Last week, Modern In Denver took a trip to Milan, Italy to explore the world’s largest furniture fair, Salone del Mobile and EuroCucina, all part of Milan Design Week 2016. The trip, sponsored by Veselbrand Contemporary Kitchens, provided an incredible first look at the newest, most innovative furniture, kitchen, storage, and bathroom design. With more than 2,400 exhibitors, 2 million feet of exhibition space, and countless exhibits and events throughout Milan, it is virtually impossible to see everything, so we had Veselbrand’s Kevin Vesel take us on a tour of his must-see places during the week, as well as share some of the top kitchen trends he identified at the EuroCucina. Check out Vesel’s top picks below:
10 Emerging Kitchen Trends Spotted by Veselbrand
- Dark woods and veneers
- Gold, bronze, and copper accents
- Asian and Middle Eastern-influenced color palettes
- Greater use of glass—clear, mirrored, and bronzed
- Textured, natural woods
- Beveled and integrated pulls
- Ultra-matte finishes; black and smoky gray charcoals were predominant
- Integrated “under the countertop” induction cooking surfaces
- Open drawers without faces directly below the work surface
- Stainless, 6 mm-thick sheets, satin or rotary finished with integrated sinks
Veselbrand’s Five Must-See Areas During Milan Design Week
1. Salone del Mobile and EuroCucina
This furniture fair is held annually in Milan, and the EuroCucina and lighting exhibit alternate years. It is the largest trade fair of its kind in the world. The exhibition showcases the latest in furniture and design from 165 countries around the world. This is the 55th edition of the acknowledged international benchmark event for the furnishing and design sectors and is a showcase that has always mixed business with culture, shaping the history of design and furnishing yesterday, today, and tomorrow—a global platform for truly top-notch products and services with the emphasis on innovation.
2. Via Turati 8 – Via Durini 17
A street of design giants: Rimadesio, Poliform, Paola Lenti, Molteni & C, Minotti, GIORGETTI, FLOS, FLEXFORM, Cassina, baxter, B&B Italia, Arclinea … Need I say more?
3. 10 Corso Como
Among famous boutique fashion stores, there are few that top 10 Corso Como. The Milan store now has an attached bookstore, fashion and design store, roof garden, hotel, and cafe.
4. Brera Design District
One of the Design Week cornerstones, the stylish Brera, is one of the most central and exciting must-see locations in the Fuorisalone circuit. With a list of more than 50 contemporary design showrooms and roughly 90 events, there is always something going on. Showrooms include agape, antoniolupi, calligaris, cappellini, Poltrona Frau, DEDAR, Edra, Foscarini, Missoni, and MOROSO, just to name a few.
5. Zona Tortona
Tortona Design Week—which falls under the umbrella of Milan Design Week—symbolizes design, and it symbolizes Milan. And at the same time, it’s an extraordinary window to the rest of the world. Winding through the streets of Via Savona, Via Tortona, and Via Forcella, this circuit pulsates with vitality year round, and even more so during Fuorisalone week. The stunning venue will play host to Moooi, where visitors will be astounded by the creations and installations of the famous designer Marcel Wanders. It is here that Toyota will introduce the Setsuna, a concept car made primarily of wood. Setsuna which translates to “moment” in Japanese, aims to embody the fleeting moments people have together with their vehicles.
Have a peek below of more highlights from the show!
