Interiors

Why Organic, Imperfect Curves Are What Your Interior Needs

Every year Milan Design Week attracts design lovers from all over the globe, eager to uncover new trends and brands to watch. Luckily, thanks to social media, you don’t have to physically attend Milan Design Week to spot what’s hot.

Interior designer Lauren Li, of Sisalla, scrolled, saved and sifted through countless feeds to pull out the key trends of Milan Design Week, and here she breaks down one of her favourites; organic forms and pebble-inspired shapes.

See her tips and furniture picks from The Directory below!

Written
by
Lauren Li

Stylist Nat Turnbull’s serene Melbourne stay, Hazel House. Artwork by Jahnne Pasco–White from STATION. Grapho Bubble Pendant by ISM. Curtains from Zepel. Le Bambole sofa by B&B Italia. ‘Laurel’ side table by De La Espada. Coolabah rug from TSAR. Tube Light by Eileen Gray from Anibou. Photo – Sean Fennessey.

Stylist Nat Turnbull’s serene Melbourne stay, Hazel House. Ceramics by Katarina Wells. Custom table designed by Adriana Hanna and built by Grange Joinery. Osso chair by Mattiazzi from District. Kitchen surface is ‘Peruvian Clay’ from Laminex. Grapho Bubble Pendant by ISM. Curtains from Zepel. Photo – Sean Fennessey.

‘In a room, this pebble shape introduces a contrast to the straight lines of the architecture. It recalls the free-form shapes seen in nature and gives a grounded, down-to-earth feeling.’

- Lauren Li

Chloe Brookman’s Elegant Sydney Home. Jute rug custom made by Olli Ella. Custom made sofas designed by Chloe. Burl coffee table by Condo Objects. Reupholstered vintage sheepskin chair. Walls painted in Dulux Casper White Quarter. Feature wall painted in Dulux Moorland. Photo – Alisha Gore for The Design Files. Styling – Tess Thyregod

Eve Wilson’s Palette-Perfect Inner-City Home. Gubi Patcha Lounge Chair. Akari lamp. Clae Studio ceramic. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Ilana Moses’ glamorous mid-century home. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Ilana Moses’ glamorous mid-century home. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Writer
Lauren Li
16th of May 2024

In my work as an interior designer, it’s important to know what is happening in the broader design world and thankfully with social media, this has never been easier.

During Milan Design Week I swiped, scrolled and sifted through hundreds of images that came through my instagram feed.

Via social media, I got to see in real time the latest releases from the biggest furniture brands in the world, as well as brand new emerging designers. The Milan Furniture Fair consists of Salone del Mobile (like Jeff’s Shed only 100 times bigger!) and the design week satellite events that take place across the streets of Milan.

As I dived into all of the new designs shown in Milan, I began to see a few common threads — organic curves and pebble shapes being one trend to watch, amongst many! Here are some of the key shapes, colours and textures that made a big statement in Milan this year.

Furniture: This organic pebble shape is appearing as a key element in coffee tables, sofas and lighting. Where we once saw streamlined, clean, minimalist (dare I say sterile) shapes, we’re now seeing a more asymmetric, organic, curvy forms emerge. In a room, this shape introduces a contrast to the straight lines of the architecture. It recalls the free-form shapes seen in nature and gives a grounded, down-to-earth feeling.

Sofas referencing this organic, soft shape will instantly give a room a beautiful softness and feeling of comfort. Their soft lines beckon you to sink in and relax. A coffee table or side table is a great way to add this shape to a space, instantly breaking up the straight lines and giving a room a laid-back vibe. Layering handmade ceramics is less commitment than a statement furniture piece yet still impactful.

Colour: It’s been a while since greys and bright whites were seen at the Milan Furniture Fair. Thankfully, because warmer tones like putty, beige, tan and terracottas are really easy to live with — and we’re seeing them everywhere! These warm tonal hues are perfect neutrals that pair well with other colours, such as the burgundy and reddish tones that were also seen widely in Milan this year.

Texture: Where colour isn’t so strong, we call on shape and texture to do the heavy lifting. A room that is neutral tones of beige, tan and putty will look very dull and lifeless unless we dial up other elements. Include contrasting texture such as soft wool upholstery next to a sleek, glossy side table or an irregular handmade ceramic piece atop a flat, smooth sideboard.

This is all about creating contrast, which is visually exciting. Add in something metallic to lift the space and suddenly a room that isn’t focused on colour feels full of life and interesting.

Additional moodboard credits: (from left) Claire Ellis vase ‘Mining Companies Buy Political Influence in Australia, Report Says’ from Craft Victoria. Simone Karras Ceramic Raku Vessel, medium from Pepite. Classic Clumsy Boucle handmade cushion. Art by Caroline Walls. Bastard Ceramics Ceramic sculpture ‘Milestone’, from Pepite. Claire Ellis vase ‘NSW mining inquiry recommends public air quality monitoring’, from Craft Victoria

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