Milan 2014 - Inspiration & Trends

MILAN 2014 Creatives, Designers, Artists, Makers, Manufacturers, Sculptors, Stylists, Engineers & Marketeers all come together for the event that is the global benchmark for furniture, product, style and design.

SCIENCE&NATURE Forms emerge from the unrefined raw material , instead of hiding their origin, this trend emphasizes the material in it’s natural form, and makes no pretence to where it came from.

These appear to be objects in the middle of gestation, not quite finished, but still presented as the final piece.

SCIENCE&NATURE Combining the natural with the man made, as though hewn from one piece.

This chair designed as a collaboration by the Peugeot Design Team splices Carbon Fibre with Volcanic Rock, the man made complimenting and highlighting the beauty of the natural form.

MEMPHIS

MEMPHIS Memphis is back (big in the 80′s, characterised by colourful, simple shapes, usually asymmetrical with a combination of materials and often clashing colours) Not only in the form language but also in the use of vibrant colours. (even Tom Dixon was getting in on the act). We should keep an eye on this trend to see how it develops‌

ABC MANNEQUINS Whilst in Milan you should not miss the opportunity to visit Atelier (showroom) ABC, the cool and chic home of these stylish and contemporary figures from the Italian experts in Mannequin Display.

MANNEQUINS

Retailers often use humour in their window displays, and there were a number of ‘head’ treatments ranging from the bizarre - a head replaced by a thimble, with the figure still carrying the head (nightmares anyone?) to the intriguing, (see left) where the head is sawn off revealing the rawness of the fibreglass construction.

Artists and designers spend a long time learning to master the humble pencil but never quite like this. Artist Ian Wright created this stunning artwork in conjunction with pencil manufacture Caran D’Ache.

GRAPHICALS Whether printed or made from pencils (see left), graphics can transform a space, attract attention or add an extra element to a functional wall.

The optical illusion (above) was certainly eye catching, whilst the ripped posters on the metro (opposite page) showcased a very raw urban, and temporary form of art.

‘Wong for Hay’ the complimentary brand to HAYS own successful offering showcasing a very quirky, London based, eclectic DNA. A Giant structure made from shelving designs, in 3 colours, stretches through the opening in two floors.

SPACEFRAME Brushed steel frames surround monochrome shirts at this installation that Japanese studio Nendo created for fashion brand COS, unveiled in Milan.

The lightness and minimalism of the structure is offset by the solid structures, seemingly too heavy to be carried by such a delicate structure.

Using frames to create an interactive installation that the viewer can walk into, and around, defining a space, yet suggesting limitless potential.

This is a great way to refresh some old stools – simply wrap some foam or fabric around and tie in place using cord or belts! No need for finishing or upholstering and easy to change for the next season!

A very clever manipulation – combining both the intended use for side tables with the objects themselves.

A Book Table for Books?

#QUIRKY Who said Design had to be serious? There are always unusual and enlightening ideas on display all over Milan, and not always involving high cost, mass impact solutions…

#QUIRKY Who said Design had to be serious? There are always unusual and enlightening ideas on display all over Milan, and not always involving high cost, mass impact solutions‌

heltershelter Pieces of art of living sculpture? These large scale installations invite user interaction, presenting places to sit and contemplate, or stand and discover.

heltershelter

SHELTER

Luckily it doesn’t rain much in Milan, but there was still some great ideas for inside spaces.

This wendy house for grown ups made from card, feels hard as granite on the outside, but draws you in with a bold internal colour – a great idea for a shop-in-shop space or pop up location.

INSPIRATION With over 16 exhibition halls, a multitude of showrooms, pop up spaces and stores Milan is congregation of inspirational ideas and concepts. Here’s some of the highlights‌

INSPIRATION With over 16 exhibition halls, a multitude of showrooms, pop up spaces and stores Milan is congregation of inspirational ideas and concepts. Here’s some of the highlights‌

WASH&GO Vanity fair set up their own laundry you could even wash your clothes (yes?!) in the (Samsung washing machines) whilst relaxing with a snack by ‘Vanilla Bakery’ , meanwhile you could wear a Vanity Fair T-shirt whilst your clothes are on their spin cycle – a quirky and fun way to collective market a diverse range of brands.

