Salone del Mobile 2022: Key Trends From the Iconic Trade Fair
Sustainable production and materials reigned alongside airy storage, plush sofas and diverse artistic influences
Leonora Sartori
30 June 2022
Houzz Italy Editor.
Journalist, in love with brave projects, talented young designers, and landscape artists designing the world with flowers and leaves. Do you want to share great indoor or outdoor projects or your own house? Write to redazione@houzz.com
Editor di Houzz Italia. Giornalista, amante dei progetti coraggiosi, dei giovani designer che escono dalla mischia, dei paesaggisti che disegnano coi fiori. Hai case o progetti meravigliosi da condividere? Scrivi a redazione@houzz.com
Houzz Italy Editor.
Journalist, in love with brave projects, talented young designers,... More
Salone del Mobile, one of the world’s most iconic furniture and design fairs, came back with a roar after two years of scaled-back events. The 2022 edition was, as always, held at the Fiera di Rho in Milan, Italy, and exceeded all of the organisers’ expectations with over 262,000 visitors including industry insiders, experts, brands, designers and design lovers from 173 countries (compared to the 400,000 visitors in 2019).
According to the organisers’ figures, 63 percent of visitors and 27 percent of the 2,175 exhibitors came from abroad. The event also welcomed 3,500 journalists from around the world. Notably absent were visitors from Russia and China, who have accounted for over 40,000 attendees in previous years.
According to the organisers’ figures, 63 percent of visitors and 27 percent of the 2,175 exhibitors came from abroad. The event also welcomed 3,500 journalists from around the world. Notably absent were visitors from Russia and China, who have accounted for over 40,000 attendees in previous years.
Sustainability
The biggest trend? The point that every exhibitor took into consideration? More than any colour palette, shape or style, the brands present all agreed on one issue: sustainability. Areas of focus ranged from production processes to circularity, ease of disposal, durability and materials, but one thing was clear: never has Salone del Mobile seen such a strong emphasis on sustainability.
1. Products as manifestos: For many companies, sustainability is a new must, while others are taking it further by becoming spokespeople for global sustainability awareness.
Álvaro Catalán de Ocón’s Plastic Rivers (pictured) is handmade in India from recycled plastic PET bottles. The designer depicted geographically accurate, to-scale maps of some of the world’s most plastic-polluted rivers such as the Ganges in India and West Africa’s crescent-shaped Niger.
The biggest trend? The point that every exhibitor took into consideration? More than any colour palette, shape or style, the brands present all agreed on one issue: sustainability. Areas of focus ranged from production processes to circularity, ease of disposal, durability and materials, but one thing was clear: never has Salone del Mobile seen such a strong emphasis on sustainability.
1. Products as manifestos: For many companies, sustainability is a new must, while others are taking it further by becoming spokespeople for global sustainability awareness.
Álvaro Catalán de Ocón’s Plastic Rivers (pictured) is handmade in India from recycled plastic PET bottles. The designer depicted geographically accurate, to-scale maps of some of the world’s most plastic-polluted rivers such as the Ganges in India and West Africa’s crescent-shaped Niger.
Le Bambole armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia.
2. Circularity: The number of companies with their own R&D departments focused on sustainability is growing, from Arper, which has eliminated glues from many of their products, to Cassina, whose Cassina Lab worked closely with the Polytechnic University of Milan to produce a polyurethane made of natural materials to make their products more easily recyclable.
B&B Italia, likewise, came out with a new version of its iconic Le Bambole armchair (pictured), designed by Mario Bellini in 1972, which looks the same as the original, but is produced more sustainably. The company uses a quantitive assessment of circularity that takes into account the ability to recycle and dismantle designs, as well as the sourcing of the product and its components.
According to this assessment, the chair has gone from 17 percent circularity in its 1972 model to 80 percent today. They accomplished this by abandoning the polyurethane-wrapped steel frame that held up the first version of the chair and opting for a hollow shell made of 98 percent recycled polyethylene. The new version also uses 70 percent less polyurethane foam than the original. Every part of the Le Bambole is also designed to be easy to disassemble and thus easier to recycle.
2. Circularity: The number of companies with their own R&D departments focused on sustainability is growing, from Arper, which has eliminated glues from many of their products, to Cassina, whose Cassina Lab worked closely with the Polytechnic University of Milan to produce a polyurethane made of natural materials to make their products more easily recyclable.
