Milan moments; Our highlights from the world’s most influential design week
Each year the eyes of the design world firmly fix on Milans prestigious Salone del Mobile, the busiest design week on the interiors calendar. This year, we headed over to Milans creative districts ourselves, in search of the latest inspiration from the exhibition itself as well pop-ups, installations and more.
Milan's Salone del Mobile is an unmissable event.
It’s the busiest design week within the interiors calendar, on an international level, showcasing and celebrating creativity, innovation and quality in equal measure. Noting just six top highlights from the world’s most influential design week was, quite frankly, difficult but you will see one common characteristic found throughout this years showcase; the revival of an objects narrative value.
1.
Wallpaper Handmade - a world of wellness
Wallpaper magazine’s iconic installation dedicated itself this year to curating a sanctuary for the self with ‘Wellness and Wonder’; a specially commissioned collection of designs by skilled makers from across the globe.
British design studio Pinch London were a particular highlight, a brand created to enhance our daily lives with a core focus on warmth, substance and most importantly the human experience. Aiming to encourage and enable users to live well through carefully crafted design, Pinch showcased the new ‘Elan Armoire’ cupboard which utilised dynamic marquetry techniques to create a truly considered design inside and out. The British brand are also able to colour match to all Paint & Paper Library colour references for those in favour a monochromatic interior scheme...
2.
Nature invading
Interior botanicals have grown and multiplied - an organic progression for the plant trend that’s become a mainstay in most homes. The use of large-scale tropical plants, grouped and clustered, could be seen almost everywhere with a clear focus towards architectural styles, something previously highlighted during our visit to Tom Dixon’s, The Coal House.
The continued relevance of nature is based on our experience with greenery itself, which is instinctive, garnering dramatic effects on our emotional wellbeing and reducing stress; whether that be at work or in a home environment. We’ve already made a conscious effort to grow our own indoor-jungle at the studio, utilising nature to curate an impactful visual with holistic benefits.
3.
Cos X Phillip K Smith III - Open Sky
The sensory reactions of light, space and colour formed the basis of this years Cos collaboration with artist Phillip K Smith III. The immersive installation mirrored the structures Italian-renaissance surroundings at the Palazzo Isimbardi but also a 360 degree view of the sky; a meditative tribute to the world around us viewed with an ever changing perspective.
As a brand Cos consistently focus on the sensorial elements of tactility, modernity and functionality and these core values were clearly presented within Open Sky, curating a considered and unique experience.
4.
Minimalist lighting
The word ‘minimalism’ denotes a visual mood board of clean lines, monochromatic palettes and brutalist architecture however the true meaning is not an aesthetic…
Do our possessions offer purpose? That’s the question on every minimalists lips, a key sentiment apparent throughout a variety of the brands presentations this year with lighting in particular utilised as a tool rather than as a statement. Hidden LED lights behind mirrors or within cabinetry were cleverly combined with directional lighting, designed with function at its very core. Where pendant-lighting statements were made the forms were large but notably simple, even within British designer Lee Broom's latest product launch - titled 'Observatory'. Presented within an equally pared-back installation, each design played with sculptural and spherical forms, with mirror-polished finishes in modular systems, allowing the lighting sculptures to be built according to a spaces needs.
5.
Vitra - Typecasting
The iconic Vitra, a brand well known for its collaborative design ethos with design greats such as Charles & Ray Eames, George Nelson, Jean Prouve and Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec hosted Typecasting; an assembly of iconic, forgotten and new Vitra classics.
The opening party, held the evening prior to Milan’s Salone Del Mobile official opening, provided an exclusive and expansive view of Vitra's past, present and future. The curator of the exhibition, designer Robert Stadler, emphasised the social role furniture plays in our daily lives, of chairs in particular, exploring why identifying oneself with particular objects is essential for cultivating and projecting an individual self-image. The collection was split into various ‘profiles’, defined by the product’s characteristics and function. The 'Communals' profile was particularly interesting, a collections of objects designed to invite people to gather, share and communicate.
6.
Textual togetherness
Change is underway in global premium-living. In a constantly evolving world our homes social capabilities have become increasingly significant. The current mood of ‘Togetherness’ was consciously considered within the textured elements showcased this year, from modular sofas to silky high-pile rugs; comfort and customisation were consistently key.
Possibly the most refreshing considerations however were made within upholstery. Dining and lounge chairs were presented without the formalities normally associated to them, embracing suedes, finishes loose and gathered, for a more inviting and comforting experience.
The German brand, Rolf Benz, like us believe that a home is not a place, it’s a feeling - which is possibly why they’re contemporary, biomorphic concepts felt so inspiring to us.
Light; the power of life and illusion
Light. It’s a natural life source that we simply can’t live without. Even a house made of glass cannot guarantee sunny weather, which is why this weeks journal explores the importance of carefully considered lighting and its power of illusion...
Lighting paradoxically, defines reality and creates illusion.
When carefully considered, lighting can be used to illuminate our treasured belongings or create spaces which encourage conversation, all whilst improving our mood and nurturing our emotional well-being.
Our eyes, the gateways to our souls - are just that; an external sense tool for understanding and observing, with the ability to teach and develop our internal consciousness. They say ‘seeing is believing’, which as a sentiment is true; sight, of all our senses, contributes the most to our overall awareness. It's the easiest of our senses to understand as we block visual stimuli without conscious thought and so we react much more easily to it than the other senses such as scent or tactility.
Question time
Even a house made of glass cannot guarantee sunny weather which is why our in-house interior design experts, Rachel and Claire, sat down to explain in more detail the importance of carefully considered lighting and the power of illusion...
1.