SITTING COMFORTABLY? Sarah Lucas (English artist well known for her provocative work) launched a new furniture range. As with her artwork this furniture is intended to both mimic and mock conventional modernism in unison.

Sleek simple lines, honest use of material combine to form a complete set of lounge furniture, or so it seems. Until you realise the frame is raw MDF and the ‘padding’ is concrete breeze block, perfectly cast to fill the holes formed by the geometry of the MDF frame.

Eye catching – yes, thought provoking – for sure, but if you want to know whether it’s comfy or not – you are rather missing the point.

TOG New design brand TOG (TOGether – get it?) bring together designers with the aim of creating products that users can tailor to their own tastes, one of the main protagonists Mr Philippe Starck says this new customisable furnture could lead to the end of trends as we know it!!

The new designs offer customisable sections, add-ons or modularity to allow you to create (and sometimes re-create) your individual table or chair..

DISCOVER With over 16 exhibition halls, a multitude of showrooms, pop up spaces and stores Milan is congregation of inspirational ideas and concepts.

In Zona Tortona, this mosaic made from digital imagery printed on tiles, combines a very ancient material with a very modern 21st century application.

ILLUMINATION Lighting was not a key focus this year, but nevertheless there are always numerous designs on show.

Whether incorporating the latest in LED technology (See below) or the more traditiona0 (but still effective) bulb and shade combination, lighting can provide a key focal point for any interior space.

ILLUMINATION Lighting was not a key focus this year, but nevertheless there are always numerous designs on show.

Whether incorporating the latest in LED technology (See below) or the more traditiona0 (but still effective) bulb and shade combination, lighting can provide a key focal point for any interior space.

PATTERN Patterns and texture across both fabrics, plastic and metal, not just graphics representations but 3D formed, providing an aesthetic and functional element (grip, airflow, comfort).

WHAT’S THE PATTERN? There was an influx of textured and patterned finishes, incorporated both as part of the core material rather than as an added afterthought.

This level of detail can help to break up previously clean surfaces and could indicate a move towards a less minimal ethos in product design as we seek ways to balance the simplistic with the tactile.

IRREGULAR GEOMETRY Lines that criss-cross at random angles, creating dynamic tension, seemingly based on tight geometry but also defiantly breaking away from the bounds of mathematical order.

TOWERPOWER Height creates a statement, and these geometric inspired pieces would provide eye catching focal points for store interiors.

This design was constructed using hollow tubing and a nylon string, providing the opportunity for multiple and endless layouts.

The Tom Dixon Table above displays its lightweight skeleton structure, seemingly too delicate to support the weight of glass above.

TRANSFORMERS Want a table and a seat? no problem. A bench that becomes a picnic table for a BBQ? Yup sure thing.

We love this kind of clever packaging and wonder how great it would be to apply it to retail fixtures? A table that transforms into a hanging rail when it’s sale time??

TRANSFORMERS Salone Satellite is almost a separate exhibition within an exhibition, a whole section of one giant hall dedicated to upcoming talent, both professional and student. Often this is the location for some inventive (if at times impractical) design solutions.

This year a recurring theme was transformation, with a number of furniture pieces designed to do more than one job.

INSPIRATION With over 16 exhibition halls, a multitude of showrooms, pop up spaces and stores Milan is congregation of inspirational ideas and concepts. Here’s some of the highlights‌

INSPIRATION With over 16 exhibition halls, a multitude of showrooms, pop up spaces and stores Milan is congregation of inspirational ideas and concepts. Here’s some of the highlights‌

CREATIVE Are you looking to create a brand led experience in the Retail, Leisure or the Commercial Arena?

Our experience covers a wide range of interior projects, from full scale store interiors to one off feature displays for maximum effect.

If you are looking for creative inspiration, concept development or interior design for your brand…

Why not get in touch?

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