The forward-thinking team at illustrious design practice Design by UBER recently visited Milan to attend one of the world’s most renowned design shows, Salone del Mobile

The Salone is held each Spring and is a key date in the calendar for design industry professionals as well as anyone with a passion for shape and form. Since its inception in the 1960s, the show has gained a reputation for launching exciting new talent and is firmly established at the forefront of dynamic design. For the team at Design by UBER the Salone offers a unique opportunity to explore the very best new ideas and products from around the world all showcased under one roof.

The first thing that strikes home is the sheer scale of the show, spread over multiple halls it covers over 200,000 square metres and showcases more than 2,300 of the world’s most pioneering design companies. This year also featured the biennial event, Euroluxe in which four halls are dedicated to lighting alone.

The Salone focuses on three distinct style categories. Namely Classic, which draws on the values of tradition, craftsmanship and skill; Design where products speak of functionality, innovation and an innate sense of style; and xLux where timeless luxury is re-written in a contemporary key. A definite trend this year was towards designing with clean and simple lines executed with superlative craftsmanship. There was an emphasis on strong architectural aesthetics, with linear forms sculpted from luxury materials and the finest of finishes featuring prominently.

Design by UBER had the opportunity to explore new lighting designs from seasoned brands as well as from experimental up and coming companies and designers. Across the board innovation and creativity proliferated with contemporary cluster lighting arrangements and stylish geometric shapes being very much en vogue. Lighting was crafted from a variety of materials with a leaning towards bronze and brass, often in combination with blown glass or alabaster creating a perfect pallet of finishes. Euroluxe proved itself to be a hub of dynamic ingenuity with brands to watch including Serip, CTO Lighting, Terzani, Paolo Castelli, SkLO and Occhio.

Image by Occhio, photography by Mierswa and Kluska

The main exhibition halls bombarded the senses with room sets and individual furniture pieces which epitomised the pinnacle of stylised design. Marble table tops featured heavily ranging from those formed from the classical Calacatta and Emperador stone through to more eclectic green and red toned marbles. Occasional tables arranged in clusters worked particularly well and it was interesting to see how the combination of upholstered elements with both wooden and marble table tops created layers of interest.

In line with the trend demonstrated in EuroLuxe, the furniture exhibitors, whilst each remaining true to their own clear identity, showed a predilection for bronze and brass finishes. Design by UBER were especially impressed by designers such as Frato, Flexform, Aleal, Signorini and Coco, and Arketipo.

The Salone also showcased numerous outdoor furniture exhibitors which seems to be a clear reflection of the emphasis now placed on seamless indoor outdoor living. The bar is constantly being raised, with outdoor furniture becoming ever more chic and stylish. Furniture from suppliers such as Royal Botania, Tribu and Dedon are easily able to pass for indoor furniture, therefore offering a very sophisticated approach to outside spaces.

Salone del Mobile is a visionary exhibition which shines a light on the art of design from around the world. Being at the leading edge of interior design, knowledge of global product innovation allows the team at Design by UBER to offer both their interior design clients, and their retail clients through their sister company Uber Interiors, the very best in design-led products from around the world.

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