B&B Italia, likewise, came out with a new version of its iconic Le Bambole armchair (pictured), designed by Mario Bellini in 1972, which looks the same as the original, but is produced more sustainably. The company uses a quantitive assessment of circularity that takes into account the ability to recycle and dismantle designs, as well as the sourcing of the product and its components.
According to this assessment, the chair has gone from 17 percent circularity in its 1972 model to 80 percent today. They accomplished this by abandoning the polyurethane-wrapped steel frame that held up the first version of the chair and opting for a hollow shell made of 98 percent recycled polyethylene. The new version also uses 70 percent less polyurethane foam than the original. Every part of the Le Bambole is also designed to be easy to disassemble and thus easier to recycle.
The Bice chair by E-ggs for Miniforms (pictured) can be taken apart completely for easy recycling.
Is your home in need of a style update? Find interior designers near you to make it happen
Is your home in need of a style update? Find interior designers near you to make it happen
3. New materials: After two years of experimentation and research, Kartell has unveiled Re-Chair, designed by Antonio Citterio (pictured). The chair is made out of recycled espresso capsules from Illy, a Trieste-based coffee brand from Italy.
“For the first time, waste capsules are being used to make design products,” says Kartell president Claudio Luti on the company’s website. The chair’s material is made of imperfect capsules rejected during Illy’s production process, which Kartell then transforms into a base for the chair’s high-quality plastic.
“For the first time, waste capsules are being used to make design products,” says Kartell president Claudio Luti on the company’s website. The chair’s material is made of imperfect capsules rejected during Illy’s production process, which Kartell then transforms into a base for the chair’s high-quality plastic.
Nanimarquina also focused on production byproducts. The stand was filled with piles of wool and yarn to give viewers an idea of how much material is wasted when making a rug. Their new Re-rugs (pictured) are made with that leftover material, lending the finished products their unique colours.
Connubia and its parent company, the Calligaris Group, redesigned the entire production process of its Reef armchair (pictured) to reduce its environmental impact. With the Greenbow project, the group is working towards respecting the principles of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its focus thus far has been on creating upholstery made of recycled materials, and structures that can be easily taken apart and recycled.
Bookshelves and wardrobes are getting lighter
An ode to airy transparency: there is a trend towards wardrobes and bookshelves that are as open and minimalist as possible – and infinitely customisable.
Surprisingly, several brands have opted for exposed wardrobes, in some cases closed off only by sliding glass walls. Pictured is Lago’s Air Wardrobe, completely open and with a light and airy effect thanks to its glass or bronze frame and the coloured glass profiles on its doors, which lend it an architectural look. The basic philosophy here is to create a flexible tool that can function as a walk-in wardrobe, a way to divide two rooms, or as storage space.
An ode to airy transparency: there is a trend towards wardrobes and bookshelves that are as open and minimalist as possible – and infinitely customisable.
Surprisingly, several brands have opted for exposed wardrobes, in some cases closed off only by sliding glass walls. Pictured is Lago’s Air Wardrobe, completely open and with a light and airy effect thanks to its glass or bronze frame and the coloured glass profiles on its doors, which lend it an architectural look. The basic philosophy here is to create a flexible tool that can function as a walk-in wardrobe, a way to divide two rooms, or as storage space.
Pentagram bookshelf by Lago.
Bookshelves are more pared-back than ever before, practically blending into the wall with shelves that can be positioned in a variety of ways for total customisation.
Bookshelves are more pared-back than ever before, practically blending into the wall with shelves that can be positioned in a variety of ways for total customisation.
The True Evolution Experience! installation celebrates 100 + 10 years of Poltrona Frau in the flagship store on Via Manzoni in Milan. The installation is designed by interior designer Greta Rosset and videographer Mario Greco.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall
Several companies played with decor elements that have been ignored for the past few years. We saw mirrors that open and close, with fluid shapes and touches of irony, a variety of glass colours and even XXL silhouettes.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall
Several companies played with decor elements that have been ignored for the past few years. We saw mirrors that open and close, with fluid shapes and touches of irony, a variety of glass colours and even XXL silhouettes.
