Milan in Review: 7 Trends You'll See for Many Years to Come
Stunning designs, subtle gems, and enduring trends
by Haworth inc.
At Milan Design Week 2024, the stunning, the surprising, and the spectacular awaited around every corner. As the city proudly proclaims, Milano is the “home of design,” and this year’s event once again lived up to the hype, offering a captivating blend of creativity, nostalgia, and sustainability.
The grand nature of the event can be misleading. Amid the bustle, gems quietly glittered. The best surprises emerged on a small scale—in knots of yarn, tresses of cane, delicate patterns etched in glass.
Objects, materials, colors, and displays were oriented toward human stories. The human drama is ageless—and because great design echoes the human story, we looked for trends that were fresh takes on the timeless.
Here are the Milan trends we expect to see for the rest of this year—and for many more years to come.
1. Memphian Memory
The Memphis movement in the 80s was all about rebellion—against accepted forms, industry norms, and the staid limitations of the “possible.” Named for a Bob Dylan song that was playing during one of the group’s early meetings, the Memphis movement shared Dylan's refusal to accept “this is how it is, deal with it" and instead, took a joyous plunge into the unconventional.
At its best, Memphis design—and work that pays homage to it—celebrates exuberance, abundance, humanity, and joy. This joyful, human-centered ethos was abundant at Milan Design Week 2024, making it a fitting trend to kick off our list.
2. 60s Interiors
Optimism abounded in Milan. Alongside Memphian memories, many exhibitions, displays, and products echoed the optimistic 60s and 70s. Bright colors were paired with serene neutrals as a base, like colorful flowers emerging from a sturdy terracotta pot.
When we asked Luca Fuso, CEO of Cassina and Zanotta, which design era he’d love to go back to, he answered "the 70s," describing it as “the most creative period of the 20th century.” That creative spirit returned in Milan—brightness bloomed, optimism flourished, and the playful atmosphere of the past was infectious. Expect more of this exuberance.
3. Cane Made Soft
Cane took the spotlight in Milan. However, it wasn’t the traditional cane or rattan we're used to seeing, with its refined yet raw natural aesthetic. Instead, we encountered pieces that were plush and welcoming. This was often achieved through painted cane—sometimes in neutrals, sometimes in bold colors—paired with thick, inviting cushions that gave the pieces a cozy feel.
The natural warmth of the cane was masterfully combined with soothing, gentle touches. Expect to see more cane and rattan, especially as softened accent pieces.