NEWS: Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week 2024 wrapped in April, and the 62nd edition of the world’s most important design trade fair was in stylish overdrive. 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, Decor + Design, will take place from 17 – 19 July in our design capital of Melbourne.

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

Orange is the New Black

Orange was everywhere 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.

Low Seating 

There’s something about Italy that conjures fabulous 70s glamour – whether it’s the lashings of Campari or the deeply tanned bathers along the Amalfi coast. 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

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 Decor + Design 2024, 17 – 19 July at Melbourne Exhibition Centre. It will be co-located with the inaugural Green Design Show, featuring beautiful products from sustainable companies including Koskela and Cultivated.

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!