The new, novel, noteworthy and niche from the design world’s most storied showcase. A celebration of the trailblazers, movers, shakers and icons that refine and define our industry.
Each April, beyond the fairgrounds of Salone del Mobile, Milan’s streets, showrooms, palazzos, hidden courtyards and mysterious disused spaces come alive for Fuorisalone — a city-wide narrative of transportive scenography written in neon tubes, terrazzo fragments, architectural interventions and insistently creative installations.
It’s here that design speaks its most experimental dialect, revealing projects and provocations that define the exciting shifts in design thinking and it's what makes Milan Design Week a uniquely compelling spectacle.
Textile Tech
At CC-Tapis, Ways of Seeing marked an exciting new frontier for the contemporary rug brand, merging digital and analogue processes and positioning technology as an extension of traditional craftsmanship. The exhibition featured a high vibe curation of designs by 11 acclaimed creatives, including a geometric delight by India Mahdavi, and organic carpet topographies by Cristián Mohaded and Patricia Urquiola. Each rug was a bold expression of its concept realised through techniques, such as hand embossing, embroidery, hand knotting, hand weaving and dhurrie.
Art Design Drama
Occupying the site of an enormous former bank vault, Parisian collectible design gallery Boon Editions staged an immersion of furniture, art and design which proposed a new artful take on contemporary aesthetics while honouring artisanal and artistic heritage. Notable in the sultry setting were epic lumions by Canadian brand A-N-D which crafted a poetic edginess within the brutalist space.
The Hosting City
This year, Alcova, a nomadic platform that has done much to revive inaccessiblesites around town, created hospitality hotspots at its four venues. Here, a bar in partnership with directional ceramic brand Mutina marries the ancient architectural setting with a contemporary but complimentary iteration of a deep counter of poised pattern and texture. Not a radical aesthetic but a sure Milanese sensibility and arresting application.
Newstalgia
The knack for resignifying icono clastic moments and movements as timeless, cool and chic is a note Milan plays with panache. Ever the pied piper of this fever dream narrative, Dimoremilano teamed up with Loro Piana luxury textiles for La Prima Notte di Quiete to transform a palazzo into a muffled, intimate space that is a refuge from the external existential chaos. Natural materials such as cashmere, wool, velvet, sisal and the plushest carpeting exuded a sophisticated calm and explored the boundary between reality and cinematic suggestion — the central theme of the entire super sybaritic project. A divinely heady inspiration as always.
The Arms Gallery of the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum provided a most intriguing backdrop for Marta Sala Editions — a brand deeply rooted in the Milanese design ethos — and her enigmatic and instantly recognisable chair collections. Here, Dudina and Wanda Full by Lazzarini and Pickering, upholstered as usual in deeply sartorial upholsteries so as to amplify their signature dimensional shapes. These are fascinating adaptive and space-saving designs despite looking like edgy versions of a boudoir throne.
In Nilufar's ‘Napoli Future Nostalgia’, Allegra Hicks’s works of crochet bronze were an ode to merging the ancient with the contemporary with a strong narrative thread inspired by Naples. Fascinating for its techniques and deep reverence for decorative craft, there is a strength, delicateness and divine feminine alchemy at play in these standout pieces.
Living Materials
L’Appartamento by Artemest was a feast for the senses. Each year the Italian online homeware retailer takes over a villa and asks prominent designers to decorate it as a home using Artemest product. With L’Appartamento's bevy of product, curation and palazzo nouveau spaces exemplified the beauty, uniqueness and creativity of Italian craftsmanship and design. In the foyer, Australian interior stylist Simone Haag embraced Italianate spirit, juxtaposing historic elegance with contemporary collectible design from Italy’s modern vanguards. Cue the red glass table by Gianni Ventura. Her expertise lies in producing enduring spaces that overlay visionary new collectible and custom pieces with distinctive vintage icons, yielding layered, storied spaces.
