So it has been one month since I visited Milan during Design Week 2019 and I‘d thought share my highlights and trend spots. I would highly recommend visiting design shows if you have a chance, the inspiration is massive and you come back buzzing, if slightly knackered!

Studio Pepe

The future is unwritten, Studio Pepe installation, Milan Design Week 2019.

“The future is unwritten and in order to find out about it, you have to ask the right questions.” Housed in an old gold manufacturing warehouse, Studio Pepe created an experience based on Arcanists, who were chemists that held the knowledge of formulas able to create porcelain and to work with materials such as glass and metals. This was seen as mystical at the time and the exhibition was a exploration of science and magic.

The whole thing was weird and wonderful but I completely loved it. Everything from the colour palette to the journey was intriguing and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the street. Also who doesn’t love a neon sign?

Studio Pepe, Arcanist exhibition, Milan Design Week 2019.

2. Coffee Stop at Cafe Cafezal Milano

Terrazzo table with tan leather, Cafezal Milan designed by Studio Pepe.

Also designed by Studio Pepe, this tiny 50 sq metre cafe is a feast of terrazzo, dusky pinks and inky blues which is right up my street. I can’t comment on the coffee as I ordered a coke (cringe) but if you are like me and think interiors make up at least 50% of the experience then this a must go!

3. Muuto’s Orange Pendant

Muuto, Milan Design Week. Unfold Orange Pendant.

Orange was everywhere this year - a refreshing change to “Millennial Pink” which seems to have dominated design shows in the last few years. People are becoming more playful, experimental and allowing personalities to shine through. Whilst I am not suggesting we all go and paint our walls orange, I am hoping to see more and more “pops” of colour infiltrating our homes and this orange Unfold pendant is one of the perfect examples of how a hot colour can immediately become calm and muted when paired with the right colours. Against the cool concrete greys and subtle stone pinks, this feels like a sophisticated choice which has the potential to stick around for a few years.

4. Pedrali Palace of Wonders

Pedrali Palace of Wonders, Milan Design Week 2019. Orange colour trend.

Sticking with the orange theme, Italian furniture producers Pedrali created a fabulous exhibition, showcasing 10 new collections of furniture designed for public spaces, offices and homes.

Pairing the bold orange with powder blues and pinks created a fabulous colour palette which could easily fit into the domestic interiors or commercial environments such as office spaces or retail spaces.

Pedrali Palace of Wonders, Salone Del Mobile 2019.

5. Lunch Spot at 10 Corso Como

This is a gorgeous unexpected courtyard which is just off a shopping street. It’s like escaping to the countryside with birds and flowers and gorgeous food. I would highly recommend getting a Hugo which is my new favourite cocktail!

5. Round Shapes and Wallpapers - Agape & Wall&decò Collab

Another big trend at Salone Del Mobile this year was round shapes. Circles, curves, pill shapes - straight lines were definitely on the back foot. This black bath from Agape was stunning - although I’m not sure how comfortable it would be. Wall & Decò have always been a favourite of mine at shows but the designs this year have pushed the boundaries way beyond what I could imagine. Now to start wallpapering my bathroom immediately…

Agape & Wall&Deco, Salone Del Mobile. Black round bath and statement wallpaper in the bathroom.

6. Terrazzo & Cane Weave

Cane weave headboard and side table, Milan Design Week, 2019.

In case you didn’t know already, Cane Weave is having a moment. It has been growing steadily over the last few years but there was an explosion in Milan this year. High-street retailers such as Ikea and H&M are already creating gorgeous pieces at reasonable prices so expect this trend to be sticking around for a few years to come.

One of my other favourite things in the world is terrazzo and this Utu pendant combining both cane and terrazzo got me very excited!

Utu Frame 1 Suspension Light, Milan Design Week 2019. Terrazzo and Cane weave combined!

7. Aperol Spritz on the Terrace

If you get the chance to go to Milan for the design show or just for fun then I highly recommend the Aperol Spritz terrace bar opposite the Duomo. Yes it is a bit of a tourist spot and yes you may have to queue for a little bit, but it has a fabulous view of the Duomo and the square. We stayed here for a few Aperols and watched the sun go down whilst chatting away. The perfect end to a busy day in Milan.