Key fabric & furniture trends from Italy, by Marco Meneguzzi
The latest fabric and furniture trends from Proposte 2023 and Milan Design Week
Sydney interior designer Marco Meneguzzi recently attended the exclusive Proposte 2023 Fabric and Furnishings Fair in April, before heading to Milan for Salon Del Mobile. He shares his key takeaways in terms of what’s on trend.
In its 30th edition, Proposte 2023 was held over three sunny days in April in the charming town of Cernobbio on Lake Como. A highlight of this event is the series of pop-up exhibitions that take place, with designers and artisans showcasing their collections in local apartments, restaurants and shops. It’s a charming and intimate way to view the collections and meet the makers.
We are designing our homes to be more comfortable and cosier than ever, with calming, neutral colour palettes inspired by nature and including natural materials. Bringing the outside in continues to be a key trend, with a focus on linens, rustic textures and a more unrefined look.
Key fabric trends from Proposte 2023:
- Traditional artisanal techniques which included glazed fabrics and stonewashed cord linen
- Use of sustainable fabrics such as flax linen and hemp
- Soft, earthy hues and rustic textures
- Muted neutral tones, off-set by sage green and soft pink
- Expressive pattern and layering
The artisanal trend continued at Salon Del Mobile. Taking its cue from the fashion world, woven leather was used across furniture and accessories, including trays, planters, chairs and side tables.
Thin is in! Thin furniture, including the thinnest of thin (and most expensive!) travertine tables and super slimline bathroom fixtures, which saw taps as thin as a 20 cent piece.
As seen at Proposte, soft, muted colours dominated, with pink and green leading the trend.
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