For the Reading Room, Nabras Aljoaib, the Saudi interior designer deviated from the traditional desk-centric arrangement, choosing to place the seating in the centre to create a convivial atmosphere. Product of note here was The Sling Chair (top left), custom-designed by Aljoaib for Artemest, which embodies artisanal excellence with its essential silhouette, marble armrests and leather harness.
At Rossana Orlandi, the Como based duo of Draga and Aurel introduced Cadre, a new collectible cabinet (left) where sliding lucite doors shift across many layers creating endless compositions of transparencies and hues. Masters in the poetry of plasticity, these works provide lucidity and lightness seldom found in Collectible.
Soft Skills
Molteni revealed a new collection of seating and tables by Christophe Delcourt, the French design maestro celebrated for his delicate approach to materials and commitment to perfect detail and form. ‘Furniture is first and foremost an element of seduction. We maintain a daily relationship with it and it participates in our environment in the same way as architecture or a piece of art,’ he explains. His Emile modular sofa and Odile coffee table are triumphs of a design approach where the emotional intelligence is as immediately evident as the aesthetic refinement. Adaptive and versatile, Emile provides intelligent solutions without sacrificing an iota of comfort or aesthetic. Odile, the modular coffee table features a rectangular base in coffee and black oak finishes. The hexagonal-shaped top is seamlessly joined at each vertex and is available in two versions: high-gloss lacquer throughout or enriched with marble, with an edge framed by a band of glossy steel.
Designed to enrich the refined interiors Delcourt designs for, Penelope features two opposing, curved structures with plastic and harmonious shaped legs that interlock, creating a sculptural effect. Made of rigid polyurethane, the shapes of the base can be finished with a high-gloss lacquered finish or covered with a sheet of polished steel. Penelope is a console designed with an organic vision of design, where form and function merge in balance. Symmetry and asymmetry in the arrangement of the legs, finished in glossy lacquer or polished steel, add dynamism and character.
Brand Extension
Tour de force marketing made Marimekko, the beloved Finnish lifestyle design house, an unforgettably interactive scene. New York-based artist Laila Gohar was invited to collaborate, to celebrate the bedroom (and a reinterpretation of the classic candy stripe pattern) with an immersive installation that captured Laila’s effortless art of living through play, food and nostalgic textiles. The capsule features crisp cotton pyjama sets, sleeping masks and bedding, as well as timeless ceramics in vibrant tones of sky blues, citrus yellows, rich plum and berry reds. And pillows of cake.
High Craft
Turkish leather brand Uniqka showed their new ‘Betsy’ collection of impeccably crafted stools and tables covered in layers of leather ‘feathers’, designed by Lara Bohink, which animate the inanimate in striking style.
Boris Klimek’s Dewdrop suspension chandelier for Bomma saw another unexpected use of leather. The intimately familiar shape of dew drops glistening on a blade of grass inspired this collection. Lit by an internal light source offering an exceptional aesthetic experience, the irregular crystal orbs adhere to broad hand-sewn lightweight leather bands which encase the tech, support the orbs and provide a lyrical draped effect.
Pharrell x Moët & Chandon
Adding to this year of cool collaborations, Moët and Chandon have joined forces with multi-hyphenate Pharrell Williams. Their Limited-Edition Collection is inspired by the Moët and Chandon archives from their inception in 1892 — most notably the iconic bow. The packaging of the bottles feature Pharrell’s signature white pearl-like dots, with his monogram (a pearled PW) adorning the red seal. The collection is available in selected retailers nationwide.
Adam Court
As the Director and designer of Okha Design and Interior, Adam Court has long been revered as a rule breaker and trailblazer. Constantly breaking barriers, the designer has expanded the OKHA repertoire with Tribe, a versatile collection of wooden side tables, benches and a coffee table suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Inspired by the Bedouin Al Sadu weaving loom, the collection blends rich cultural heritage with modern minimalism and features carve detailing and simple, impactful forms, paying tribute to African tribal and Western counterculture motifs. Handcrafted, Tribe infuses spaces with a powerful architectural presence and meaningful storytelling.
