Milan Design Week, anchored by the renowned Salone del Mobile, continues to shape the future of interior design.
This year, the city buzzed with creative energy as designers, makers, and global brands presented cutting-edge concepts and compelling installations.
From imaginative textiles to sculptural seating and unexpected takes on lighting and vanities, here are the most noteworthy trends emerging from the world’s biggest design event.
Archivist Chic: Weaving the Past into the Present
One of the standout moments came from Dedar, which launched a textile series inspired by the influential works of Josef and Anni Albers.
The “Weaving Anni Albers” collection, presented in Milan’s iconic Torre Velasca building, explored historical weaving techniques through five unique jacquard fabrics.
The installation recreated the feel of an archival studio, complete with old documents, vintage filing systems, and looms displaying the rich textures and craftsmanship of each design.
It was a powerful reminder of how the past continues to inform the aesthetics of the present.
Rethinking the Sofa: Sculptural and Modular
Seating took a bold new direction with unconventional forms and modular systems.
French designer Christophe Delcourt introduced the LIL daybed and ottoman for Collection Particulière—two asymmetrical, puzzle-like pieces that offer flexible seating arrangements and sculptural appeal.
Similarly, the Lagoon modular series and Hem’s Great Sofa showed how contemporary furniture blurs the line between form and function.
The latter transformed into an oversized lounge bed, offering a new perspective on communal living and informal entertaining.
The Return of the Luxury Vanity
Vanities are having a moment. At Milan Design Week, several brands unveiled statement pieces that elevated the traditional dressing table into a centrepiece of the bedroom.
Highlights included a 1970s-inspired vanity with hidden compartments and leather finishes, and a semicircular violet piece with a floating mirror.
These pieces suggest that the luxury vanity is no longer just functional—it’s now a stage for daily rituals, with materials and detailing worthy of admiration.
Gathering Around the Table (and Bed!)
Social installations and edible art took centre stage this year. Designer Laila Gohar’s collaboration with Marimekko included a theatrical “bed-in” featuring multiple mattresses covered in bold striped textiles—one of which was a cleverly disguised cake.
Meanwhile, in the 5Vie district, the exhibit Prendete & Mangiate showcased richly coloured glassware and vessels arranged along a banquet table.
Even the smallest details—like ceramic houseflies—played into the whimsical, yet refined, interpretation of communal dining.
Desks With Presence
Work-from-home living has left a permanent mark on design, and this year’s show reflected the demand for elegant, impactful desks. Italian furniture brand Ceccotti Collezioni debuted a dramatic executive-style desk that balanced sophistication with scale—ideal for creating a statement in any modern home office.
These pieces speak to a growing desire to harmonise productivity with style in our everyday environments.
Portable Lighting: Sophisticated and Sculptural
Lighting designers are reimagining portability with style and substance. Ambientec and Issey Miyake unveiled a sculptural lighting series that doubles as a design object, while Lee Broom introduced a compact version of his Cascade light in collaboration with Lladró.
Canadian lighting studio Bocci also celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special installation featuring its now-iconic 14p table lamp, recontextualised in a dramatic, contemporary setting.
Portable lighting is officially no longer just functional—it’s fashionable.
Office-Inspired Interiors
Milan’s creative staging extended into the theme of workspaces. Beni Rugs collaborated with architecture firm Studio KO to present the Intersection collection, blending five weaving techniques into a series of refined rug designs.
Displayed in a weathered textile factory, the rugs were surrounded by vintage office equipment, typewriters, and mid-century modern furniture.
The nostalgic yet modern setup offered a stylish nod to the hybrid work era.
Botanical Inspirations in Full Bloom
Nature flourished at Milan Design Week. Laboratorio Paravicini’s new ceramic series, Jardin à l’Italienne, featured patterns inspired by formal gardens, while Noritake’s porcelain, painted with roses by designer Faye Toogood, paid tribute to classic botanicals.
However, the most dramatic interpretation came from Polish designer Marcin Rusak, who transformed a decaying orchid house into an immersive floral art installation.
His towering orchid-shaped light sculptures, set against misty fog and glass walls, merged decay and beauty in a truly unforgettable way.
Conclusion
Milan Design Week 2025 proves once again that interior design is not just about spaces—it’s about storytelling, artistry, and imagination.
These trends are not just fleeting ideas; they are shaping the way we live, work, and connect.
Keep an eye on these themes as they begin to influence interiors across the globe in the months to come.