Lighting within the home is often an afterthought. There’s tendency to think more about colour, furniture and accessories rather than the crucial element of lighting. Why does lighting deserve more attention?
Lighting plays a significant role in how the mood of a room is created. Soft, low-level-lighting creates depth and tranquility within a space whereas high-level, bright, task-lighting would create the opposite effect. Lighting as a stand-alone element can be a form of art whilst defining a space, it can be playful but also sophisticated. The light emitted is undeniably important but so too is the design of the fixture itself. There’s nothing more impressive than walking into a room where stunning lighting designs have been carefully incorporated to enhance the other elements of the scheme, that we perhaps interact with more via our other sensory levels. - Rachel Usher.
2.
Lighting is defined within three different types; AMBIENT, task, and accent. Could you explain the difference between these?
Think of Ambient lighting as a foundation, it creates the overall distribution of illumination within a space. Ambient lighting comes in various guises from contemporary pendant lights to simple downlights but consideration of the spaces size and the influence of natural light within it should always inform how this type of lighting is used. It’s essential that the lighting levels are balanced to create a comfortable environment.
Task lightings purpose is practicality however if harnessed correctly, it can transforms a space into something that’s both beautiful and practical - think lighting under kitchen cabinets or carefully considered pathway lighting.
Accent lighting is the final layer, used to highlight key elements within a space. Up or downlights can be used to showcase a sculpture, a piece of art or a feature wall - the possibilities are endless. - Claire West
3.
What’s more important, utilising light to define reality within a space or creating illusion within it?
It’s dependant on how a client intends to utilise their space but, more often than not, the two should exist in conjunction. A bathroom for example may require crisp, clean lighting for practicality, used as a tool to benefit the function of that room. In most cases the same space is also required for relaxing and to create the required atmosphere different light systems would need to co-exist. Combining both types of lighting allows for flexibility within the space depending on how and why the client is using the room. - Rachel Usher
4.
When an illusion of light is needed how is this achieved?
Light and space are two of the most important things that we look for in a space. As designers we’re often asked to create an ‘illusion' of light and space where the environment naturally lacks this benefit. We consider the various elements that make up a space and carefully introduce different components to enhance it. For example, the scale of a timber floor plank, a light paint colour palette that flows from the walls and ceilings into the woodwork, mirrors and strategically placed furniture and lighting - all of these components lead the eye calmly around a space, creating an illusion. - Claire West
5.
What should be considered when the aim is to create a comforting home environment?
Lighting should exist on different levels. Mostly importantly consideration of how natural light works and feels within a space should be made and used as a starting point. Natural light will, naturally, change depending upon the time of day but also the aspect of the windows and the seasons.
Like the rest of a design scheme, lighting should be considered in layers, it’s more interesting if light derives from different sources whilst also allowing us to customise the light used depending on how the space needs to function at different times.
A light sources colour is really important too as our eyes see colour as a refraction of light. On a personal level, I find warmer lights much more comfortable and natural, it’s the type of light you would find in a south-facing room and makes colours appear more yellow in hue. Creating a comforting environment does however really depend on the individual. - Rachel Usher.
6.
Why is considered lighting within commercial spaces so important?
Regardless of how beautiful an interior scheme is, if lighting has not been carefully considered the space will fail. Just like residential properties there are two fundamentals which need to be considered; form and function. Ambient and task lighting should be used to give an overall, practical illumination, designed to meet the needs of the space from a functional point of view, whether that be a workspace or a restaurant. Accent lighting should also be applied to reinforce the brands identity and to create the desired atmosphere. The style of light, its scale, positioning and the quantity used should all be mindfully considered. - Claire West
7.
Should lighting be harnessed uniquely depending the type of commercial space, for example restaurants and workspaces or should the emotional needs of the space be the main priority?
Lighting design is an art form in itself, on large residential and commercial schemes we would work closely with a lighting consultant to ensure the lighting is designed to meet the project requirements, both from a practical and emotive perspective. All spaces need emotive consideration, creating an atmosphere which relates to the service is paramount to its success, forming a space that people enjoy spending their time. - Claire West
8.
Can you think you of a residential or commercial project where the lighting design has had a significant impact on the emotive experience of the space?
On a recent project we have specified some architectural lighting, hidden into wall recesses and joinery details. The overall flow through the property has been connected with the hidden features and washes of light, emphasising the beauty of the interior architecture and creating a home that feels restful, contemporary and sophisticated. - Rachel Usher.
9.
How should outdoor lighting be approached?
Outside lighting can be considered from a number of perspectives; directional, architectural and accent, all of which require tones of light from multiple sources.
For properties with long sweeping driveways lighting can be utilised practically as a guide towards a property. Architectural lighting can be used to wash areas of a building in light, highlighting architectural features, defining its shape and form. Accent lighting is most often used to bring landscaped areas to life. Low-level lights which bathe trees and external features in a light glow can make the most out of an external space when it would otherwise be under the cover of darkness.
For commercial projects, well specified external lighting can make all the difference in how inviting or dramatic a venue appears and lighting choices should be a key consideration as part of the overall design; holistically considered. - Rachel Usher
10.
Which three lighting brands or designers are you particularly found of and why?
I still love the clean-lines deriving from Scandinavia so Normann Copenhagen and Vita Copenhagen are firm favourites of mine. I also love Northern Lighting’s Acorn Pendant by Atle Tveit - they’re installed in my kitchen at home and I LOVE them.
I will always support British brands where I can, I really respect how the self-taught Tom Dixon is progressing aesthetically; innovative, sculptural and yet always elegant. Another British company I love to work with is CTO, a company that allow us to customise fittings to our clients bespoke requirements. Sorry, I couldn't name just three… - Claire West