Olympic Paints
There’s something inherently hopeful about a fresh coat of paint. It can signal change, possibility and new perspective — and it’s one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to breathe new life into a tired space. ‘Paint remains one of the most transformative tools in design,’ says Sejal Purbhoo, CEO of Olympic Paints. ‘It can shift the mood, enhance a room’s function and highlight the elements you love — all without major renovation.’ With the right shade and a bit of prep, painting a room is one of the few home upgrades that offers almost instant gratification. Use paint to highlight architectural features such as skirting, cornices or alcoves, and suddenly a room has depth and detail.
It’s also the ideal solution for those who love change. Unlike permanent fixtures, paint allows for evolution — whether that means embracing a new trend or reflecting a new season. Moreover, colour doesn’t just change how a room looks — it can alter how the space and those inhabiting it feel. ‘We’re seeing more people choose paint not just based on style, but based on how they want to feel in a space — whether that’s focused, relaxed, uplifted or energised,’ says Sejal. Cool tones, such as greys and blues, can create a calming effect — while warm colours, such as ochre, terracotta or rust, add energy and character to spaces. Even within a single home, you can curate a mood journey: perhaps a soft green for tranquillity in the study, deep blue in the bedroom to encourage sleep and uplifting coral in a creative corner.
In compact homes or apartments, paint can be a clever visual tool. Lighter shades help spaces feel bigger and open. Darker colours (often avoided in small rooms) create intimacy and dimension — especially when applied to all four walls, and the ceiling, for a cocooning effect. Painting trims, doors and skirtings the same colour as the walls can create a streamlined look, reducing visual clutter and elongating sight lines. This approach works exceptionally well in narrow hallways or open-plan living areas, where continuity is key. And ceilings, often overlooked, offer untapped potential. A gentle hue overhead can subtly soften a space, while a bold colour creates a striking, design-forward feature.
Painted floors, too, can be both stylish and practical — from pale greys that reflect light in sunrooms to high-gloss dark shades that ground a space beautifully. Doors, panelling and even furniture can all be given new life with the right paint. ‘Paint gives people the freedom to personalise their homes in a way that’s creative and accessible,’ adds Sejal. ‘It allows you to make bold statements, or subtle shifts, depending on your comfort zone and vision.’ Whether you’re working with a blank canvas or simply want to bring something old back to life, the power of paint is undeniable — and entirely within reach.
Mary Maurel
With 20 years of experience, architect-turned-landscape designer Mary Maurel has carved a distinctive path in the design world. Known for her unwavering confidence and authenticity, Maurel rejects fleeting trends in favour of creating timeless, nature-infused spaces. Her architectural training enhances her ability to seamlessly integrate architecture with landscape, ensuring that each garden feels truly connected to its surroundings. Mary's process is deeply personal, envisioning herself inhabiting each space, which allows her to forge a meaningful bond with every project and create landscapes that stand the test of time.
Amanda-Jayne
Founded in 2016, the brand is renowned for crafting in small batches with natural ingredients. Their collection includes signature soy wax candles and a new range of shampoos and conditioners designed to elevate the everyday. Plus, they now offer bespoke home fragrances, luxury body care, and evocative gifts — leading trends in natural, cruelty-free fragrance.
Louis Vuitton x Murakami
Twenty years after what became an era-defining collaboration, fashion house Louis Vuitton and contemporary artist Takashi Murakami are back with Louis Vuitton × Murakami, a joyful and celebratory re-edition that reimagines and updates the original collection. Consisting of more than 200 pieces, the collaboration is defined by artistic vision, traditional craftsmanship and the timeless appeal of this seminal moment in early 21st-century pop and collector culture.
