Milan Furniture Fair 2024 - Highlights

Forget cherry blossom and the call of the cuckoo, for the furniture world it’s the Milan Furniture Fair, Salone del Mobile, which marks the start of spring, with the northern Italian city host to a week of events and exhibitions to showcase the best of this exciting sector.

Almost 2,000 exhibitors and more than 370,000 attendees mean that there’s a lot to see in Milan. While there’s a huge diversity of design featured, some trends stood out that we’re sure to see in commercial interiors over the coming months and years.

Colour is still a big story - there’s always going to be a market for neutrals but we love a pop of colour. Our stand at HIX 2023 featured fabulous colour in the designs from Studio Du Feu, Bell & Swift and 3D Reid, so we’re here for the bright shades and bold patterns used on sofas, stools and seating at Milan this year.

Orange was everywhere (not just in the Aperol Spritzes that are a perennial favourite!), bringing a bold burst of colour to armchairs, sofas, sideboards and tables. We’re already big fans, having created an oversized sofa upholstered in orange velvet for a student lounge at Regent’s University London, and our collection features plenty of inspiration if you’re looking to include this statement shade in an interior design.

Top of our list is the fabulous Capa Armchair - soft curves and generous padding combine to create a really appealing piece that works so well in a restaurant, bar or hotel. Also available as a lounge chair or sofa, with a choice of upholstery fabrics and wood stain finishes.

The Moby Stool is a fun addition to a contemporary interior - perfect in a hotel lobby or bar.

And if you want to add some orange to your outdoor space, the To-Me Armchair is a great choice. Sleek, stackable and supremely comfortable, it works just as well indoors, and is made using recycled materials with zero waste.

For those who love richer colour, deep burgundy was another standout shade, with Gucci’s creative director Sabato De Sarno unveiling a new exhibition, 'Design Ancora', featuring special editions of classic furniture designs, all in the fashion house’s deep red, ‘Rosso Ancora’.

We’re certain that this oxblood red will be a popular choice in interiors - it works so well on our Chloe Side Chair, supplied with a bespoke buttoned back for our programme of projects with Burger & Lobster restaurants across London. The deep ruby also features on other chairs in our collection, like our retro-styled Yvonne Lounge Chair, classic Scarlett Armchair or our statement Zen Lounge Chair.

Cushioned curves were the shape of the season, with Poltrona Frau’s collaboration with Faye Toogood delivering some deliciously squashy seating. The exaggerated outline and voluminous padding creates a striking silhouette - our Bros Collection brings a statement shape with true comfort. Available as a sofa or oversized armchair.

The relaxed trend continues with a new spin on a retro favourite - the conversation pit makes a return with modern modular seating. No need for the construction commitment this demanded back in the 1960s and 70s, rather than installing a sunken pit you can achieve a similar feel with semi-circular and modular seating.

The Manhattan collection brings a retro space-age feel, with sleek lined pieces combining to create a configuration that works perfectly in a hospitality or office interior.

Rounded volume at floor level gives a chill-out effect to our Duo collection. Sculpted seat and back cushions give a welcoming effect, with wenge-stained beech wood legs barely visible due to the clever design. Combine armchairs, corner units, terminal modules and pouf to create a circular or semi-circular seating area upholstered in a wide range of fabrics and leathers.

Last year we spotted a smart height-adjustable table which could be raised or lowered without the need for any electrical components or gas canisters - this design uses the table’s own weight to create the force needed as it glides into position. This year it seems that low dining is leading the way, with low seating systems and tables adding a touch of informality to restaurant designs.

We’re all for relaxed evenings out so think this is a trend to hold on to - we’d choose the timeless 366 Armchair. Based on a sixties design, it’s effortlessly cool and would work so well alongside a low dining table. The frame can be stained to a variety of finishes to perfectly match your space. Choose from a wide range of fabrics, leathers and faux leathers for upholstery.

You’ll find these pieces and more on our website now, with new additions joining our collection regularly. To keep up to date with our latest contract furniture range, join our mailing list and look out for our regular email newsletters, or follow us on Instagram.