I’ve recently returned from I Saloni 2013 in Milan, Italy. I Saloni is an incredible Design show, which encompasses Salone Internazionale del Mobile (furniture), Euroluce (lighting), Salone Ufficio (office furniture), and Salone Satellite (young designers – more on this below). I was invited there by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and FederlegnoArredo, representing the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) as a Foreign Delegate. Together we are working to develop and foster relationships between Italian and US designers and manufacturers.

With 24 pavilions of amazing design, I feel that I barely scratched the surface of what was there to see. But here are some of the highlights!

1 The IIDA Milan Chapter launched, Emerge Italy Winners Announced

Before getting into the products I saw, one of the true highlights of this week was the launch of IIDA’s new Milan Chapter! We are excited to broaden our international reach to Italy! IIDA also announced the winners of our inaugural “Emerge Italy” furniture design competition.

2 EuroLuce Lighting by Ingo Maurer and Luce Plan

The Euroluce pavilions showcased some very innovative and exciting lighting solutions. Two of my favorites were Ingo Maurer, and Luce Plan. Ingo Maurer has a collection of truly artistic light elements, including the “flying flames”, a digital interpretation on a candle. Luce Plan showed a beautiful modular LED lighting system.

3 Salone Satelite

The Salone Satellite is a showcase of young designers from around the world, including students. The pieces presented are prototypes, but many will go into production as a result of the exhibition.

From motion-sensored lights inspired by reeds swinging in the wind designed in Japan, to innovative children’s furnishings from Germany, to a copper and LED lighting / wall system designed in Chile, to innovative furniture designed at SCAD, to 2-dimensional furniture! – Satellite offered an inspirational and thought provoking break from the manufactured products

4 Rimadesio

Rimadesio is a collection of beautiful home elements, including casework, doors, shelving system, closet systems and tables. Exquisite, clean detailing, and beautiful use of materials.

5 Caimi Brevetti Mitesco

The Mitesco acoustic panel product by Caimi Brevetti is perhaps the most effective acoustic treatment I have seen. They demonstrated by bringing just a single panel into a model room – the impact of this one element was tremendous. The panels are lightweight, and can be mounted in a variety of configurations.

6 The RHO FIERAMILANO Fairgrounds

Part of the experience of any show is the facility in which you see it. Unlike many of the shows we experience that are in a single mammoth warehouse, this venue is a series of multi-story pavilions, connected by upper and lower walkways, and covered by an undulating metal and glass enclosure. Intermittent “pods” house special functions such as cafes. Designed by Massimilano Fuksas, the space is a beautiful inside / outside experience.

7 Lualdi

Lualdi manufactures some of the most exquisite door systems I have seen. Their showroom included a 15’ high door, and a 7’ wide pivot door – these oversized doors were so well designed they can be operated with very little effort. Lualdi also had one of the most beautiful, striking showrooms – each door element was showcased within a dramatically lit, brightly colored vignette .

8 Natevo

The Natevo exhibit asked designers to rethink how they light space, and to consider lighting a space with furniture. This is an exciting concept!

9 PolFlex

I can’t help but be drawn to an entire office suite in red leather, and PolFlex delivered a beautiful one!

10 Design Week around Milan

A wonderful part of I Saloni is how the entire city of Milan embraces it and participates in it! Throughout the city we found “pop-up” design exhibits, sidewalk art, and installations. Missoni had one of the most beautiful, interactive installations – a multi-sensory experience!