderssen & Voll for Muuto
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 – were featured on all kinds of furniture from accessories to upholstered pieces and bookcases. This is part of a larger trend towards warmer, cosier and more welcoming interiors in place of the colder living areas we saw a few years ago, which were dominated by muted and neutral colours.
Warm, earthy colours – ranging from ochre and mustard yellow to orange-red – were featured on all kinds of furniture from accessories to upholstered pieces and bookcases. This is part of a larger trend towards warmer, cosier and more welcoming interiors in place of the colder living areas we saw a few years ago, which were dominated by muted and neutral colours.
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 colours.
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 colours.
Chair: Elefy by Jaime Hayon for &Tradition
Sofa: Binario by Pinuccio Borgonovo for Flou
Forest green is also prominent this year: “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.
Forest green is also prominent this year: “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.
Small armchairs: Venus by Emmanuel Gallina for Porada
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.
Umbrella: Meteo by Kostantin Grcic for Kettal
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 flowers on neutral or multicoloured 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 flowers on neutral or multicoloured 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 of 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. 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 of 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. 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. Multifunctionality
Multifunctionality 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 could double as sound insulation. Another example was furniture retrofitted with electric wiring to double as a light source, reducing the overall number of items that have to be placed in a room.
4. Multifunctionality
Multifunctionality 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 could double as sound insulation. Another example was furniture retrofitted with electric wiring to double as a light source, reducing the overall number of items that have to be placed in a room.
Partition: Swing by Ron Gilad for Magis
Storage furniture: CCC Cube by Carlo Colombo for Navateo
Bookcase: Sailor by David Lopez Quincoces for Living Divani
5. More Modularity
This preference for multifunctionality may also be behind the continued popularity of modular furniture. This includes bookcases that can be placed next to one another; removable elements like shelves, drawers or fronts; and seats that can be downsized or expanded by adding or removing one element at a time.
5. More Modularity
This preference for multifunctionality may also be behind the continued popularity of modular furniture. This includes bookcases that can be placed next to one another; removable elements like shelves, drawers or fronts; and seats that can be downsized or expanded by adding or removing one element at a time.
Modular system: USM Furniture System Haller
Modular bookcase: Syil by Gallotti & Radice
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; 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 specific examples of this trend:
The Playful Living was a project presented at the 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 Milan Polytechnic University of Milan), The Playful Living is a model of a 1,615-square-foot (150-square-meter) apartment designed for changing lifestyles. Inside are interlocking furniture, eco-friendly materials like 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 well-being.”
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; 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 specific examples of this trend:
The Playful Living was a project presented at the 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 Milan Polytechnic University of Milan), The Playful Living is a model of a 1,615-square-foot (150-square-meter) apartment designed for changing lifestyles. Inside are interlocking furniture, eco-friendly materials like 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 well-being.”
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, say, “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, say, “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
For example, 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.
For example, 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.
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’s edition are 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%-natural version of their Componibile chest of drawers.
Italian architect and designer Fabio Novembre, likewise, presented his recycled – and recyclable – Ice-Dream seat series, which is 3D-printed from bioplastics, for brand Sammontana.
7. Bioplastic Is Catching On
One of the sustainable materials that stepped onto the scene in a big way at this year’s edition are 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%-natural version of their Componibile chest of drawers.
Italian architect and designer Fabio Novembre, likewise, presented his recycled – and recyclable – Ice-Dream seat series, which is 3D-printed from bioplastics, for brand Sammontana.
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 brand new finishes: 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 brand new finishes: 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
Armchair: Easy Chair by Jun Kamahara for Ritzwell. The metallic finish of the armrests was designed for a “vintage feel”
Sofa: Milano+ by De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazzi for Zanotta
Pendant light with sound-absorbing panels: Trypta by Stephen Burks for Luceplan
9. Human-Centric Lighting
Every two years, Salone del Mobile coincides the parallel Euroluce light fair. Like much of the furniture at Salone, lighting was presented as no longer solely as a technical instrument, but also a source of comfort. Hence we saw lighting incorporated into sound-absorption panels; 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 in an app; and the creation of Human Centric Lightning systems that take into account the individual needs and preferences of each user, 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.”
Tell us
If you enjoyed this story, like it, save it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
9. Human-Centric Lighting
Every two years, Salone del Mobile coincides the parallel Euroluce light fair. Like much of the furniture at Salone, lighting was presented as no longer solely as a technical instrument, but also a source of comfort. Hence we saw lighting incorporated into sound-absorption panels; 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 in an app; and the creation of Human Centric Lightning systems that take into account the individual needs and preferences of each user, 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.”
Tell us
If you enjoyed this story, like it, save it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
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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.