Last month, I had the privilege of attending the iconic Salone del Mobile trade exhibition in Milan. As someone deeply passionate about design and innovation, I was excited to experience the can’t-miss highlights of this year’s event firsthand.
In the kitchen pavilion, a striking trend immediately caught my eye - not a single white kitchen was on display! Instead, most exhibits showcased cabinetry designed to conceal sinks and integrated preparation appliances, allowing kitchens to blend in seamlessly with living spaces like any other furniture piece. Brands like Bora, V-Zug, and Miele are leading the way by moving away from traditional overhead range hoods and featuring sleek pop-up downdraft vents integrated into the countertops.
The bathroom design area revealed a similar shift - a departure from traditional white porcelain fixtures. With advancements in Corian-like solid surface materials, many brands are releasing beautifully coloured vanity bowls and bathtubs that create warm, cosy environments contrasting the typically stark, sterile feel of all-white bathrooms.
Outdoor kitchen concepts stole the show, with incredibly stylish designs that could seamlessly transition from indoor to outdoor living. Outdoor prep counters, grills, and BBQ setups were striking in their use of richly coloured concrete and solid surface materials.
Overall, there seems to be an overarching trend towards blurring the lines between utility spaces and living areas, allowing homeowners to enjoy a seamless flow throughout their dwellings. Kitchens and bathrooms are now designed as living spaces in their own right, with an emphasis on integrating functionality into warm, inviting aesthetics.
Salone del Mobile 2024 was a true feast for the senses and a thrilling glimpse into the future of residential design. I can’t wait to see how these innovative concepts inspire and influence upcoming projects!
— Alla Delion
