Milan Design Week, of which Salone del Mobile is a big part, is set in the heart of the Italian city. Salone is one of the most anticipated furniture fairs in the interiors world, with more than 2,300 brands showcasing their new and exciting launches – yes, really! So you have to go equipped with comfy shoes, phone battery banks, and lots and lots of coffee.
Milan Design Week was amazing for me this year. That’s because Samsung UK kindly flew me to Italy to discover their latest range of domestic appliances and explore the kitchen and bathroom trends in Milan. I’ve shared what Salone del Mobile and EuroCucina were really like here, if you fancy a read.
So, working on an interiors design magazine and These Three Rooms, I’m always on the hunt for new product launches, hot trends and design inspiration. And, of course, my favourite part of it all is sharing everything I’ve seen with you.
Curious to see what I’ve spotted? From matt black appliances and pedestal basins to an explosion of colour on cabinetry, baths and accessories, here are the eight kitchen and bathroom trends that caught my eye…
Kitchen trends at Milan Design Week
Matt black appliances
I initially spotted this trend at the KBB Show in Birmingham, back in March, and Milan Design Week proved it’s still a go-to when choosing appliances. That’s whether you’re going for built-in models or freestanding designs, such as this range cooker from Bertazzoni.
This dark and tactile effect elevates any kitchen and makes the cabinetry stand out. For a contemporary scheme, pair these appliances with handleless units and matching matt black taps.
Textured glass cabinets
If you’re looking to take your space up a notch, have a play with your wall unit door fronts. Milan Design Week has encouraged me to swap the simple, classic glass fronts with an intricate option, such as fluted or frosted glass – so chic. Love glass cabinets but want to shut the door on any clutter and unorganised cupboards? These transparent yet textured fronts are ideal. Sorted!
LED lighting
Illumination is key in any space, be it a kitchen or a bathroom. And one design tool that’s often forgotten or overlooked is ambient lighting. This year, I was drawn to lit-up shelves, islands and cabinets.
LED lighting helps highlight key features such as work surfaces and your favourite bits and bobs put on display, while also adding a dash of sophistication. So why not embrace this trend with light-up strips laid under kitchen shelves, inside your pantry and under your island and units? All on a budget, too.
Clever technology
From nailing the perfect wine temperature for your whites and reds and concealed extractors for seamless kitchens, to AI-powered washers and dryers, innovation in kitchen appliances was huge at Milan Design Week. I repeat, huge.
For example, the experts at the Samsung‘s stand showed me how quickly and easily you can keep an eye on your food thanks to oven cameras. You can also ensure you waste less with smart fridges that alert you to what you should eat next.
I was also impressed by Falmec‘s Air Wall extractor, which can be hidden away when not in use. No more obstructive designs – yes please! Plus, AEG‘s new wine fridges keep your favourite bottles in tip top condition with natural ventilation and vibration-proof shelves.
Bathroom trends at Milan Design Week
Freestanding basins
When it comes to bathrooms at Milan Design Week, there were few displays where I couldn’t spot a statement freestanding basin. The latest designs came in many shades, from bold and colourful to pared-back neutrals, with marble bases or fluted wood, round or square. The options were endless. Why not go bold in your ensuite or family bathroom?
Illuminated mirrors
Who doesn’t love great lighting, right? Especially in bathrooms, where the family is getting ready in the morning or you take a bit of time to yourself to indulge in your routine for five extra minutes in the evening. Bathroom brands are catering to everyone’s needs with light-up mirrors.
Some even have clever features such as built-in bluetooth or an array of lighting levels and tones. These new solutions are great for boosting the practicality factor in your space with a geometric mirror with LED functions.
More kitchen and bathroom trends I spotted at Milan Design Week
Colourful schemes
Hands down one of my favourite trends at Salone del Mobile was bright and colourful interiors. Love colour blocking? Or perhaps you’re into single-coloured designs? Then now’s your chance to embrace this look. Bold kitchens and bathrooms were my eye candy at the Milan Design Week fair, with bold cabinetry in matt citrus hues, stand-out appliances with shiny finishes and basins dressed in sugary shades.
Statement surfaces
Stand-out materials were splashed on worktops, showers and kitchen islands – be it natural stone, quartz or concrete. There’s no denying a show-stopping surface can upgrade your space instantly. So you can go all out and choose the same material for your flooring, island and work surfaces, or simply create a luxurious look by updating your splashback with a veiny surface or renovating your shower area with marble-effect panels.
So: what do you think about these kitchen and bathroom trends from Milan Design Week? Has anything caught your eye, and have you found new inspo for your renovation as a result?
If you’re still browsing products and trends, then why not check out my other feature from Milan?
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