Top 5 Design Trends from the 2009 Milan International Furniture Fair

Every year the Milan Furniture Fair or Salone Internazionale del Mobile as it is known in Italy pays tribute to the most exciting modern furniture designs and designers from around the world. Famous designers among which are Ron Arad, Philipe Starck, Karim Rashid, Patricia Urquiola, and prestigious manufacturers such as Artifort, Bontempi Casa, Bonaldo, Moroso, Driade, Cattelan Italia, Tonin Casa, Horm, Polaris, Incanto, Rossetto and more showcase the latest trends and designs composed of simply stunning pieces, intended to expand the boundaries of interior design and enhance everyday interaction with furniture.  Milan or Milano in Italiano is the only place in the world where furniture for every occasion, in any silhouette, by famous and infamous designers can be found.  And 2009 did not disappoint.  Although there were many new and exciting trends, below are the top 5 that undoubtedly and repeatedly dominated the fair.

1. Plastics

Plastic furniture was abundant in Milan. Easy on the wallet and beautiful on the eye, innovative materials like polypropylene, methacrylate, ABS, nylon, and polycarbonate are durable and trendy, offering colorful solutions for the outdoors as well as the indoors. Bontempi Casa’s and Bonaldo’s wide range of modern dining chairs reveal fun yet functional demeanors with an extensive life cycle and aesthetics.

2. Black and WhiteBlack and White color combo, although not so new in concept, has been reinvented through the use of high gloss lacquers, hot painted tempered glass and of course plastics. The design world is looking for longevity, and what’s better than a tried and true; timeless and tested combo such as this one.  Used in the bedroom, living room and dining room, black and white furniture and furnishings blend sophistication and modernity and will look just as beautiful and contemporary in the future as they do now.  Check out the modern wall unit collections like the Gallery and Boss by Milmueble and modern platform beds from the Tokyo collection by Milmueble for realization ideas.

Tokyo 710 Walk-on Platform Bed by Milmueble in White & Black Lacquer

Tokyo 710 Walk-on Platform Bed by Milmueble in White & Black Lacquer

3. American Walnut

American Walnut was the finish en vogue at the Milan International Furniture Fair.  It has been gaining momentum since last year, influencing all interior elements in the modern dwelling.  With its serene, warm yet mysterious variations of color, furniture finished in American Walnut like Cattelan Italia modern dining tables or Rossetto contemporary platform beds are a great, fresh look for the dining room, living room, and even bedroom.

4. Statement Storage

This year, more than ever, Milan illustrated how storage can make a statement while integrating functionality with superior aesthetics.  Whether used as bookcases, showcases, room dividers, modern storage and shelving seem to be one of the finishing elements to an interior.  Be sure to check out Tonin Casa’s latest and ultra-modern bookcases and storage solutions full of magnificent design.

5. Quilted PatternsThe traditional quilt design may not be the first thing associated with modern furniture, but it is clear that the soft and textured quilted hexagonal or square pattern seems to resurface on Italian leather sofas, modern sectionals, and even leather platform beds.  Such is the case with the ever-elegant Malaga leather sofa by Polaris or the William platform bed by Cattelan Italia.