TREND ALERT: Milan Design Week & Salone del Mobile wrapped in April 2024, and the 62^nd edition of the world’s most important design trade fair was in full throttle. The record-breaking edition saw visitors jump 20.2% from 2023, to a whopping 370,000.

It reflects a wider trend in the design industry; a hunger for real life inspiration and connection. Closer to home, Australia’s most important trade event for the interior design industry, The Australian International Fair & Decor + Design, will take place from 17 – 19 July in our design capital of Melbourne.

Featuring 200+ exhibitors, VIVID Emerging Designer Awards and the much-anticipated International Seminar Series, this is the event for the APAC region. In the meantime, let’s take a look at three gorgeous trends from Milan 2024 as an aperitivo…

Orange, Orange Everywhere!

Orange was the new black in Milan – from coral pops of colour to a deeper burnt orange similar to the hero colour we have chosen for Decor + Design 2024 (a.k.a ‘Fluorescent Fire’ from our 2024 Official Colour Partner, Dulux Australia).

We particularly love this pumpkin orange ‘Parka’ sofa by designers Draga & Aurel for Poltrona Frau.

Draga & Aurel’s Parka sofa for Poltrona Frau in a pumpkin orange leather. Image: Architectural Digest. Courtesy of Poltrona Frau.

Contemporary Conversation ‘Pits’

There’s something about Italy that conjures fabulous 70s glamour – whether it’s the lashings of Campari or the deeply tanned bathers up and down the Amalfi. Milan Design Week nodded to another 70s staple, the ‘conversation pit’, or sunken lounge areas. Of course, they received a sophisticated, contemporary spin, such as this beautiful piece in soft sage green by Patricia Urquiola for Kettal.

Patricia Urquiola for Kettal. Image: Wallpaper. Feature image of article shows lounge created by Paul Cornet and Sabine Marcelis

Earthy Surfaces, Reaching for the Stars

A highlight of Milan Design Week 2024 was Cosentino’s partnership with the globally renowned designers FormaFantasma, with a thought-provoking installation that celebrated their new collaboration on the Earthic line.. This collaboration raised awareness of the importance of design going beyond mere aesthetics and considering ethical production processes.

Visitors were struck by the installation, which featured a laser exhibition within Teatro Gerolamo, a puppet theatre from the 1800s (a locale that is vintage Milan).

Earthic Lab – FormaFantasma x Cosentino at Milan Design Week

We’re delighted that Cosentino is supporting the International Seminar Series at Decor + Design this year, which will feature design stars including Abigail Ahern, David Hicks, Greg Natale, Brahman Perera and more.

See the full International Seminar Series program here. Be inspired by the latest collections from 200+ exhibitors at The Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) & Decor + Design 2024, 17 – 19 July at Melbourne Exhibition Centre. 

Entry to the exhibition if free but limited to design trade visitors. Seminar tickets range from $55 – 99. Register now and start planning your trip now!