There’s energy and excitement in the air throughout Milan at the return of Salone del Mobile. With it comes lots of new furniture and lighting pieces to whet the appetite. Habitus Editor, Aleesha Callahan, is on the ground and reporting back with this first look.

1. Re-issuing a classic – Le Mura from Tacchini

Tacchini has re-issued Le Mura – an iconic 1970s design by the inimitable Mario Bellini. A showstopper for the Italian brand, the modular sofa features strong forms and artful repetition.

Rediscovering this piece and respecting the original design, the proportions and detailing speak to its vision – being put together with endless configurations. Le Mura can adapt from small to large spaces, underpinned by its distinct presence.

2. From the digital to the physical and more – Hortensia Armchair from Moooi

Blooming into the collective consciousness with its unique process, the Hortensia armchair by Andrés Reisinger and Júlia Esqué hits the market. The laser-cut fabric has been pieced together in such a way that the chair appears to flutter, while the form beneath offers a supportive and well-cushioned base. 

Moooi began working with Andrés Reisinger and Júlia Esqué after the chair had already become a viral sensation online and has been shown at Salone in a range of new colourways. 

Stay tuned for an interview with the designers.

3. Dual aspects – Se eS from Artemide

Conceived as a spatial palindrome, Se eS appears as a mirrored disk, reflecting its surroundings while also illuminating. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the round, concave shape exudes a sculptural form, while the reflections of nature and architecture play on the senses.

The lighting element is housed in the rim of the object, casting a gentle halo quality. Se eS is available in different heights – all combined to create a theatrical display.

4. Cultural fusion – Lars from Minotti

Lars Sofa fuses Danish and Japanese philosophies in its execution. Inspired by the Japanese-Scandi aesthetic of Inoda+Sveje, the Lars Sofa features gentle curves and an asymmetrical form. 

Held up by thin timber legs, the piece allows the joint detail to shine. Envisioned for both residential or hospitality, the craftsmanship in Lars shows the complex cabinet-making skills required to achieve such a refined outcome. It’s a true harmony of form.

5. Colours for a modern space – CH24 Wishbone Chair from Carl Hansen & Son, with Ilse Crawford

An icon through and through, Carl Hansen & Son celebrates the Wishbone Chair by releasing a range of new colours, in collaboration with Ilse Crawford. Having produced the Hans Wegner piece for more than 70 years, the new range of colour options – in nine matte colours – is about giving a new perspective.

“We wanted to develop a range of colours that reflect the times we live in, and we believe these subdued tones will resonate with a contemporary audience,” says Ilse Crawford. The picturesque colours celebrate plants, minerals and the soil that make up the raw beauty of the Nordic landscape.

6. The craftsmanship of Costes – Costes sideboard by Cattalan Italia

The Costes sideboard, designed by Tosca Design studio for Cattelan Italia, is rich in details while expressing a refined form. Curving sides are exaggerated by columns that allow a view into the interior of glass shelves.

The stand-out features are the timber veneer panelling on the doors, alternating between a darker walnut and burnt oak finish; while the slender metal legs taper down into a Y-form. 

Available in different variations with considerations of every angle, the Costes is visually beautiful – either in the centre of the room or on the wall.

7. Bringing the outdoors in – Hevea from Pedrali

The result of a new collaboration between Italian-Brazilian designer Victoria Azadinho and Pedrali, the Hevea is all about bringing the outdoors-in. A pot holder that considers versatility, Hevea is comprised of a central steel stem where the colour-matched polypropylene pots can be hung in a plethora of arrangements. 

This versatile object makes it possible to arrange plants vertically without occupying areas destined for other uses. Responding to the need for greenery inside while considering the modern conundrum of space, Hevea discreetly fits into any setting. By complementing small indoor plants, Hevea gives life through unique and potentially infinite compositions.

8. Weaving a new way forward – Skynest from Flos

Both traditional in its woven technique, yet experimental in how LED lights are integrated into the fabric, Skynest, designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders is full of drama. The shade is a delicate lamp with an open structure while still managing to make a statement.

“By weaving streaks of light, this pendant perfectly combines elegance and innovation. Delicate textile tubes, integrated with LED lights, are woven like threads along the lamp’s structure – creating a unique surprise element that challenges the archetype of bulb lighting,” says Wanders on the design of Skynest.

Designed to last, Skynest poetically blends the tradition of handcrafted weaving with innovative lighting techniques to create a timeless piece of design.” 

9. Retro futuristic – DS-800 from de Sede

As many brands have done, de Sede looked back through the archives before looking forward. Referencing the DS-1025 – or the “Terrazza” – by Ubald Klug, the DS-800 acts as an inviting, protective hand. 

Sculptural, geometric and modular, the DS-800 comes with a rotating seat option, alongside endless combinations of table, stool and chair elements.

Stay tuned for more news from the streets of Milan, including Eurocucina, over the next week.