14 May Milan Design Week 2023: A Curated Reflection on Design, Light & Atmosphere
Milan Design Week 2023: A Curated Reflection on Design, Light & Atmosphere
Exploring the soulful intersections of craft, innovation, and ambiance.
Each spring, Milan becomes more than a city—it becomes a lens through which the world experiences design as culture, emotion, and innovation. For me, Milan Design Week 2023 and Euroluce were not just about witnessing trends, but about absorbing atmosphere, light, and the quiet artistry of craftsmanship. In this reflection, I’ve curated a personal journey through the moments that resonated most—where soulful materials, inventive forms, and sensory presence came together to shape something beyond aesthetics.
Milan Design Week embodies the pinnacle of grandeur in the design world. It unites the crème de la crème of designers, unveiling exceptional creations that inspire and elevate the field. The city itself transforms into a vibrant design paradise, where captivating exhibitions, galleries, and installations beckon design aficionados from around the globe. As an interior designer and specialized importer of European products for discerning clients and projects, attending Milan Design Week annually is a vital part of my creative journey.
As a interior designer with European flair vibe, I consider Milan Design Week essential—not only for inspiration but also for deepening my dialogue with the artisans, studios, and materials that shape my work. I attend annually with purpose and excitement, and 2023 offered an especially rich encounter—one that mirrored the shifts I’m seeing across my client base and practice.
One of the takeaways from Milan 2023 was a renewed interest in material layering—something that deeply influenced our latest custom luxury rugs collection.
A Personal Pilgrimage: Carrara Marble Quarries
Before diving into the design week itself, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Carrara marble quarries—a meaningful detour tied to an active sourcing initiative for one of our projects and product development. To stand at the source of such ancient, geological beauty—where centuries-old stone is extracted and sculpted into works of architecture and art—was humbling. There’s a quiet poetry to the transformation from raw slab to refined material. No photograph can capture the full magnitude, but I’ve included a few to offer a glimpse of this natural wonder.
The Return of Euroluce: Sculpting with light
Lighting was center stage in 2023, with Euroluce—Salone del Mobile’s dedicated lighting biennale—unfolding an entire dimension of ambiance-driven design.
From larger-than-life installations to complete minimalistic designs, the focus is on crafting lighting that sets the mood and elevates the atmosphere. I was personally captivated by the breadth of innovation on display and have already earmarked select pieces for integration into our upcoming projects.
Minimalism with Presence
Some of the most impactful fixtures were also the quietest. Minimalistic designs made a bold impression through restraint. Clean lines, architectural silhouettes, and thoughtful material choices created sculptural lighting that doesn’t shout but still captivates. These are pieces that integrate beautifully into contemporary interiors—especially those grounded in natural palettes and textures.
Maximalist Drama
At the other end of the spectrum, I loved the unapologetic volume of large-scale fixtures. Not simply oversized, these pieces had volume and architectural character. Installed thoughtfully—perhaps over a dining table or in a double-height space—they become gravity points within the home. The key is balance and proportion, and I found several that do this exceptionally well.
Multi-Pendants
Clusters of pendants emerged as a dynamic and artistic lighting trend. By grouping multiple pendants together, you can create a captivating visual display that adds depth and dimension to your lighting fixtures. This trend allows for creativity and personalization, as you can mix and match different pendant styles to achieve a truly unique lighting arrangement.
Artistic Installations & Experimental Shapes
Designers pushed the boundaries of traditional form with unconventional lighting installations. These sculptural pieces function more as luminous art than just fixtures. Whether abstract or organic, they bring personality to a space and often become its focal point.
Innovation & Multifunctionality
Perhaps the most exciting developments were those that combine lighting with sound, movement, or intelligent responsiveness. From fully movable arms to audio-interactive systems, the ingenuity of these designs reveals how lighting can adapt to—and even enhance—our emotional experience. I’ve included a few videos to better illustrate how some of these pieces animate in real time. They’re spectacular in motion.
In our recent West Hollywood project we named “Ethereal Indulgences“, we installed a “Reactivo” chandelier—programmed to blink in rhythm with curated settings. It’s not merely switched on or dimmed, but dynamically synchronized, adding an unexpected and emotive layer of atmosphere—resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind statement piece.
