Milan Design Week 2025: The Humanistic Journey of Contemporary Design

With the return of Euroluce, the biennial lighting exhibition, Salone del Mobile 2025 presented an emotional journey combining nature, art, and technology. Inspired by organic forms such as flowers, plants, birds, shells, and ocean waves, the lighting designs evoke a sense of nature within the interior space. Some pieces resemble a starry sky or fragile dust clouds, while others are whimsical works of art. From colourful hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers to minimalist lamps resembling haiku poems, lighting has become an artistic expression in itself. “Light must be poetry” is the essence of the works of Timon and Melchior Grau, whose designs explore light as a medium to evoke emotion and stimulate the senses, creating transformative experiences.

Poetry is what makes design delicate, humane, and deeply connected to the human soul. Is it true that, in an era defined by advanced technology and the relentless pace of modern life, each individual still harbours a yearning for peace, gentleness, and profundity? Deep within, does every soul conceal the heart of a pure poet?

Amidst the ceaseless changes and noisy clamour of the modern world, poetry returns quietly, stepping through the works of designers. It resides in interiors, offering comfort, calm, and a sense of purity, while elevating aesthetic experiences to a deeper, more meaningful level. In this realm, light becomes the greatest poet—its materiality sculpted by designers to form verses.

In keeping with the ethos of “thinking for people”, the bond with nature continues to grow stronger. Natural materials such as wood, stone, rattan, wool, and even volcanic lava are increasingly cherished and incorporated into designs. Green technologies, focusing on recycled materials and energy-saving solutions aimed at balanced development, are now emphasised and encouraged.

The desire to immerse oneself in nature within a pleasant, comfortable space is also evident in the participation of numerous garden furniture brands, whose booths are as vibrant and verdant as gardens themselves. Garden and tree lighting systems are designed not only for function but also with an eye for aesthetics, often crafted as small works of art.

If the connection with nature represents a spatial relationship, then the relationship between the past, present, and future can be understood as a temporal one. Humans are the only beings capable of existing at the intersection of these three dimensions of time. As philosopher Paul Ricoeur posited, each person is a “story”, where the past, present, and future are woven into a coherent narrative. Similarly, as Martin Heidegger suggested, human beings are “historical beings”. A living space must serve as both a fulcrum and a foundation for humans to shape their identity, find meaning in their existence, and answer the eternal questions: “Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?” Every design must be considered within this three-dimensional context.

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This sentiment is clearly expressed in the works presented at Salone del Mobile, notably in “Villa Héritage” (Heritage Villa) by renowned French interior architect Pierre Yves Rochon. This magnificent installation, located within the exhibition area, creates a multi-sensory scene of colour, light, material, and volume, portraying interior design as a continuous dialogue between the past and the future, articulated through the present.

In the “Heritage Villa”, each room emerges as a beautiful space with its own defining colour and soul, writing a chapter of a unique story that underscores the idea that today’s creativity thrives because of what came before—our heritage. As Pierre Yves Rochon states: “Creativity is shaped by the historical moment we are living through, but the creative act itself transcends this moment, bringing timeless beauty. Aesthetics are not confined to eras and trends. I want architects and designers to approach their work with a spirit of curiosity and creativity. The world will decide whether they succeed.”

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With the legacy of the past and the conditions of the present, the future of design rests in the hands of young creatives. SaloneSatellite, a key component of the Salone del Mobile fair, is a prominent platform for designers under 35. This year’s event, themed “New Crafts: A New World”, highlights the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, capturing the spirit of creativity and exploring the future of design. SaloneSatellite 2025 attracted 700 designers from 36 countries and 20 international design schools. Among the most notable trends among young designers is elegant minimalism, focusing on the quality of materials and comfort while minimising unnecessary decorative details, thus creating a luxurious yet unpretentious atmosphere.

Organic shapes inspired by nature and the human form are also evident as a clear trend, reflecting a desire to create living spaces that feel intimate, welcoming, and sustainable. Designs often feature soft curves and natural materials such as wood, rattan, bamboo, and recycled fabrics, aiming to foster a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment. Japanese design studio SUPER RAT, led by designer Kazuki Nagasawa (born 1995), won the SaloneSatellite Award 2025 with the Utsuwa—Juhi Series collection. Inspired by Japanese traditions, the pieces incorporate naturally curved shapes reminiscent of tree bark and leaves, while combining recycled materials with modern craft techniques.

Products such as bowls and trays are not only visually pleasing but also express a profound connection with nature, aligning with the studio’s guiding principles: “exploring the inherent power of culture and climate, while highlighting the maximum appeal of materials.”

It is a near impossibility to experience everything “must-see” and “worth-seeing” at Milan Design Week, as time is limited, space vast, and the range of programmes overwhelming. Each returnee carries with them the feeling of having missed something essential—regret for not seeing it all. They silently vow that next year, they will make the most of their experience… But then “next year” arrives, and the cycle repeats itself—still that sense of not having seen enough, still the feeling of regret. Milan has become a pilgrimage, where interior design enthusiasts eagerly anticipate returning year after year. It is a place that fosters the flame of creativity and passion for many generations, ensuring that the fire spreads into every home, every apartment, every living space, igniting joy in its wake.

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