The Glass mirror from Lago (pictured) has a 45-degree edge and an integrated light, transforming it into a decorative feature.
Planck tables by Piero Lissoni for B&B Italia.
These glass side tables from B&B Italia with a semitransparent surface have a hidden surprise: they double as a light source.
Glazing was also leveraged in Lago’s XGlass kitchens, which feature coloured glass panels that imitate leather, marble, and other decorative materials.
These glass side tables from B&B Italia with a semitransparent surface have a hidden surprise: they double as a light source.
Glazing was also leveraged in Lago’s XGlass kitchens, which feature coloured glass panels that imitate leather, marble, and other decorative materials.
Reva Twist by Patrick Jouin for Pedrali. Art direction by Studio FM, photo by Andrea Garuti.
Colours
The key palettes at the fair ranged from milk and mint to rust, an array of oranges, earth tones, terracottas, beiges and brick. We also saw individual green accents on sofas and armchairs, as well as a return to the white sofa in incredibly soft fabrics.
Colours
The key palettes at the fair ranged from milk and mint to rust, an array of oranges, earth tones, terracottas, beiges and brick. We also saw individual green accents on sofas and armchairs, as well as a return to the white sofa in incredibly soft fabrics.
Ten years after the Juno chair (pictured) – designed by James Irvine for Arper – made its debut, the lightweight chair is back with an all-new, nature-inspired colour palette. Its production process has also been revamped, and the chair is now made of 70-percent-recycled plastic.
The HiRay bench, by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba for Kartell (pictured), is an outdoor bench made from welded wire. The cushions are made out of recycled water bottles and PET. The collection is available in a variety of colours including brick, green, beige and black.
Browse beautiful courtyards by Australian designers
Browse beautiful courtyards by Australian designers
Plauto by Paolo Cappello and Simone Sabatti for Miniforms.
An ode to timber
A single material is the secret to a trend that spans a variety of product categories. From tables to chairs to decor items, 2022 is the year of wood.
An ode to timber
A single material is the secret to a trend that spans a variety of product categories. From tables to chairs to decor items, 2022 is the year of wood.
Kagikakko, mini wooden table organisers selected by Bud-brand.
Small decor objects indulged in wood as well, leveraging influences from other cultures with a view to becoming the new classics.
Small decor objects indulged in wood as well, leveraging influences from other cultures with a view to becoming the new classics.
Amai tables from Extremis.
Outdoor revolution
The outdoors play the role of an extra room in the house, and should be given the interior (oops, exterior) designer treatment. We’re taking about gardens, of course, but also balconies: no longer going undecorated, they are turning into an important setting for fun and relaxation.
New outdoor spaces have gone multi-functional with tables that incorporate integrated lights or transform into bases for outdoor kitchens.
Outdoor revolution
The outdoors play the role of an extra room in the house, and should be given the interior (oops, exterior) designer treatment. We’re taking about gardens, of course, but also balconies: no longer going undecorated, they are turning into an important setting for fun and relaxation.
New outdoor spaces have gone multi-functional with tables that incorporate integrated lights or transform into bases for outdoor kitchens.
Gea day bed by Emanuele Magini for Campeggi.
Privacy, please! I’m relaxing
Part armchair, part bed, part sculpture, part toy. The inspiration for the Gea day bed by Emanuele Magini for Campeggi? Privacy, even when outdoors. Magini has created a soft, protective, cocoon-like and inviting retreat in the form of a cone in coloured lycra on a metal base.
Privacy, please! I’m relaxing
Part armchair, part bed, part sculpture, part toy. The inspiration for the Gea day bed by Emanuele Magini for Campeggi? Privacy, even when outdoors. Magini has created a soft, protective, cocoon-like and inviting retreat in the form of a cone in coloured lycra on a metal base.
The Base kitchen from Kettal Studio is a modular kitchen with an aluminium structure and stone elements, featuring a seamless and therefore easy-to-clean surface. The kitchen can be outfitted with a barbecue in addition to its cooker.
IBZ chair by Jose Antonio Gandia-Blasco Canales.
Hello sofa, my how you’ve changed!
No doubt you’ve already noticed the evolution of the sofa, which is still underway in two key ways:
1. Please touch: Several sofas featured materials that are super soft to the touch, with upholstery that evokes clouds or fluffy sheep. This indoor sofa by Gandia Blasco is one example. It was inspired by the colours of Ibiza.
