[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 first of five trends that we gleaned from the exhibition in Milan held in April.


Fits Like A Glove
As urbanites increasingly look to their homes as refuge from a harried world, designers respond by creating sofas and armchairs that embrace and soothe.

Plush, pillow-like paddings immediately come to mind, and that’s elegantly interpreted by Patricia Urquiola, whose feminine approach to Moroso’s Bold sofa makes it all the more welcoming. French designer Jean-Marie Massaud’s Scarlett sofa for Poltrona Frau embodies a similar appeal, with a circular, nest-like seating plumped up with plush cushions. For something more compact, look to Roche Bobois’ Aircell armchair, whose humble proportions belie the enveloping comfort it offers.

But being snug is not all fluff, as the Swing armchair by Giorgetti demonstrates. With a leather covering that’s suspended over a solid walnut canaletto frame, the chair wraps around and cradles the body. Another ergonomic design is that of Cassina’s dapper Cab Lounge chair, which has elegant curves that fit anyone like a well-tailored suit.

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01 Designed by illustrious Italian architect Mario Bellini and dressed in saddle leather, the Cab Lounge by Cassina is the latest version of the iconic (and much imitated) Cab chair. Available at Dream Interiors.

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02 After more than a century in the furniture business, Giorgetti continues to appeal with its 2015 collection, which showcases enduring designs that meld luxury and comfort seamlessly, like in the Swing armchair. Available at Space Furniture.

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03 The clean lines of the Bold sofa by Moroso highlight its subtle stitching detail, which outlines this timeless piece. Available at Xtra.

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04 Known for its durable leather that’s soft to the touch, Poltrona Frau straps the Scarlett sofa’s backrest with Cuoio Saddle Extra leather, and upholsters its goose-down cushions and seat in Pelle Frau leather. Available at Poltrona Frau.

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05 Roche Bobois’ Aircell chair has a padded interior that’s upholstered in velvet to enhance its luxurious comfort. Available at Roche Bobois.