Feature Ellen Finch
What starts in Italy quickly transforms what's happening on the global stage. Our executive editor Pip Rich reports on the tone-setting trends for this season and beyond
Our Editor Explains the Italian Design Trends Shaping the Look
and Feel of 2025
The New Pretty
10 Things You Simply Must Not Miss at Milan Design Week 2024
The Designer Who Wants You to Relax
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Italian powerhouses are going soft, formful and romantic with the catwalk’s dreamy ballet-inspired look taking over interiors, too. Here we unpack the trend with a landmark shoot that brings this look to life
The
New Pretty
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Photography (Batiik) Alice Mesguich; (Montesol) Karel Balas; (Michael Hilal) Katie McCurdy; (La Fantaisie) Jérôme Galland
True, every year brings plenty of new dining chairs. But 2024 felt different, the focus of the Italian design houses having shifted from formal seating for formal rooms to relaxed seating for relaxed spaces. It marked an overall theme you’ll see a lot of in this report, of a way of facilitating comfort and good times to be had, moving home design away from the luxe glamour usually seen on the international stage towards a softer, more casual way of life. Sitting on the Dione chair, right, designed by David Dolcini for Porada, I felt compelled to stroke the smooth wood arms, encased and enveloped in its inviting form. ‘It feels sensual, doesn’t it?’ David asked me. And he was right, it did, silkily so. I could easily imagine long evenings spent with friends all sat in a Dione, conversation and drinks flowing. That’s not to say dining chairs weren’t showstopping. Edra’s Milano chair by Jacopo Foggini, seen top of page, takes inspiration from the shape of the city’s famous Duomo – always a highlight to glimpse as we rush between showcases - and is just as dramatic. But it is surprisingly pliable, bending to your form, allowing you to settle back and settle in. A mood that embodies the spirit of the year.
The year of the dining chair
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Among all the many new launches and ideas, there were a few pieces that helped to set the direction of design. These are the products that are influencing the Livingetc editorial team, helping us to plan out the next few months based on the moods and movements seen here.
Setting the mood
With the playful air of a slightly crumpled helium balloon, this piece of wall art is pure hedonistic design, implying the end of a party, the point where everyone has had a good time. Made from mirror-coated steel and available in three colors, Blow stood out because it is endlessly curious, unexpected and - above all - quite beautiful.
Sculptural art at Giorgetti
Walking into the Rimadesio showroom has long been like entering a dream, one full of picture-perfect storage and where nothing is ever out of place. The brand's orderliness and clean lines are its appeal. But in a slight departure, its designers have added in some soft new finishing materials made from highly durable cotton blends that give its furniture a vacation-like feel. It’s a perfect mix of functional art and personality-filled touches, for a way of designing that feels wonderful and like home.
Raffia finishes at Rimadesio
Moroso’s partnership with design legends Ron Arad and Patricia Urquiola continues, with both stars bringing out new products this year. The Gruuve sofa is another example of the 1970s bubble shapes coming back in fashion. But Patricia has taken this to wonderfully cartoon-like proportions, hinting at a comic-like, surrealist take on decor that turns living rooms into grown-up playpens and that we want to see a lot more of next year.
Playfulism at moroso
This design house has always been known for its prettiness and whimsical forms, but this year it softened its already rounded edges by embracing peachier tones. Multiple designs were specified in a slightly pinker version of beige, resulting in a smooth, enchanting warmth. A color – and mood – that is soothing to embrace.
Peachy tones at Gallotti&Radice
Pillowy forms and soothing schemes were a key theme throughout, as the big brands encourage us to take our shoes off, take a load off, and unwind with good design. Seating shapes were plump, encouraging sighs of delight as you sink into them. But lighting also got in on the act, with billowing forms that bathed the room in a glow that could only be described as relaxing, a main part of the understanding that when we’re at home, all we really want is for our decor to make us feel loved.
Comfort Max
Hasu chair by Lema
La Bambola outdoor armchair by B&B Italia
Mate sofa by Bolzan
Cross lounge chair and Wave screen, both by Bonaldo
Veli Aurea ceiling light by Slamp
Zaha Hadid Architects collaborated with Atlas Concorde for the Marvel Meraviglia geometric tile collection, a fascinating and unexpected pattern reminiscent of 1970s wallpaper. ‘It could be used as a focal point, or to draw the eye to an architectural feature,’ says the studio’s associate director Paolo Zilli. ‘I’d love to see someone bold enough to use it on a curved wall, its wavy elements like a snake, so you really appreciate how 3D it looks.’ The collection used Atlas Concorde’s ability to create surfaces that take inspiration from marble but that have a beauty all of their own. ‘They really enhance the space,’ Paolo added.
Dramatic splash
Haiku wall lamps, Tactile sofa and Fany low table, all by Baxter
Helene cocktail coffee table by Minotti
Ernest sofa by Poliform
The Kitchen Design Moods Setting the Tone and Trends for 2025
The Designer Setting Out a Whole New Way to Decorate
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The 1970s revival gathers pace, but it newly comes with a forward-looking approach that takes in how we want to live now. That’s an amped-up version of the cocktail corner (Minotti’s cocktail coffee table was a standout) and sofas that borrow from the rounded bubble shapes of the decade and add in massaging ridges – yes, Poliform’s Ernest sofa and Baxter’s Tactile sofa really are ribbed for your pleasure.
Cocktail Hour
True, every year brings plenty of new dining chairs. But 2024 felt different, the focus of the Italian design houses having shifted from formal seating for formal rooms to relaxed seating for relaxed spaces. It marked an overall theme you’ll see a lot of in this report, of a way of facilitating comfort and good times to be had, moving home design away from the luxe glamour usually seen on the international stage towards a softer, more casual way of life. Sitting on the Dione chair, right, designed by David Dolcini for Porada, I felt compelled to stroke the smooth wood arms, encased and enveloped in its inviting form. ‘It feels sensual, doesn’t it?’ David asked me. And he was right, it did, silkily so. I could easily imagine long evenings spent with friends all sat in a Dione, conversation and drinks flowing. That’s not to say dining chairs weren’t showstopping. Edra’s Milano chair by Jacopo Foggini, seen top of page, takes inspiration from the shape of the city’s famous Duomo – always a highlight to glimpse as we rush between showcases - and is just as dramatic. But it is surprisingly pliable, bending to your form, allowing you to settle back and settle in. A mood that embodies the spirit of the year.
The year of the dining chair
The Kitchen Design Moods Setting the Tone and Trends for 2025
The Designer Setting Out a Whole New Way to Decorate
MORE ARTICLES