Avenue Boutique Interiors
Pamela Williams has quickly become a standout in both Cape Town and Johannesburg’s design scenes. Known for her impeccable textural layering and attention to detail, her aesthetic blends homely warmth with high-end sophistication. We first featured one of her inner-city Cape Town projects in our August 2024 issue, and it was love at first sight. With a sweet temperament and a knack for creating spaces that feel both luxurious and inviting, Pam is making waves and cementing herself as a trendsetter in the world of interior design.
Jan Ernst
Spend a second in the presence of multi-disciplinary artist, and a wave of calm overcomes. That calming presence has been translated into his most recent work, the Wildflower Waters Chandelier. At the recent PAD Paris, Jan unveiled the piece, a bespoke design created for the gallery Objects with Narratives' 'Room of Desires' booth. Inspired by his childhood memories of riverbanks and the gentle flow of water, the chandelier captures the fluidity of nature and light.
Cara Saven ROSA Collection
Wallpaper maestro Cara Saven is about to launch a new collection called 'Can I call you Rosa?', which will include wallpaper, wall hangings and tableware. The designer has also delved into the world of decor accessories with CS4D (Cara Saven for Design), her beloved wallpaper designs transformed into napery and wall hangings.
'Can I call you Rosa?' comes in four parts: Rosa, Beth, Gracie and Jane. This collection takes us back to a time when things weren't all shiny and polished, when things were slower, more considered, and gentler. This is the first of the series — each with its own little poem. The ROSA collection can be found in Cara's Botanical range, as well as her tableware and wall hanging, for instant purchase on the CS4D website.
Carrie Latimer
Garden designer Carrie Latimer has redefined landscape design over the past decade, shifting from purely aesthetic gardens to creating biodiverse, functioning ecosystems. Her designs, rooted in the belief that nature is timeless, embrace naturalistic, free-form spaces that feel alive yet composed. Latimer’s process begins with a deep understanding of the site’s light, soil, and ecology, allowing the land to guide the design. By collaborating closely with architects from the start, she ensures a seamless integration of architecture and landscape, transforming built spaces into harmonious extensions of the natural environment.
Danie Steenkamp
No stranger to the world of landscape design, Danie Steenkamp of DDS Projects is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment. Known for creating spaces that harmonise with their natural surroundings, Steenkamp’s approach is deeply rooted in context and cultural sensitivity. His designs blend sustainability with innovation — using local, natural materials to create timeless landscapes that feel anchored in their environment. For Steenkamp, the garden is not just an aesthetic addition but a vital connection between architecture and nature. His use of perennials adds an experimental, ever-evolving element, and we can’t wait to see his next move.
Italtile
Established in 1969 and breaking the mould for tile design, Italtile are back at it again with the exclusive Yorkwood range, crafted by Italian tilemakers Ceramica Sant’Agostino. Inspired by the timeless elegance of English oak and the relaxed charm of country living, the range of porcelain tiles have a deceptively wood-look finish that brings warmth and character to both traditional and contemporary spaces.
Nyakello Maleke
A recent recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Visual Arts, multi-disciplinary artist Nyakello explores themes of migration, vulnerability and spatial memory in her artwork. Known for her captivating drawings, Maleke creates intricate maps that serve as both personal journeys and metaphors for broader social narratives. With exhibitions across Europe and a Master’s from Switzerland’s edhea, her innovative approach to drawing pushes the boundaries of the medium. Expanding the conversation around art as both technique and storytelling, Maleke is undeniably one to watch in the contemporary art scene.
The Little Haus
After attending a lampshade-making course in her native UK, Laura Hau recognized a gap in the South African market for handcrafted, gathered lampshades. This lead to the creation of The Little Haus. Renowned for her cottage core designs, Hau brings a fresh perspective to lighting, blending timeless craftsmanship with functionality.
Her latest creation, a standing reading lamp, exemplifies her approach: elegant, practical and unique. Each piece reflects her commitment to quality and design, offering stylish, bespoke lighting solutions that enhance any interior. The Little Haus continues to set trends in the world of handcrafted lighting design.
