From 8th – 13th April 2014 Milan held the international furniture fair Salone del Mobile for the 53rd time, which presented new trends in furniture, kitchen and kitchen appliances, bathroom, garden furniture as well as the ideas of young designers at the Salone Satellite fair.
357.212 visitors from around the world had the opportunity to see the design and technological achievements which are largely determined by the economic situation in Europe. Retro styles from the period of the 40s to the 60s of the last century, mixing classic styles in simplified forms, return to the countryside and ecology are the main characteristics of spatial planning. Natural materials are dominant – marble and wood, and metal and glass. Whether it is a rustic, industrial or refined atmosphere, smooth or embossed surfaces, and wood is the most prominent material this season. Among the most popular metals are copper and matte painted metals. The glass is tinted in brown, orange or bluish hues, but rarely completely transparent. There are also many composite materials that are most commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms. They visually imitate wood, copper, marble, cement. Matte effect is totally dominated and it was a rarity to see the details in high gloss.
The dominant shades of colors range from light to dark gray and light to dark brown. Details are in subdued shades of vibrant colors like orange-pink, orchid, petroleum blue, grass green, red or yellow.
The selection of fabrics is very diverse, from sprayed samples to striped, checkered, pepita patterns. There are also small geometric patterns and the chesterfield pattern. Abstract patterns and representations of insects and animals were often part of the garden furniture.
Mixing materials, colors and styles is very expressive in this season. The element of furniture is no longer just part of the whole, but it has its own story and its own expression through play of materials, shapes and details.
The greenery is still the most important decorative element, whether it be on the outer or inner space. The lamps are very voluminous, but often composed of a series of small, identical elements. This particularly applies to the ceiling lighting. The lamps are very simple, geometric, but very decorative. LED lighting of all the rooms is integrated into the furniture in very creative ways.
The living room is a space where you feel sophisticated with simplified luxury or go back into the past through the retro styles. Sofas are cushioned, very soft form. They are arranged in very creative ways to enhance comfort. Coffee tables are set as a composition of several smaller elements of different shapes, colors and materials. All combined with armchairs with low or high backrest. Carpets are with geometric patterns or patchwork, but definitely faded. TV stand is still minimalist. It is very horizontal and accompanied by simple shelves. A large bookcase with a simple, rectangular grid can often be found in the living room.
The style of the dining room is certainly defined by chairs. Tables are made of wood, marble, glass or metal, and the legs are indented and often interestingly designed. Chairs are identical or in different colors and styles. Low backrest, wooden legs, rarely metal (but painted), often a redesign of some historical models or are inspired by them. Dining room cabinets are low, on small legs or hanging, but certainly a combination of several colors and materials.
Bedrooms are dominated by nightstands of asymmetric dimensions, shapes and styles, soft beds with low headboards and very simple fronted cabinets. The colors are muted and calm. Beds are usually upholstered, and often metal and with a canopy.
Children’s rooms are very dynamic, in vivid colors. The technique of printing on the furniture here comes to the fore. Multifunctionality of children’s rooms is bolder than in previous years. Particularly popular is a bed which is stored in a closet with additional elements that fill the day version of the space – small living room, dining room, and desk.
The kitchen is becoming an increasingly important home area for the past few years, and its development is directed towards a better use of space and equipment. It becomes both visually warm and pleasant, but technologically very advanced. Classic, minimalist, industrial, rustic or a mix of styles-everything is permitted. What is important is that it is dominated by wood and a versatile kitchen island. Handles become trendy again, except in minimalism. Hanging elements re composed of solid and hollow elements, colors and materials. Sliding doors on the wall cabinets are a novelty.
Kitchen appliances are of eye-catching designs in multiple colors and meet high environmental standards. Hoods are decorative or completely neutral, e.g. in the form of a mirror.
Bathroom space is becoming more and more a space for relaxation and health care, accompanied by a warm atmosphere of colors and materials. Integrating wellness space in the bathroom is becoming the standard, but not as a characteristic of luxury, but longer lifespan and creating the need for a healthy life. Bathrooms are visually dominated by wood and marble, but metal is becoming increasingly common. Classic, rustic or minimalist styles link relief surfaces, painted faucets and vertically mounted mirrors. The colors are calm or much accentuated.
Salone Satellite, exhibition for designers of up to 35 years of age showed strength and creativity of youth and gave optimism for the future.
The overall impression of this year’s fair is that a wide range and combination of styles will satisfy many tastes, but a lot more attention and creativity will be needed to turn the play of styles, materials and colors into a pleasant atmosphere of home.
