Blog post

It’s not often that I sit through a presentation without taking notes and thinking about how I can share the highlights with people. I have journalist genes in my jeans.

But I was so inspired the other night at  Casa Spazio in Chicago by the panel sharing insights and design trends from Salone Internazionale de mobile (The Milan show of modern design) that I went into sponge mode and just took it all in.

With insights from global traveler businessman Marco van velsen of Former (a furniture manufacturer in Italy) and Scott Dresner of Dresner Design in Chicago here are the highlights of what they saw as trends and what I see as inspiring and exciting:

Space Saving Solutions:
I almost have to sing this one! I’ve been aware of the brilliant creations of a company named Clei for a few years now. Their brilliance seems to be continuing. There isn’t much that makes me happier than well designed, functional space. This niche’ is only going to get bigger and better as our homes get smaller and smaller.

From “fashion” to “furniture”. This something that I love following, since furniture and home decor are the “fashion” for your dwelling while “fashion” is the decor for your physical body.

Color translates.

Textures and adornments translate.

Line and design translate.

The most straight forward example is yellow showing up as “the IT color” (according to Scott Dresner).

Integrating function and “hiding” things were also mentioned as strong trends, and ones highly relate-able to cabinetry and closets. There were lots of kitchens showing the tables actually integrated into the space and designs and others that had the tables “disappearing” as they slid into hiding spaces when not in use. Also shown were “hidden” appliances that could be revealed and accessed when needed.

Wood – Renewed. This interesting terminology shared by Dresner is different from “reclaimed”. It’s taking wood that is not necessarily recycled or being “re-used” but has different coloring than what we’ve been seeing the last several years. Featured were more medium wood tones, more grain and texture and changing grain directions within the same space.

Additional trends that our experts noted were extremely innovative design and use of materials (like an onyx couch), the return of wardrobes to store clothing items and thin counter tops.

A special thanks goes out to the River North Design District for sponsoring this inspiring event.