Salone del Mobile 2024 in Milan has once again proven to be a playground for visionaries and creative professionals, showcasing a variety of groundbreaking designs that engage concepts of functionality, sustainability, and artistic expression. A few highlights stood out prominently this year, exhibiting not only innovation in design but also an integration of thoughtful wellness and lifestyle advancements.
GRAU’s Innovative Light Player: Fire
One of the most talked-about reveals was from GRAU, which introduced Fire, acclaimed as the world’s first light player. This innovative product promises to revolutionize the way we perceive and use light within our personal spaces. Fire isn’t just a lamp; it’s a new medium that plays with light as if it were music, creating vibes and atmospheres that can dynamically change the feel of a room. Its absence of blue light promotes healthier living environments by fostering the production of melatonin, thus supporting better sleep patterns and overall well-being.
The design features a soft, iconic look paired with an ultra-fast charging capability, emphasizing both style and functionality. Priced at 499€, Fire is set to be available from May 3, 2024, and was a centre of attraction at Via Meravigli 4 during the Milan Design Week. www.grau.art
Kaldewei’s Bath[o]philia: Redefining Bathroom Aesthetics
Kaldewei, alongside e15 and British designer Bethan Laura Wood, presented “Bath[o]philia” — a concept marrying sustainability with the love for life (Biophilia). They showcased a collection that redefines bathroom aesthetics, blending forward-thinking design with elements of well-being. Hosted at Casa Flash Art in Palazzo Durini, the installation offered an oasis of calm and luxury amidst the bustling city, promoting relaxation and tranquillity through innovative bathroom furniture and accessories. www.kaldewei.com
Marsèll and Gonzalez Haase AAS: Critically Acclaimed Design Engagement
Another remarkable installation was from Marsèll, featuring the collaborative effort with Berlin-based studio Gonzalez Haase AAS. Under the theme of confronting urban societal models, their exhibit at Via Paullo turned heads with its radical and performative approach to design. They crafted an engaging space that encouraged visitors to interact and become part of the art, adding layers of critique on social conditions through the medium of space and object customization. marsell.com
Mario Bellini’s Totem: A Fusion of Art and Design from Brionvega
Lastly, Brionvega reintroduced the iconic totem by Mario Bellini in three unique pieces, under the Fuorisalone 2024 theme of Materia & Natura. These objects profoundly bridged the worlds of high art and functional design, showcasing a mesmerizing blend of historical significance and contemporary aesthetic relevance.
Each of these highlights from Salone del Mobile 2024 not only underscores the rich intersection between design and functional artistry but also propels the dialogue on how our living environments can be transformed to enhance the quality of life, wellness, and aesthetic pleasure. www.brionvega.com
