Having  a life long passion for furniture, its been a dream of mine to attend Salone del Mobiles Milano (The Milan Furniture fair)

A good (furniture manufacturing) friend of mine gave me some very good advice, wear comfortable shoes, go fast the first day and choose who you want to go back to. Don’t party too hard on the 1st night and get there early while everyone is sleeping in!

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of spending four days in Milan getting amongst all the fabulous furniture designers, makers and their new product. Exhibitions, design talks and nightly showroom events were held all around the city. It’s so full on, too much to see and full of inspiration, impossible to see it all!

A few of my favourites; Sawaya & Moroni, Edra, Knoll, Moroso, Exporium, mobiles 114, Andrea World, Vitra, Enea, Kartell and many fantastic smaller companies from around Europe. Design students producing great work, trying to get their product noticed.  Lots of velvet, colour, interesting ottomans, furniture that changes from a sofa, to a bed hidden in the wall, coffee tables that double as stand up desks.  The big names like Kartell and Edra producing amazing  plastic product moulded in all sorts of shapes. Sophisticated pieces from Fendi casa, Poltrana Frau and Zanotta.

The city of Milan was alive with design, over 400 events in the Fuorisalone Brera district with furniture showrooms and fashion houses opening their doors to showcase exhibitions and new products.  It was truly inspirational, if you’ve ever thought about going I recommend to go next year. Enjoy