Furniture …. what’s on trend.

The overall theme of the Milan furniture show 2013 was relaxed yet sophisticated interiors offering a more inviting feel with a slightly  tailored edge. Rounded legs were popular and the use of metal, marble and wood dominated. Cabinets and sofas had a floating look generating a lighter minimal look . A lot of the exhibitions spaces were set against a back drop of concrete walls mixed with timber feature timber which is something that is trending right now in Australia. The Milan fair 2013 can be best described as The 50’s redefined for today! The 50’s look was applied to luxurious & sophisticated brands with plenty of curves, pastel colours and feminine touches. Timber finishes were deeper toned woods, satin lacquers, satin glass and a new black chrome finish on metal work. Marble  this year was used extensively in table tops for dining and coffee tables in light and dark chocolate marble colours. Timbers were in deeper tone wood called “Terme” where the lumber used is Oak which has been smoked to achieve the darker brown tones but with light colour variations as in Walnut. For and in depth report join the editor of Habitus magazine Nicky Lobo and Fabio Fanuli … see invite below. 

Organic lighting with interesting materials made of wood and ribbon. The structure of the light can be adjusted or the light source can be raised and lowered.

Sofas- Casual sectional options with relaxed foam & feather fills. Square arms and softer look cushions and using natural linens & loose covers. All combining to give a comfortable and relaxed look. Open back sofas that incorporate tables to give a floating look. Coffee tables- Organic shapes and lots of side tables – grouping a large and smaller table at various heights. Table tops in black chrome structure with marble tops or pastel polyurethane colours.

Dining and occasional chairs – Organic shapes and comfortable casual look showcasing natural timbers & fabrics. Very comfortable Full upholstered dining chairs and with timber legs New moulded materials create organic shapes and comfort. Woven leather chairs on black chrome structure

Dining Tables- Marble, leather, solid feature walnut, natural oak timber were very popular. Acid glass is also very strong combining with like coloured lacquers. Oak with mixed with raw materials such as metal were popular. New Table material called “Nano tech” that is in black colour but does not sure finger marks.

Outdoor – Indoor- outdoor fusion-big emphasis on new, renewable materials such as aluminium, cement giving you a sleek and minimal look.Pastels were big and could be seen as highlights or used in larger pieces. Colours included pale coral, mint, fuchsia, yellow and soft blue.

Natural textured Oak & Beech are returning to the market place in collabaration with satin lacquers to create contrast with a soft, sophisticated feel.

Floating off the floor look & angled floor-standing bookcases combining natural timbers & highlight lacquers. Sculptural wall mounted bookcases combining storage with a big emphasis on value for money. Also increasingly popular is the use of terme, walnut, metal and  satin lacquer. These timbers offer fantastic mid tone wood with great character. They also combine well with soft natural coloured lacquer giving you a smart yet casual look.

A continued softer look in the bedroom with upholstered beds in fabric and leather with contrast stitching to add a twist. New timber bed called the Cleto featuring Saw Cut lacquer which adds more depth to standard lacquer.natural coloured fabrics and linen. The beds are complemented by combining natural coloured lacquers or terme timber bedside with drawers on one side and a table on the other side. A great combination was the use of natural oak, terme & soft satin lacquer. Highlights of coloured lacquer adds punch & contrast to softer more subtle tones & natural textiles such as linen are very strong.

Images and story by Fabio Fanuli . To see more visit Fanuli