It’s been touted as a trend, but we predict it will only continue to increase in popularity, that is – furniture designed for use across multiple typologies. Here’s a round-up of standouts from the Salone.
May 2nd, 2018
An occasional chair that sits just as comfortably in an office lobby as it does in a residential interior. Tables, in all shapes and sizes, that fit both in a home or a hotel, or even a conference room. Couches in an office breakout zone that can also break up an open plan living area.
Furniture is no longer designated as strictly commercial or strictly residential, which dovetails with the increase in blurred typologies. The discussion of offices becoming more akin to homes is not a new one. But as typologies continue to blur, it’s a logical step that more furniture would be designed with this intention.
Nowhere is this more apparent than at a trade fair with thousands of furniture brands from all over the world presenting new products. The ‘trend’ presents itself as something that will only continue into the future.
The Australian born brand SP01 has been building out its collection of products and interchangeable pieces in its range. And Milan saw the addition of a few more things, including extensions through the way of new finishes, colours and materials.
One defining feature of the entire SP01 range is its versatility of use in varying typologies. This was a deliberate approach by the new-comer. The Thomas Chair has been adapted into a Thomas Stool, another great new piece being the Holland desk – for use in a corporate office, or home office with added refinement.
For the quirky French brand La Chance, its Sunday Collection was extended at Milan this year. A new bed was out on display, designed by La Chance‘s in-house team. And although it would be right at home in a residential setting, of course, the unexpected combination of marble legs, timber base and fabric bed head means it would make a huge statement in a hotel too.
Wild and adventurous, the Spanish brand Sancal presented a Jungle in Milan along with a wide range of new pieces. Varying from tables, occasional chairs and even lifestyle products, many of the new items defy boundaries for where they could be specified. A standout piece being the DB Chair by Santiago Castano. The chair is thick and bold, with geometric shapes as a point of difference – both in the legs and the upholstered form.
The historic brand Billiani knows a thing or two about chairs, especially timber chairs, which is a true classic for dining at home or in a restaurant. Understanding the value of the real craftsmanship needed for timber chairs, Billiani showcased them in all their glory – upon podiums.
Taking away the usual colour, each item was shown in black. It also showed the possibility of having mix and match chairs, but in a single, unifying colour.
Sitia is an Italian commercial furniture brand. For this year’s Salone, however, the company openly called for more homely spaces with its themed stand installation titled ‘The Human Rooms’. A variety of settings were shown, switching between different design disciplines.
Two products that stood out, including the modular Laguna Sofa, which can be configured in a multitude of ways and with a very delicate leg, would suit even a small office space. The other piece was the Chloé light, which has a copper lamp head and marble base that can be used to hold a plant or pencils. The perfect office or home office companion.
The quintessential Italian brand Pedrali is known for flexible furniture so it’s no surprise that some of the new pieces launched at Salone follow the same modus operandi. An exciting new release is the Giravolta portable lamp. Delicate and compact, the new light can be used both indoors and outdoors and comes in an array of confectionary colours.
There’s no denying that cross-over furniture will only continue to grow in popularity as we seek out offices, hotels and restaurants that are comfortable and familiar.
Take a look at our chair edit from Milan – what would the Salone be without countless new chairs?
–
Want to get all these stories straight into your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter here.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
From a modular armchair and statement lighting, to a table crafted from coffee waste and reissued classics, these are the best new products to launch at this year’s Milan Design Week.
With Milan 2024 only a few weeks away, we sneak a view of some of the most exciting pieces set to go on show – from lighting design to furniture, here are nine preview products.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Adventist Medical Centre – CWB is a pilot project in which a curated medical interior enriches user experience while addressing operational imperatives with precision.
Technē Architecture + Interior Design associate director, Sam Sempill, shares insights into hospitality design.