Furniture Trends: Organic Harmony Meets Modern Utility
Milan Design Week not only mesmerized with its captivating lighting trends but also showcased an array of stunning furniture collections that echoed many of the themes I hold dear: organic lines, natural materials, and furnishings designed for both beauty and ease of living.
Some of the artisan trends we began seeing in Milan were further explored at Maison & Objet 2024, & Milan Design Week 2024 especially in sculptural lighting and textile craftsmanship
Sculptural, Organic shapes
Furniture continues to embrace gentle curves and fluid forms. Think low-slung sofas with rounded edges, armchairs that cocoon, and coffee tables that feel like sculpted stone. These pieces invite softness into contemporary environments and promote flow within a room. I’ve long embraced this approach in our studio, so it’s rewarding to see it now resonate more widely.
Natural Materials & Textural Warmth
The use of natural materials in furnishings & finishes, promoting a well-being continues to be a prominent trend. Embrace the warmth and authenticity of wood products and wood wall treatments, which serve as focal points, adding a touch of modern organic elegance.
Combined with tactile bouclé fabrics, the effect is one of grounded luxury. Bouclé’s looped texture brings both comfort and richness, and its adaptability—whether in creamy neutrals or deeper tones—makes it a staple in many of our projects.
Multiples & Modularity: Rethinking the Coffee Table
I noticed a growing love for clustered coffee tables—multiple pieces in varying heights and finishes that act together as one dynamic unit. It’s a subtle shift from the singular, monolithic table and a great way to add visual interest and layering.
Smart Design: Technology Meets Function
From built-in charging ports to mobile consoles and remote-adjustable mechanisms, furniture is becoming as intelligent as it is beautiful. These features add real-world functionality while maintaining a sleek, uninterrupted design language. It’s a reflection of the way we live now—integrated, mobile, and increasingly efficient.
And the Luxury Bathrooms… or Shall We Say, Spas?
While bathrooms and kitchens weren’t formally part of Milan Design Week 2023, I spent time exploring several standout showrooms and events across the city. One highlight was Gessi’s Avantgarde presentation at Rho, where they premiered their stunning new plumbing collections. Inspired by bamboo forms and organic curvature, the fixtures offered a refined fusion of elegance and innovation. Incorporating these into our projects has already generated excitement from both our team and our clients.
Equally noteworthy were the exquisite offerings from Antonio Lupi and Salvatori—whose marble finishes were truly sculptural—as well as Grohe SPA, who transformed the Brera Art Gallery into a multisensory experience celebrating water and wellness.
These were more than functional fixtures—they evoked indulgence, serenity, and immersion. As the spa-like aesthetic continues to gain traction, I see it evolving from a trend into a fundamental element of luxury home design.
The black glass tub you see behind me was one of many European pieces we sourced and imported for our Organica Vita project—a full-scale remodel in Orange County that embodies this new language of luxury and well-being.
Felicia Ferrone: STILL NOW. The Dinner
One of the most quietly captivating moments for me was STILL NOW. The Dinner by Felicia Ferrone, set inside the historic 15th-century Villa Mirabello. At first glance, it read like a surreal banquet—moody, all in deep ultramarine. Only upon closer inspection did you realize it was a glassware installation. Ferrone’s iconic pieces were styled among vintage finds from Milanese flea markets, referencing Renaissance feasts, 17th-century still lifes, and contemporary art. The result was poetic yet grounded—touching on memory, sustainability, and the idea that good design holds emotional weight long after the trends have passed.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Subtlety
Milan Design Week and Euroluce 2023 offered a compelling glimpse into what’s next in design—from minimalist to maximalist expressions, sculptural lighting with integrated technology, and beautifully crafted furniture collections grounded in natural materials.
What stayed with me wasn’t a single trend, but a feeling: that great design doesn’t need to shout. With intention and restraint, it can be both impactful and deeply personal.
Bringing this global perspective into our projects as an interior designer in Los Angeles & Newport Beach allows us to deliver interiors that feel both rooted and rare.
These exhibitions reminded me that innovation and simplicity can go hand in hand—and that it’s often the thoughtful details that leave the strongest impression.
