Trends

This year, I’ve been lucky to attend the largest design fair in the world: the Milan Design Week and its Salone del Mobile. The Milan Design Week is truly a one of a kind experience, the whole city lives and breathes design for a whole week with countless exhibits showcasing inspiring designers from around the globe.

Milan is where most of the trends emerge in the world of design so I wanted to share the top trends that caught my eye as I strolled through the exhibits and installations at this year's event:

1. Rounded shapes are not going anywhere

Arches and curved walls were omnipresent in architectural elements, while pebble shapes appeared to be a favourite for furniture pieces and mirrors. Curved sofas were also a designer favourite this year and for the right space, I'm totally in (as long as it's comfortable!), a curved sofa is the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a living room.

2. Walls are no longer just flat surfaces, they are now textured

Designers are experimenting with various materials and techniques to create visually engaging and tactile wall treatments. From rough plaster finishes to intricate wooden patterns, textured walls add depth and character to any space. Think micro-cement, Venetian plaster, raffia… This is definitely one of my favourite trends!

3. Shades of red stole the spotlight

Ranging from warm, earthy terracotta tones to moody burgundy hues and soft, dusty pinks, red was the colour of the 2024 Milan Design Week.

4. Bouclé Fabric

I thought we may had seen too much Bouclé fabric in the past few years and it might be on its way out but I was pleasantly surprised to see it’s still a designers’ favourite. Loved for its softness, texture, and elegance, bouclé adds a touch of luxury and coziness to furniture and upholstery!

5. Japanese Influence

We saw a lot of Japanese designers this year, as well as many European designers that were inspired by the traditional Japanese craftmanship. Natural materials, such as wood and washi paper, are celebrated for their simplicity and organic beauty, creating timeless interiors that feel calm and deeply connected to nature.

6. Marble Resurgence

While it is rattan that we used to see absolutely everywhere a couple years ago (and was pretty much absent this year), marble is reclaiming its status as the ultimate luxury material. Whether in the form of beautiful raw Travertine or with dramatic veining, marble is not only making a comeback in kitchens but is also adding a touch of sophistication to furniture, lighting, and accessories. I’m always amazed to see what nature can do!

Seeing the latest design trends and discovering new designers prove to be incredibly refreshing and inspiring, and I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of this years’ design week with me. Embrace trends that resonate with your style, but always trust your instincts and create spaces that reflect your unique personality and feel authentic to you!

PS: Don't forget to download my free guide below, where I'm sharing my top tips to add warmth to your home!

The 70’s have definitely made a comeback in both fashion and interiors. While not everything was to love about this design era, there are a few things that I absolutely love. In this blog post, I am sharing the 5 elements of this period that inspire me the most.

Photography Credit: Night Palm, Frank Frances

1. The use of patterns

Think geometric wallpapers and checkered rugs. While this is something I love, I believe it should be used a more minimalist way than what we could see in the 70s.

Photography Credits: Studio Robert McKinley, Read McKendree / Lulu and Georgia

2. The abundance of curves and bold shapes

It's no secret I have a thing for curves. Round furniture help balance and add a lot of softness to our interiors that are usually very rectangular. Curves can even be integrated in the structure of a home through arches or curved walls.

Photography Credit: Santa Monica Proper Hotels, design by Kelly Wearstler

3. The warm colour palettes with a dominance of browns and earthy tones

There was a big trend in the 70s to bring the nature indoor. The need for a stronger connection to nature has come back stronger than ever and we are loving the earthy colour palettes, timber panelling

Photography Credit: Studio McKinley

4. The choice of comforting materials such as velvet and rattan in furniture

Photography Credit: The Design Files

5. Low furniture

A low coffee table will instantly bring a relaxed feel to your living room. And nothing looks more inviting than a sunken sofa!

Photography Credit: Sarah Ellison Studio

There is something warm and comforting about the 70’s. Just stay away from the bright orange and brown wallpapers that were popular in the 70's and use these trends in a more minimalist and refined way so it doesn't look outdated.