Guy Blunden, Director-Projects, visited Milan in April to attend the Salone del Mobile 2012. As the largest and most prestigious trade fair for furniture in the World, the Salone is held at the spectacular 350,000sqm FieraMilano exhibition complex designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas and located on the outskirts of the city.

Each year, furniture designers and manufacturers from around the world present their latest and greatest new products and ideas. And this year was no exception with well-known manufacturers such as Vitra, Minotti, Arper & Magis all unveiling new products and collections.

As always, the most interesting work was the result of collaborations with leading Architects, Industrial Designers and Fashion Designers, with high-profile names such as Jean Nouvel, Issey Miyake, Konstantin Grcic and Antonio Citterio delivering innovative and commercially appealing furniture collections, individual pieces and accessories.

Noticeable trends across the Salone were an emphasis on the strategic expansion of existing product ranges, a focus on sophisticated detailing, quality construction…and comfort, in design, materials and colour palettes.

Overall, the mood was upbeat among exhibitors. While the global economic crisis remains top of mind, it was encouraging to see a growing confidence and renewed vigor across the Salone del Mobile and throughout the city during Milan Design Week.

Guy travelled to Europe as a guest of Artemide, the Italian lighting manufacturer famous for its design focus and broad range of architectural and decorative fittings.

While in Milan, Guy visited Artemide’s headquarters and also dropped into the Frankfurt Lighting Fair, the largest of its kind in the world. Look out for blog posts on these visits soon!