David Dalton

Dalton Interiors Inc.

This was your first time attending Salone – what was the biggest surprise?

I will admit to being surprised at the massive scale of the event. Everywhere you turned there was inspiring design and insane amounts of people. It was impressive to me how many participants there were showing or exhibiting art, design or furnishings.

How did the big fair outside Milano compare to the various installations you saw in the city?

The character of the design at the fair was very different from the character of the city, but I believe that the two distinctly different components contributed to making for a more satisfying and immersive design experience. The fair offered a vast showing of all the production made goods; from furnishings to bath fixtures to kitchen appliances to lighting. Virtually every category of home goods was represented. This gives you a very clear picture of trends, and of the marketplace globally. The design featured around the city covered everything from fashion to fine art. This was a perfect place to see trends, new materials and have some Prosecco while doing it!

How has attending Salone influenced your work?

I think attending trade or design shows is critical for any designer. In order to stay informed, I attend shows all over the globe. They are a great source for trend spotting, continuing education, discovering new materials, and finding new resources. We are able to create unique environments for our projects because of this.

If you had to pick one standout installation from this year, what would it be?

Some of the larger companies spent fortunes creating otherworldly spaces that were far more elaborate than any trade show exhibit I have ever seen. Solid bronze doors, marble-clad walls, spiral staircases, leather wrapped handrails, and waterfalls were all details that I encountered in booth designs [at the fair]. In the Brera (district of Milan), the lofty spaces created by Boffi were impressive for their curated mix of old world and new. They had an enormous apartment with chic room settings that showcased streamlined furniture, beautiful lighting, and modern technology in a centuries-old Milanese building.

Natasha Baradaran

Natasha Baradaran Interior Design

You spent much of your childhood in Milan visiting your grandfather.  How has the immense popularity of Salone changed the city? 

I think the main change that Salone del Mobile has brought is a migration of Italian creatives from outside of Milan, like Brescia and Torino, as well as designers and artists from the Netherlands and the US who have come together and created a new Milanese aesthetic. It is super-exciting to be able to see this evolution.

Your pop-up installation featuring your new furniture collection was named one of Vogue’s 9 most mesmerizing installations at Salone del Mobile this year.  What motivates you to showcase your collection in Milan?

Showcasing my new collection, ANDRO, in Milan, and especially at Tearose, was a full-circle moment for me. Milan is where I learned that style and function should be found in the smallest objects, like an espresso cup, to the grandest furniture installation.  This philosophy still resonates in all that I do. In particular, I have a special connection with Tearose since it is a fashion concept shop which represents my Mother's jewelry collection.

How has attending Salone influenced your work?

Attending Salone always rejuvenates my creativity, not only as it applies to interiors, but in all that I do.

If you had to pick one standout installation from this year, what would it be?

Dimore Studio’s installations for their new furniture collection was outstanding. I particularly appreciate how it was a feast for all the senses. Each installation was accompanied by a curated soundtrack that served as another layer to convey emotion and communicate the intention of each piece.

Stephanie Hunt

Stephanie Hunt Interiors

This was your first time attending Salone – what was the biggest surprise?

I have attended Maison et Objet and try to attend Deco Off in Paris annually, but had never been to Salone in Milan… WOW!  So many exhibitors/vendors from everywhere in one enormous convention setting, and so many tentacles of the design world spreading out throughout the community.  It definitely felt like THE place to be, in the industry sense.

How has attending Salone influenced your work?

I think being in Milan helps give me the confidence to use items or colors in unusual ways, and the inspiration to just keep doing what I love without questioning whether other people will, too. I was fortunate enough to be brought on board by a terrific team out of Southern California to help them open a sister store to their Newport Beach store 503Found, out here in Park City, Utah [called Found on Main]. We’ve spent the past nine months renovating an amazing historic building on Main Street, developing the brand, merchandising, staffing and promoting it. Salone was the perfect spot to help further develop our plans for the shop, gel as a team, and to discover new lines we love, as well as one of a kind pieces. 

If you had to pick one standout installation from this year, what would it be?

The standout jaw-dropper for me was Nilufar Depot.  Quite simply, we were knocked out.  The setting itself — essentially a warehouse setting with raw industrial elements gorgeously maintained and transformed into a space that felt like part art gallery, part museum.  I swear, it was so lovely, there was an air of reverence!  Everyone was almost silent - whispering while they strolled, looked, photographed, and read. The whole experience left me totally recommitted to my passion for using old items (lighting, upholstery, case goods) in new ways,  and with a profound respect for what others before us have pioneered in the world of interior design.

Eva Muller Bradley
& Alicia Cheung Lichtenstine

Studio Heimat

This was your first time attending Salone – what was the biggest surprise?

The sheer size and population of the design industry! Felt great to be a part of such a large tribe! The first day walking towards Salone Del Mobile was intense — just mobs of people everywhere.

How did the big fair outside Milano compare to the various installations you saw in the city?

We spent two full days at Salone and covered maybe 10% if we're being generous.  At Salone, our goal was to see as much as possible, capture it in photographs and collect cards, and keep moving. While in the city, there was a bit more of a festive air, and a sense of discovery around every corner, while we sought out pop-ups and stores we'd heard about from our friends there. 

How has attending Salone influenced your work?

It was wonderful to see how the Europeans do it. The great attention and fearlessness of highlighting the details, particularly the upholstery work, was unlike anything we'd seen before. Their sense of function and scale was also something that struck us, as we sought pieces that would make sense for our clients, based mainly in San Francisco. We will definitely be partnering with several of the companies we met on projects in the near future!

If you had to pick one standout installation from this year, what would it be?

Since there's two of us, we're going to cheat a little and name 2 favorites. Playing with refreshing use of color and pattern with a nod to Art Deco, we really enjoyed Mambo Unlimited Ideas. They had a fanciful, whimsical feel, while still holding integrity of material and craftsmanship. Another favorite was Borzalino - their memory foam seats, contrast welting, and super soft leather made their upholstery heavenly to fall into, and too comfortable to get out of!

There you have it. Salone Del Mobile 2018 in all its glory. Did you make it out this year? Got any stories/highlights/experiences you'd like to share. We'd love to hear from you!