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The New Pretty

10 Things You Simply Must Not Miss at Milan Design Week 2024

The Designer Who Wants You to Relax

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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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

The Design Direction of the Season - Fall’s Key New Decorating Trend

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

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Part of the allure of the trend for 90s minimalism reinvented is the subtle glamor and the party atmosphere it naturally creates: those moody tones, shiny silver accents and fancy frills add up to a celebratory scheme. So how can you apply the look to your next dinner party or gathering – and what do designers have to say about entertaining in style? We spoke to a few stylish people to find out.

A tablescape inspired by 90s minimalism is always going to feature clean, simple lines – but to avoid anything too cliche, and to soften the look, these pieces should be paired with contrasting shapes and textures. “For me, it's always about the mix,” says Lauren Sands. “I like to have a mix of metals, a mix of materials, a mixture of textures – and it doesn't have to be a lot of things, but I like to make sure everything doesn't feel too matchy-matchy.” Take, for example, LES Collection’s new Ribbon tableware collection – minimalist pieces with a pared-back palette of off-white with a black rim, and a softly undulating shape. “My favorite way to style those pieces is with a vintage pewter set of flatware that has these mermaid-like curves,” Lauren says. She will also pair them with an embroidered tablecloth by French artist Sarah Espeute, and candlestick holders she designed herself. “One of them is a low candlestick holder in a darkened bronze brass. It only takes a skinny taper and I just love a ton of them down the table; they’re so low-profile that you can see over them, but they bring warmth and an organic feel. Finally, I’ll pair it all with a hand-blown glass that feels a little wonky.”

Mix and match to avoid a one-note scheme

Cool-toned metallics like stainless steel, chrome and silver are a key feature of current tablescapes, whether you’re inspired by 90s minimalism or the 70s dinner party revival – but there are styling tricks to avoid the look from feeling too cold. Designer Thea Bloch-Neal, designer and founder of NC-based Curated by Thea, turns to a specific color palette. “I love pairing silver and brown – it’s such a classic, warm combination,” she says. “When setting a tablescape, I like to group items in sets of three to balance the tones. So, if you have silver and brown elements, try adding a third color like pale yellow, cream, or soft blue to bring everything together.” Table linens will also instantly soften the scheme. “Creamy, textured linens, both in the napkins and the tablecloth, are a really great way to bring in warmth,” says Lauren Sands. “If I had a beautiful wooden table but I wanted to do silver martini glasses and silver flatware, I wouldn't place them straight onto the wood – I'd put a tablecloth down to soften it all.”

Balance cool metallics with softer elements

For a 90s-inspired tablescape, a centerpiece might feel like a contradiction – but there are ways to create a focal point in a scheme like this without losing a sense of refinement. “For a clean, streamlined centerpiece, try using just one type of flower – like all tulips or all baby’s breath,” says Thea Bloch-Neal. “This keeps the texture interesting without feeling too busy. I also love using a cluster of fruit or vegetables as a centerpiece – it’s unexpected and adds clean lines. Artichokes, persimmons, and pears work beautifully.” Keep your arrangement low and compact so that it doesn’t obstruct conversation, or need to be moved before dinner. “I have some sculptural pieces like candlestick holders and vases from some of the artists I work with, and they really don't need flowers,” says Lauren Sands. “If I'm in a pinch and need to make the table feel more elaborate, I'll mix those in. It still feels beautiful and interesting but a little bit more minimal.”

Create a minimalist centerpiece

When guests arrive, they may naturally gravitate towards the host – so relieve some of the pressure from yourself while you’re busy in the kitchen and use clever furniture arrangements to encourage guests to mingle elsewhere. “My house was designed to host from the beginning: we made sure that we had a big dining room table, an area we could always use as a bar, and lots of seating,” says Lauren Sands, the Brooklyn-based founder of chic design gallery LES Collection. “I always have different groupings of candleholders in different locations to show people: this is the seating arrangement to go sit at.”

Use directional decor to create flow

If you’re throwing a dinner party, your attention might naturally be focused on perfecting the table – but don’t neglect decorative touches in the rest of your living spaces, because guests will mingle here before the meal begins. “The kitchen island is usually the heart of the gathering, so I leave part of it open for guests to place their drinks,” says interior designer and collector Adriano Balestra, who founded LA antique furniture gallery Studio Balestra. “I also love creating eye-catching flower arrangements on the island to draw guests in. Candles, especially tea lights, are essential for adding warmth and coziness throughout the space. I prefer leather coasters and linen napkins to add a touch of sophistication. A silver ice bucket for chilling champagne or wine is a must-have.”

Pull focus to key areas with artful decor

The big light should remain off for any gathering – except, perhaps, the chandelier. Dimmable lights are your friend, as are candles. “My house is on a dimmer system, so I have different settings for different occasions,” says Lauren Sands. “When guests are over, none of the high hats are on; I will use chandelier lighting and some lamps, but mostly I use candlelight.”“I’m not a fan of bright recessed lighting or harsh lighting during meals,” agrees Adriano Balestra. “I dim all the lights and rely on ambient lighting as much as possible. Nobody wants a bright light shining down on them while dining. Warm, dimmed lights with candles create an intimate, memorable atmosphere for a sophisticated dinner.”

Keep lighting soft and low

As well as ensuring that your table is unique to your style, vintage pieces can offer the point of contrast that any tabletop always needs. “A sleek, organized table is essential – I love using almost black Japanese cedar dishes with polished silverware and Baccarat glassware, finished with linen placemats and napkins – but a contrast between sleek new pieces and older, textured elements keeps the setting balanced and intriguing,” says Adriano Balestra. “To avoid a one-note look, I might add a vintage piece like a Japanese tsubo with texture and patina.”

Mix in vintage pieces for a characterful table

You might have seen that ultra-specific tableware like oyster plates and digestif glasses are trending in the world of dinner parties – but far from being for elaborate schemes, these can have their place in a 90s minimalist-inspired look (particularly as they offer that vintage element mentioned above). “These unique pieces add a layer of sophistication and surprise,” says says Adriano Balestra. “At a recent dinner, I included specific glassware for water, white wine, red wine, and martinis since I knew some guests would enjoy a martini. It added a delightful, unexpected element that enhanced the evening.” “I have a large collection of butter dishes, oyster plates, knife rests, and so on, and I always get vintage because there’s plenty out there,” says Lauren Sands. “Sometimes I'll mix in an artist-made piece: I have these great oyster plates that are so fun and colorful. It doesn’t have to feel too maximalist – you wouldn’t use all of those pieces at lunch, because they have to make sense in the context. You might bring in just one butter dish – and I also like including knife rests where you might normally place a spoon.”

Specialist tableware isn’t just for maximalist schemes

Kelley Shaffer for LES Collection

William Jess Laird for Sophie Lou Jacobsen

Feature Ellen Finch Photography Zara Home, Kelley Shaffer, William Jess Laird

A softened approach to 90s minimalism is the perfect look for an understatedly glam party – these designers explain how to create the vibe

8 Rules Designers Use to Entertain Now – Decor Advice for the Chicest Dinner Parties

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How Designers are Interpreting This Trend for a Look That Lasts all Year

90s Minimalism Reinvented

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How Designers are Interpreting This Trend For a Look That Lasts all Year

90s Minimalism Reinvented

Shop the Look