Get Inspired without Going to Milan

BY LESLIE R ANDOLPH, SCHAT TDECOR

Get Inspired without Going to Milan

Like everything else that is changing right now, design fairs and festivals are also having to adapt to a new world. This year, the 59th annual Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano (also known as the Milan Furniture Fair) was canceled. The main fair in the furniture and decoration sector, held annually in Milan and recognized as the largest trade fair of its kind in the world, was slated to take place last April. Exhibitors from across the globe were prepared to showcase the latest in furniture and design.

Most brands that could not attend already had their new products developed and were ready to present them to the public. Some brands postponed their new product launches while others dove headfirst into the virtual world by launching online and communicating via email newsletter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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Designers and fabricators alike know how important it is to be inspired and keep the creativity flowing. So here are some of the design trends that would have exhibited at Salone del Mobile—trends that were maintained and strengthened from fairs earlier this year.

The desire for a connection with nature speaks to the modern human need to escape the hustle and bustle

of everyday life. This trend focuses on residences with patios or balconies, furniture with outdoor-indoor aesthetics, natural materials and finishes, the continuing concept of "urban jungle," and an overall presence of green. Now, more so than ever, consumers are focused on mental

and physical health and want products that are created

with their well-being in mind. Within this trend, we see calm, neutral colors and design that is based on health, wellness, functionality, and person-centered design.

A modern interpretation of Art Deco showcases silhouettes with rounded edges, exaggerated size, overall soft contrast colors with minimal color pops, and graphic

stones. Almost 100 years since the peak of the original movement, the resurgence of this trend reinforces the idea of a circular economy, sustainability, and technology to now represent a new society that is more sustainable, dynamic and intelligent, with a world view focused on person-centered experiences and needs.

With the continuation and evolution of Scandinavian and Japanese concepts of design, we are seeing more products that combine modular functions with the visual

beauty of simple, elegant lines and deep comfort. Here we see a mixing of modern novelties with references from the past, traditional materials and colors with modern technology, and sophistication with functionality.

While the future continues to look uncertain, especially when it comes to large tradeshows and industry events, we’re going to see leading institutions come up with clever ways to market their products. Although we’re in some unprecedented times, design never stops. Folks are spending more time in their homes than ever before and thus, starting to rethink their whole design perspective. That kind of thing can happen when your home and your workplace have suddenly collided, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay inspired. We just need to find new ways to get our offerings to the market. s&p