The overall palette felt warm and richly layered, offset by creamy whites. Burgundy and chocolate brown continued its presence from Salone del Mobile last year, but appeared noticeably lighter in a softer toned variation, tobacco.

Pistachio, emerald, powdery blush pink, and gold emerged as complementary accents, not as the high-contrast jewel tones associated with the Art Deco period, but in more reserved, contemporary applications. Rather than relying on contrast, the palette was strongly supported by an increased emphasis on texture and tactility. This added visual interest and depth through materiality and surface variation.

Materials and Finishes

Overall, timber was dark with an abundance of walnut, mahogany, and oak, alongside more exotic species such as sucupira and palm wood. These were presented across a range of refined finishes, most notably high-gloss lacquers in black, burgundy, and olive green. Metalwork appeared in lamps, furniture and lighting and frequently in wroughtiron, bronze, and patinated brass. 

Darker marbles and heavily veined travertine were used in fireplaces and bathrooms, replacing lighter stone selections. Parchment finishes, alabaster, and curved plaster also featured in shades and wall sconce lighting fixtures.

Lacquered furniture and scenic, panelled motifs with East Asian-referential detailing featured strongly, often within the context of an Art Deco revival. This is a reference with a rich cultural history, so it deserves to be handled with intention and research, rather than reduced to a passing “trend.”

Straw marquetry further reinforced a continued focus on tactile, artisanal surfaces. Walls remained largely neutral in white or beige, elevated through textured finishes such as raffia and limewash. These surfaces were then layered with decorative elements including tapestry, walnut wall panelling, gold mural wallpapers, and sculptural plaster or stone wall reliefs.

Furniture, Form and Scale

Furniture favoured bold, oversized proportions with a focus on craftsmanship, comfort, and longevity. Sculptural, softly curved sofas in rich fabrics were paired with substantial thick line occasional chairs and dominant coffee tables. Layout was symmetrical with less is more approach. 

Overscaled lighting, architectural room dividers, and statement sculptural pieces reinforced the sense of scale, lending the interiors a confident, coehsive prescence.

Fabrics and Wall Coverings

Fabrics were rich and sumptuous, decidedly anything but beige. With a strong emphasis on heritage and craftsmanship, textiles delivered a layered sensory experience through hand-spun raw silk, plush mohair, thick-pile wool velvet, and linen blended with alpaca. Embroidered fabrics felt heirloom-worthy, with tapestries and tapestry-inspired designs strongly referenced. 

Motifs ranged from scrolls, geometric and graphic maze patterns to florals, cosmic designs, cheetah and other animal references. Whilst reminiscent of the Art Deco period,these patterns were reinterpreted with a contemporary, tongue-in-cheek expression. 

Elaborate gold relief wallpaper and murals were seen in floral, animal and geometric pattens along with plain weave grass cloths.

Embellishment extended well beyond window treatments. Fringes continued to appear on sofa and chair bases, whilst tassels were applied to door handles, furniture, lampshades, and cushions. Other wall coverings were richly layered, combining tapestries, carved stone panels.

Aesthetic Narrative - Savoir-faire

Savoir-faire: means ‘to know how to do’. This design style is all about making choices with a confident, experienced eye rather than following every trend. Every piece is carefully chosen and arranged so the space feels stylish without force or overdone. 

Longevity and Responsibility

There’s a clear focus on artisanal, handcrafted pieces designed for longevity. We’ve noticed more hardwearing, sustainable materials—often suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With many pieces designed on a large scale, the principle of “less is more” continues to benefit the environment.

Keeping an eye on what’s likely to shape the conversation in the months ahead helps us guide with intention. The latest hand-spun raw silk lampshade might belong in our next client’s bedroom. It might not. Either way, staying informed sharpens our point of view.