Salone del Mobile 2019: What's Hot for Singapore Retailers
Singapore's takeaway from the international fair focuses on small spaces and timeless looks
You’ve read about the big trends from the Milan’s Salone del Mobile, but some of them may not particularly click with our tropical heat, space-starved homes and conservative tastes. Case in point: how much floral pattern can a shoebox apartment take?
Thankfully, the creative – and discerning – minds behind local retailers such as P5 Studio, Space Furniture and W. Atelier know what we’re looking for, and had their eyes peeled during the fair. Here’s what they think Singapore homeowners will want from Salone del Mobile 2019:
Thankfully, the creative – and discerning – minds behind local retailers such as P5 Studio, Space Furniture and W. Atelier know what we’re looking for, and had their eyes peeled during the fair. Here’s what they think Singapore homeowners will want from Salone del Mobile 2019:
Taiki sofa by Lema; from W. Atelier Pte Ltd
Jewel tones
“The colours of lighter woods like walnut and cherry wood combined with bronze accents and colours of orange, green, and earthy tones stood out for me at Lema,” says Edward Ho, Senior Business Development Manager at W. Atelier.
“I think that for Singapore, the above palette of colours appeal even though our climate is tropical, as we all depend on air conditioning in our homes, so it’s possible to recreate a make-believe world with these warmer tones and textures,” says Ho.
Jewel tones
“The colours of lighter woods like walnut and cherry wood combined with bronze accents and colours of orange, green, and earthy tones stood out for me at Lema,” says Edward Ho, Senior Business Development Manager at W. Atelier.
“I think that for Singapore, the above palette of colours appeal even though our climate is tropical, as we all depend on air conditioning in our homes, so it’s possible to recreate a make-believe world with these warmer tones and textures,” says Ho.
Code by Poliform; from SPACE Singapore
For Leonie Evans, Space Group’s Visual Merchandising Manager, the colour palettes featuring Burgundy, Natural and Neutrals continued to stand out this year.
For Leonie Evans, Space Group’s Visual Merchandising Manager, the colour palettes featuring Burgundy, Natural and Neutrals continued to stand out this year.
LT40 Day System by Lema; from W. Atelier Pte Ltd
Ho says that these darker jewel tones allow for “more play in the home too. Furniture design follows fashion and you can see a lot of cross collaborations between the fashion world and the furniture design realm.”
Dress Your Home in Your Fave Fashion Label from Milan Design Week
Ho says that these darker jewel tones allow for “more play in the home too. Furniture design follows fashion and you can see a lot of cross collaborations between the fashion world and the furniture design realm.”
Dress Your Home in Your Fave Fashion Label from Milan Design Week
Fritz Hansen at Salone del Mobile 2019; from W. Atelier Pte Ltd
Throwback to the 70s
“Trend-wise, I saw a return to the 70s, almost retro,” says Ho. “Classic lines were predominant because of the slower economic climate, in the collections of Lema, Zanotta and Fritz Hansen (pictured above).”
Throwback to the 70s
“Trend-wise, I saw a return to the 70s, almost retro,” says Ho. “Classic lines were predominant because of the slower economic climate, in the collections of Lema, Zanotta and Fritz Hansen (pictured above).”
Cotone sofa by Bourollec Brothers for Cassina; from SPACE Singapore
Rich textures
“The texture of fabrics continued to stand out this year in the Salone with the use of new rich velvet,” says Evans.
“I also saw a lot of textures, like tweeds and velvet. [This works with] a luxurious palette of colours, with bronze and gold accents on lights, furniture and accessories around,” says Ho.
Rich textures
“The texture of fabrics continued to stand out this year in the Salone with the use of new rich velvet,” says Evans.
“I also saw a lot of textures, like tweeds and velvet. [This works with] a luxurious palette of colours, with bronze and gold accents on lights, furniture and accessories around,” says Ho.
Surf sofa setting by Molteni&C; from P5 Studio Pte Ltd
Curves ahead
“Another stand-out trend is that we’re seeing rounder shaped furniture in sofas, tables, and armchairs,” says Neo. The softer silhouettes definitely match the softer pastel palettes.
Curves ahead
“Another stand-out trend is that we’re seeing rounder shaped furniture in sofas, tables, and armchairs,” says Neo. The softer silhouettes definitely match the softer pastel palettes.
Limes New sofa by Saba; from P5 Studio Pte Ltd
“I think the [curvy] Saba collection in particular – the Voyage and Rendezvous sofas – will appeal to Singapore homeowners because they come in a myriad configurations fit for smaller homes and are shallower (80-82 centimetre depths) when compared to other Italian sofas,” says Neo.
He adds: “Despite this year’s [popular] pastel colour scheme, Saba also has more conventional colours like cognac and black catering to more conservative Singaporeans.”
“I think the [curvy] Saba collection in particular – the Voyage and Rendezvous sofas – will appeal to Singapore homeowners because they come in a myriad configurations fit for smaller homes and are shallower (80-82 centimetre depths) when compared to other Italian sofas,” says Neo.
He adds: “Despite this year’s [popular] pastel colour scheme, Saba also has more conventional colours like cognac and black catering to more conservative Singaporeans.”
Tesaurus by Maxalto; from SPACE Singapore
Whether curves or streamlined silhouettes, Evans also spotted: “More marble and wood options for the tables and side tables”.
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Whether curves or streamlined silhouettes, Evans also spotted: “More marble and wood options for the tables and side tables”.
Tell us
Which trend or look can you see in your home? If you enjoyed this story, like it, save it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
Pretty pastels
Soft powdery hues have been favoured by Singapore homes in the past year, and this look will only get more popular with the infusion of new designs from the 2019 fair. “The trend that stood out for me at Salone were the pastel colours on furniture. Also some of the booths were reminiscent of both the Art Deco era and 80s Southwestern design in the US [in terms of colour schemes],” notes Rayner Neo, General Manager of P5 Studio.