Interiors

Design Direction: Best in Show at Salone del Mobile

byTeam GM

5 years ago

We’re so excited to share today’s post with you from our friends—and interior design experts—Ashley and Andrea of Avenue Interior Design. They recently took a trip to one of interior design’s most inspiring events, held in none other than the dreamy and fashionable Milan, Italy (and with the official release of Gray’s ITALY book last week, how could we resist?!). But we won’t delay things any longer; here is Ashley and Andrea’s take on the famous Italian furniture fair Salone del Mobile, and how they would pair the most of-the-moment interior design trends with GM prints…

Every year the best-of-the-best in furniture, lighting and all things well-designed come together at Salone del Mobile in Milan. Just outside of one of Italy’s most fashionable cities, the design-savvy masses flock to Salone in search of the latest the design world has to offer. While the list could go on for days, we’ve highlighted a handful of our top picks from this year’s show.

PORTA ROMANA

This UK based lighting company has always been the go-to source for those looking for a little something special when it comes to lighting. Their showing at Salone was no exception. The bright, chartreuse backdrop accentuated the crisp, plaster white forms of their recently re-released Medici wall lights as well as the modern classic that is the Monty Wall Sconce. The way in which the sconces and pendants were displayed gave each vignette a very whimsical, artistic vibe.

Pairs well with… Polignano al Mare

THONET

Very few chairs are as recognizable as Thonet’s collection of namesake chairs (trust us, Google it and you’ll instantly recognize them!). Thonet was one of the first manufacturers to successfully, and gracefully, bend solid wood for their signature chairs. Since then, the company has continued to evolve its product offering and we found ourselves swooning over the most recent collection featuring a combination of finishes including caning, bent wood, and upholstery.

Pairs well with… White Cabanas, Italy

KETTAL

The Kettal VDL Pavilion, designed in collaboration with Dion Neutra, Richard Neutra’s son, was modeled after the infamous VDL Research House here in Los Angeles (Silver Lake). For decades Kettal has manufactured dynamic outdoor furnishings that are expertly crafted by hand outside of Barcelona, so it comes as no surprise that they would be the first company to recreate a Neutra classic. The pavilion is an outdoor cabana-esque structure that has fully sliding doors and vertical fins that oscillate to maximize (or minimize) the elements. The pavilion and all its furnishings had us falling head over heels for this modern masterpiece.

Pairs well with… Sicily

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CHAIRS CHAIRS CHAIRS

When it comes to chairs, every vendor brought their A-game! These are a few of the standouts for a variety of reasons, but mostly because they are as simple as they are striking. We are always on the hunt for a new mainstay and these all caught our eye. The amazing graphics and choice of color/materials the companies used for the backdrops only solidified their status in our eyes.

Opinion Chiatti | La Chance | Ton

Pairs well with… Multicolor Umbrellas, Italy

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BITOSSI

Next time you find yourself in Italy, keep your eyes peeled for this avant-garde accessories brand. From handcrafted ceramics with an effortlessly casual, cool vibe to polished and pristine dinner settings with gilded details, there is something to suit any style.

Pairs well with… Portofino

POLTRONA FRAU

When it comes to Italian furnishings, there may be no bigger love affair for interior designers than Poltrona Frau. These are a few snaps from their Milan based showroom (re-designed for Salone) showcasing the beautiful juxtaposition of old world architecture paired with contemporary furnishings. No detail was overlooked when it comes to their upholstery, woodwork and overall construction. The color palettes are always on point and even the leather options were artfully displayed. We’ll admit, just sitting in the showroom gave us a glimpse of la dolce vita!

Pairs well with… Capri Sunset

Which of these furniture designer's areyou most smitten by?

We’re in awe of all of them! And we have to admit, these interior design trends go pretty perfectly with any of these prints above… To browse more prints from Italy, take a peek at La Dolce Vita or our Italian Geometric collection.

Thank you again to the ladies at Avenue ID for sharing their trip with us! We couldn’t be more jealous. Follow along with their work on Instagram and on their website.

Xx Team GM

Photos: c/o Avenue ID