At the 2025 edition of Salone del Mobile, design gets personal, sustainable and material-driven

Returning to Milan with unmistakable flair, Salone del Mobile once again affirmed its place as the world’s leading showcase of furniture, lighting and interior innovation. Boulevard attended the week-long celebration, which brought together top-tier brands, visionary designers and cutting-edge studios from across the globe.

From the flagship showcases at Fiera Milano—the main exhibition venue of Salone del Mobile—to the immersive installations displayed in brand showrooms throughout Milan’s design districts, this year’s edition delivered exclusive launches, refined craftsmanship and bold explorations of form and function.

A key motif threaded throughout the fair was the concept of ‘Thought for Humans’, a design philosophy that placed human experience at its heart. This ethos was reflected in collections that prioritised sustainable practices, eco-conscious materials, and meaningful craftsmanship—advancing both aesthetic and environmental responsibility.

‘AIR-TAV0131’, wall-mounted Jacobs radial engine with wooden propeller, by Arteinmotion. Above: ‘Serpentine’ and ‘Luminora’ light installations, by Moooi.

Among those embracing this principle was Arteinmotion, whose aviation-inspired collection offered a compelling study in industrial repurposing. Original and recycled aircraft components—vintage engines, propellers and fuselage panels—were reborn as sculptural coffee tables, dining pieces and bold décor accents, blending mechanical history with contemporary sophistication.

Living Divani, under the creative direction of its long-time art director Piero Lissoni, continued its quiet mastery of refined minimalism. The brand’s latest collections balanced comfort, design and function, with a clear commitment to using environmentally conscious materials and processes. The result was a serene yet dynamic showcase of living spaces that felt both rooted and forward-looking.

Left: ‘Off Cut’ bookcase made from natural oak wood. Right: ‘Galileo’ round mirror. Both from Living Divani.

The fair’s overarching theme also underscored the evolving relationship between humans and materiality, exploring how design can enhance daily life through thoughtful integration of technology and tradition.

Poliform captured this narrative through a collection that brought its contemporary DNA into new focus. It featured sculptural bookcases that double as architectural elements, ergonomic desks tailored for hybrid home-office environments, sleek graphic coffee tables and understated lighting fixtures. Every piece was designed not only to serve a purpose, but to bring depth, elegance and a quiet sophistication to the spaces people inhabit.

Left: ‘Senzafine’ walk-in closet, by Poliform. Right: ‘Haybale’ lounge chair and footstool, by Moooi.

Moooi took this conversation further with its multisensory installation, A Life Extraordinary. Known for blurring the lines between art, design and experience, the brand showcased ceramics, lighting and textiles in an environment that felt both imaginative and immersive. A highlight was the Haybale Lounge Chair and Footstool, created by Brooklyn-based industrial designer Nicholas Baker. Inspired by stacked hay bales, the design fused modular comfort with rustic cues, brought to life through quilted cushions, strapping and custom upholstery—a tactile reflection of human-centred living.

In addition to the emphasis on human-centred design, another prevailing theme at the fair centred on the revival of heritage motifs—designs rooted in tradition, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Rather than nostalgic reproduction, these works offered new expressions of signature patterns and forms, reframed for future relevance.

Left: ‘Living Lore’ sofa, by Etro Home. Right: ‘Roundel’ table and ‘Donna’ chairs, by Baleri Italia.

Etro Home embraced this idea with its savoir-faire collection, led by creative director Marco De Vincenzo. The Living Lore collection exemplified the brand’s ability to blend history with modernity. Sculptural silhouettes and expressive lines met an explosion of colour and texture—geometric motifs in earthy tones fused with floral patterns, like the Pluma jacquard. These designs evoke the elegance of Provence while channelling Etro’s distinct textile heritage.

Similarly, Baleri Italia brought a contemporary boldness to the tradition-meets-modernity conversation. Staying true to its minimalist roots, the brand presented a striking dining scene anchored by the Roundel table, a sculptural piece defined by its concentric form and central base. Paired with the Donna chairs, upholstered in the house’s signature red, the display captured the essence of bold simplicity—functional, expressive, and unmistakably modern.

Go further with Salone del Mobile 2025.

Read next:

• The interview: Michael Anastassiades, London-based designer, on his collaboration with Flos and the magic of illumination
• Leica’s latest gallery and showroom launches in Singapore