[dropcap size=small]W[/dropcap]ith interest in home decor and design on the rise globally, many brands have joined the fray to take advantage of commercial opportunities. This means only one thing: It’s a buyer’s market out there. Judging by this year’s Salone del Mobile, the world’s most prestigious furniture fair, designers have clearly kept the end user in mind, with many offering straightforward, approachable pieces for broader appeal.

Both established and emerging brands showcased new collections that kept to time-honoured maxims, preferring to surprise with subtle elements, such as unusual colours, instead. Loud, statement pieces were few and far between. Rather, those with cleaner aesthetics that look set to be future classics dominated the fair floors.

Here’s the fourth of five trends that we gleaned from the exhibition in Milan held in April.


Gone Green

While forms remain recognisable, top-tier designers and manufacturers are experimenting with unusual shades of green to grab the market’s attention.

From playful neon tones as seen in Glas Italia’s Boxinbox shelves, to the dark, regal green shade of Minotti’s Leslie armchair, the colour of choice this spring shows its versatility. British designer David Adjaye paired the gold frame of his Double Zero chair for Moroso with vibrant green cushions, in a contemporary and glamorous interpretation of retro aesthetics.

Popular shades such as chartreuse, emerald and mint have taken a backseat, making way for other hues such as moss (as seen in Casamania’s Summit sofa) and deep forest green (as seen in Emeco’s Alfi chair) to bask in the limelight. The green theme extends to eco-friendly production methods, as seen in Emeco’s Alfi chair.

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01 The Summit sofa by Casamania is able to alternate between being a traditional linear seater and two adjacent lounge chairs, for different occasions at home. Available at Lifestorey.

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02 Boxinbox is a playful collection of low tables and shelves designed by Philippe Starck for Glas Italia, which has a coloured glass component encased in a transparent extra light glass frame. Available at Space Furniture.

 

Emeco Alfi Chair High Back Green

03 Emeco continues with its dedication towards eco-friendly production methods in the Alfi, which has a seat that’s made entirely of reclaimed post-industrial waste. The chair’s humble silhouette is also telling of English designer Jasper Morrison’s unfussy style. Available at Space Furniture.

 

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04 Snuggle up in the Leslie armchair by Minotti, whose seat is deep and wide enough for prolonged reading sessions or a quick snooze. Available at Marquis Qsquare.

 

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05 The Double Zero chair by Moroso explores the basic components in providing support, and the result is two circular cushions that are held together with a minimalistic metal frame. Available at Xtra.

 

For more on the 2015 Milan Furniture Fair, read Fits Like A Glove, Plus Points, To Put It Simply and Dazzling Displays.