I recently attended my first Salone Del Mobile in Milan thanks to Designhounds, Digital Community Network of Design Experts, a platform by MODENUS Media. Aside from the mind blow of Milan itself, the show was still more than I expected. Beauty, fused with innovation, whimsy, history, and technology, as well as every sort of material from fabric to glass to wood and stone and metal, both practical and just dreamy filled my eyes and the few days I had there.

As an interior design specializing in kitchen and bath, one of the things that impressed me most was the variety of unfitted furniture housing appliances and the spread of cohesive storage through out the living space displayed at the show. Poggenpohl had some interesting offerings with hidden supply, drain and exhaust in clever feet that made a seamless transition to other room solutions and open floor plan living. I like this un-encumbered look and love the use of open display space cleverly integrated into islands as well as the mix of organic materials like natural stone and wood to give warmth to modern design.

This new organic modernism incorporates streamlined technology and seamless integration in a way that simplifies living and creates a new luxury statement. The finest materials like the solid wood of Team 7, a environmentally friendly company from Austria, now offering it’s lines of fine wood and stone furniture in the US, creates a luxury feel that doesn’t need adornment to feel rich. The simple integration of lighting and convenience oozes luxury like a Tesla. Ultra high performance, simplicity, and that “feel good” environmental sensitivity are what I see as the luxury statement going forward. I am interested to see how quickly the US market will fully embrace these trends.

The simple integration of function and utilitarian comfort doesn’t mean coldness or lack of personality in the design. The use of texture and lighting play a major role in creating interest and the personalization of everything adds new and unexpected dimension to a space. The kitchen can actually become almost hidden as the full integration blends appliances and storage into the living space with innovative shapes. I am thinking of “the kitchen as hidden in plain sight”! This new integrated living style is both innovative and fun!

Richard Anuszkiewicz, a great designer and a Designhound on our excursion to Milan, designed a space so lovely that yes, the kitchen is truly an afterthought! This from KBIS 2018, bringing that “kitchen hidden in plain sight” to the US in an avant garde, “before the trend” way! The Liebherr refrigeration integrates beautifully in this modern, eclectic, artful, BEAUTIFUL space!

Now more from the Euro Cucina floor showing this integrated trend….. these from Stosa Cucine.

Please stay tuned as I have more thoughts from Eurocucina and Salone Del Mobile concerning how our appliances are starting to show the versatility to reflect our lifestyle! Yes! Appliances can be quite exciting!

-Toni