Hello sofa, my how you’ve changed!
No doubt you’ve already noticed the evolution of the sofa, which is still underway in two key ways:
1. Please touch: Several sofas featured materials that are super soft to the touch, with upholstery that evokes clouds or fluffy sheep. This indoor sofa by Gandia Blasco is one example. It was inspired by the colours of Ibiza.
2. The formless sofa: The fair showcased sofas that are sustainable and driven by soft, less structured shapes. Zanotta says the company has put a lot of work into production processes and recycled materials to make the ZA:ZA sofa, pictured here, a comfortable and responsible product. “ZA:ZA is synthesis and deconstruction, in which the main elements of the sofa were studied individually, broken down, and stripped to the essential,” says Enrica Cavarzan of Zaven.
The structure is made of steel tubes and polyester straps holding up its cushions. The armrest, back and seat are tucked in to completely cover the frame. The upholstery features a non-removable inner lining in regenerated and recyclable polyester. No adhesives are used in its assembly.
The structure is made of steel tubes and polyester straps holding up its cushions. The armrest, back and seat are tucked in to completely cover the frame. The upholstery features a non-removable inner lining in regenerated and recyclable polyester. No adhesives are used in its assembly.
In the Soriana sofa in indigo blue jeans by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina (pictured), likewise, a metal shell allows the soft elements to be wrapped up to create a cloud-like effect.
A prototype of the Somewhere sofa by Wieki Somers for Moroso. The base is made with recycled materials. The cushion can be rolled up, futon-style. Photo by Alessandro Paderni.
We saw sofas acting as cozy corners, with soft forms and little structure, and a relaxed and informal philosophy.
We saw sofas acting as cozy corners, with soft forms and little structure, and a relaxed and informal philosophy.
The Pebble Rubble sofas, by the design duo Front Design for Moroso (pictured), are an exploration of shapes that bring homes back to nature. Depending on their colours, the sofas resemble large river stones, sweet green hills or mounds of moss in the woods.
A mix of cultures: on the hunt for the new beacons of evergreen style
Brands are always on the lookout for new inspiration, relying increasingly on interesting combinations or influences from other cultures. The result? Objects that can become new evergreens or design icons. For example, the Graffiti rug, designed by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina and reissued this year (pictured), was inspired by a drawing displayed in a restaurant in Japan, and made by hand in Himalayan wool.
Brands are always on the lookout for new inspiration, relying increasingly on interesting combinations or influences from other cultures. The result? Objects that can become new evergreens or design icons. For example, the Graffiti rug, designed by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina and reissued this year (pictured), was inspired by a drawing displayed in a restaurant in Japan, and made by hand in Himalayan wool.
Patricial Urquiola’s Sestiere vases, designed for Cassina (pictured here) are wrapped by hand in rope in accordance with Murano glass traditions. Each piece is one of a kind, a homage to the historical artisanry of the Venetian lagoon.
The Goz Tsuchi rug by Kengo Kuma for Gan (picrtured), features a mix of wool and teak wood. Made by hand, it is crafted from circular, semicircular, or square rods of teak wood and virgin wool.
Antonio Citterio’s design for Knoll (pictured), was also inspired by ancient Greece – its name, Klismos, refers to a type of traditional chair from Greek antiquity. Citterio’s design is also a homage to a piece designed by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings in the 1930s, a modern remake of the Greek seat, made in wood and rope.
Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby described their Tobi-Ishi table, for B&B Italia, as a new monument during a press presentation. Designed ten years ago, the table is back in a new version made with two kinds of marble, one black and one white, inspired by pre-medieval and medieval Italian buildings such as the Pisa cathedral.
Your turn
Which of these design directions are you most excited about? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Get more of the latest from this iconic trade fair with 10 Top Trends in Bathrooms From Salone del Mobile 2022
Your turn
Which of these design directions are you most excited about? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Get more of the latest from this iconic trade fair with 10 Top Trends in Bathrooms From Salone del Mobile 2022
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Some of these are just plain ugly. As Tiziana said, just more variations on a theme. My choice would be the Re-rugs and the chairs made from recycled coffee pods…chosen because they used recycled materials.