Not only numbers
The Salone del Mobile 2023 was not just about numbers, however. It was mostly an opportunity to witness the birth of new design trends and to preview the big decor trends for 2024 and beyond.
Several brands stood out at Salone del Mobile 2023. Among them were modern-classic giants such as Flexform, Poliform, Minotti, Molteni&C, Living Divani – these are companies that set the standards for contemporary classics worldwide, where simplicity of form dominates and subtle play takes place with proportions, the highest quality materials and execution, as well as attention to detail! In the quest for subtlety in what would seem to be already perfected forms for years, there is a price to pay – without knowledge of the product, it’s difficult to determine which sofa was designed by which company.
Unique Brands
On the other hand, there are brands that are unmistakable due to their individual recognizable character, such as Koinor. It is a German brand that is associated with unique character, technological innovation, and the highest quality of execution in the furniture world. Their furniture is a combination of functionality, aesthetics, technology and a unique style. Koinor loves sliders, rotary platforms and other mechanisms – often based on electric motors and remote controllers. The company offers not only luxury sofas and armchairs but also tables, chairs, and modular furniture. All of these products are designed to meet the expectations of the most demanding customers.
Baxter is an Italian brand that creates vintage-style furniture but with definite modern touch. Their products are a blend of classic and exclusive elegance. The characteristic features of Baxter are high-quality execution and a unique style that delights customers worldwide. They offer not only upholstered furniture but also wooden furniture and decorative accessories.
De Sede is a Swiss furniture brand that stands out for its innovative approach to designing and producing sofas and armchairs. Their furniture is characterized by unique shapes, innovative form solutions, and the highest quality of execution. As a result, they are not only comfortable but also visually beautiful and unique. And sometimes they are just unique. Let’s take this iconic sofa for an example:
We’ll leave the judgment of whether it’s beautiful to you, but we had the opportunity to sit on it and we can say that it’s not too comfortable and rather impractical to keep clean.
Edra is an Italian brand that specializes in creating innovative and experimental furniture that pushes the boundaries of traditional design. Their furniture is characterized by unique shapes, unconventional materials, and a focus on luxury and sophistication. What one can find interesting is that Edra still exposes furniture designed 20 years ago. Of course they are iconic but still – you visit a furniture fair in 2023 and you do not expect to see sofas designed in the early 2000’s – like Boa (2002) or Flap (2000). And what is even more interesting despite their unique design is that you still enjoy the idea and look. Edra’s products are often unique and artistic creation that embodies the brand’s vision of the future of furniture design.
Overall, each of these brands offers something unique and valuable to the world of furniture design. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of Flexform, Poliform, Minotti, Living Divani and Molteni&C, the technological innovation and character of Koinor, the vintage-modern blend of Baxter, the innovative shapes of De Sede, or the experimental luxury of Edra, these brands are all at the forefront of contemporary furniture design.
Details, colors and used materials
In terms of detail, color and material we observed some common trends that are noticeable across many brands:
- Organic and rounded finish of wooden elements, construction, and details.
- Cushions and soft elements loosely placed on the substructure.
- Load-bearing construction (e.g. table legs) piercing through the tabletop, visible from above.
- Visible fastening of cushions using uncovered cords or ropes.
- Surfaces made of cords.
- One of the most eye catching details we have faced in several brands is braid covering cubical shapes with no stitches. The effort that was put in to achieve the desired outcome makes a difference.
What caught our attention amidst the unquestionable beauty surrounding us was the fact that very few companies had opted out of natural leather. We understand the attractiveness of this wonderful material both in terms of utility and aesthetics, but it leaves a certain cognitive dissonance, especially given the rightful and growing trend of environmental and animal welfare concerns. This is particularly true when it comes to the largest players in the market, who have both the means and the impact to create responsible design.
In conclusion, Salone del Mobile 2023 was a feast for the senses and an inspiration to furniture designers everywhere. The pieces on display showcased creativity, innovation and a desire to create furniture that is as beautiful as it is functional. It was both aesthetic and educational experience. We left the event feeling energized and excited for what the future of furniture design holds.
Some more of stunning pieces
