At this year’s Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone in Milan, it felt like everyone was ready to slip into something comfortable for 2025, be it a pillowy couch design or a modern take on the conversation pit. It all looked supremely inviting, with some spaces suggesting a world where conviviality on a giant scale was king—or queen—with enough room for a dozen or so of your closest friends to lie in various configurations and discuss anything (except politics). Whether you want to engage in a group therapy session or relax solo in one of the many comfortable chairs, there seems to be a place for everyone.
There was a lot of leather, and the color of the year was definitely purple, which showed up in everything from gorgeous burgundy upholstery to entire lighting schemes. Orange was also strong, and people were not shy about using it. So, grab some Lambrusco and enjoy a few of this year’s highlights.
Looking to Milan for 2025 Design Trends
Juicy Orange
Bold and bright, orange was spotted all over town this year, at big brands including Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Magis, and Zanotta, to name only a handful. Once seen as retro-dated or harsh, the color is now being welcomed into our homes.
Shown Above: Draga & Aurel’s Parka sofa for Poltrona Frau
Metallurgy
Aluminum checks a lot of boxes: it’s recyclable, it’s beautiful when handled correctly, and designers seem to be loving it big time. It can look industrial, chic, retro, and futuristic—or all of them.
Shown Above: Supaform’s aluminum office furniture at Alcova’s installation at Villa Borsani.
Purple at the Heart
Multiple shades of purple showed up across Milan in furniture, lighting, and more. There was everything from leather couches in deep burgundy to event spaces lit with pale purple lighting.
Shown Above: Stilo furniture system by Spalvieri & Del Ciotto for Scavolini
Pillowy Forms
Plump, zaftig, overstuffed—seating came in many variations on the big comfy couch. Rounded corners, squishy upholstery, and padded everything were the hallmarks of this trend. In addition to individual pieces, it showed up in update on the conversation pit. Some of these were mammoth installations where a small (stylish) army could stretch out and discourse about worldly events.
Shown Above: Faye Toogood’s Squash Armchair for Poltrona Frau; Lounge by Dutch architecture studio Cloud and designer Sabine Marcelis promoting AIUIa Saudi Arabia.
Story by Stephen Treffinger
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