Dispatch from Milan | iSaloni Day 3

Contributor post by Chad Falkenberg of Falken Reynolds

We took in more furniture on our third day at the fairgrounds as well as the International Bathroom Furniture Exposition - two halls dedicated to plumbing fixtures, vanities, lighting and tiles.

As designers we are always intrigued about process - how did a designer develop a new concept from idea to prototype to a commercial product. Several manufactures showed the design process as well as a series of prototypes that hint to the products we will see in years to come.

One of the highlights of the fair is spotting some of the superstars of the design world in the city and at the fair, and today didn't disappoint. Jaime Hayon was being interviewed at our morning cafe, Erwin Bouroullec was at the Magis stand and Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby were at the Knoll stand. While their handlers keep them well protected we were still able to get some insight into their design perspective.


The Shower Pipe by Front Design for Axor / Hansgrohe was a loose concept a year ago but is now ready for commercial release. The details of the valves are industrial and machined with German precision.





Detail of the valves, temperature control and diverter.


Duravit is best known for a very wide selection of sinks and toilets - this since incorporates the faucet hole into the the inside of the sink, keeping any splashes away from the counter. We were impressed with the range of vanity mirrors that incorporated diffused lighting above the mirrors with thin profiles and dimmable LEDs.


Copper is still a huge trend and some of our favourite manufactures showed their faucets in new finishes. Arne Jacobsen's faucet for Vola here with a brushed copper finish.


Mutina is one of our favourite tile manufacturers - they have found a unique balance of interesting textures and shapes that feel new and fresh. They collaborate with some of the most creative industrial designers for some beautiful tiles we love to use in our projects. Tierras by Patricia Urquiola, with a fun twist of green grout.


Tex tiles by Raw Edges for Mutina.


Roll sink by Nendo for Flamina - the concept of a wrapping a flat bottom disc with a long ceramic sheet for the sides of the sink.


Dornbracht used a new rose gold material called Cyprum on a selection of faucets, including this one called Pivot. The copper colour adds warmth to the kitchen and speaks to traditional copper pots.


An innovative new faucet from Dornbracht were the end of the faucet rotates upward to become a fountain.


Laufen showed a series of new thin walled Saphire ceramic sinks as well as prototypes of sinks to come. This one by Konstantin Gricic incorporates a soap dish inside the sink wall.


More prototypes from Laufen.


A bit of playfulness at Laufen with a series of cameras and TV screens for an interactive art gallery experience.


Edra is known for some of the most creative and edgy furniture designs. The Boa, designed several years ago by the Campana Brothers is a sofa, now available in iridescent velvet. Outrageous and super comfortable.


Magis unveiled a lot of great new chairs and tables including this new series of tables called Officina by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The hammered iron base is organic and soft a theme in many of their products.


Erwin Bouroullec explaining the initial part of their design process: leave behind all preconceived notions of what the object should be.


We've always loved Jaime Hayon's Pina chair and this year Magis released it in a lounge chair version and a rocker.


Despite the shocking colour, this sofa was one of the best new pieces at the show - the Mariposa sofa by Barber and Osberby for Vitra has a flexible back and sides to allow a slight recline.


The back of the Mariposa sofa - one section vertical and the other reclined.


The Live sectional by Soda Designers for Wittmann is a simple and elegant sofa and surprisingly comfortable.


While so many of the manufacturers try to outdo each other with ellaborate exhibits and stands, Japanese manufacturer Maruni stays true to their brand with a minimal white stand that is an oasis of calm. The Hiroshima chair is still one of our favourites - comfortable, welcoming and tactile.

About the contributor:
Chad Falkenberg is a Principal with partner Kelly Reynolds, for Falken Reynolds Interiors, an interior design studio based in Vancouver, B.C. Visit them online:

Site: falkenreynolds.com
Instagram: @falkenreynolds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/falkenreynolds
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Jan Halvarson

1 comment:

Hannah | Fox and Willow said...

I never knew I could love a shower head so much! geeze <3