Hurray's Insights about Materiality from Milan Design Week 2024
Materiality has always been an integral aspect of design language. This year’s Milan Design Week saw an exciting evolution in material innovations and styles.
IDr. Rossy Rojales, Principal Designer of Hurray Design, shares her observations on the event’s materiality that caught her attention. “I consistently saw rich materials such as marble and lacquered finishes around [the event’s] different showrooms. For marble stone, Rosso Levanto, Travertino, and green marble in unique forms are combined with lacquered pieces.” Materiality plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall look and feel of a space, influencing everything from mood to functionality. Hurray aims to constantly push the boundaries of materiality to create unique and captivating expressions.
This year’s Milan Design Week showcased several examples, with rich textures and finishes taking center stage across various exhibits and showcases.
The use of marble, in particular, was notable for its versatility and elegance, providing the perfect canvas for bold design statements. The combination of classic marble types like Rosso Levanto and Travertino with modern green marble was a standout. The seamless integration of these contrasting elements resulted in a stunning visual symphony that captured the imaginations of both designers and visitors alike.
IDr. Rossy also noted a shift from bouclé textiles towards a resurgence of velvet, satin, and suede. “These materials are not only visually appealing but also exude a sense of luxury and comfort,” she explained. While the current fashion scene is dominated by breezy, lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen, the resurgence of velvet signals a shift towards richer textures and warmer tones in interior design. Paired with satin and suede, these materials can create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the growing trend toward maximalism in design.
As designers embrace bolder and more expressive styles that evoke luxury and indulgence, their implications also signal a shift in design language and practice. For instance, the use of marble in traditional settings like kitchens and bathrooms has been a long-standing practice in Filipino homes. However, the reintroduction of new colors and textures offers an exciting opportunity to experiment with bolder and more daring designs that can elevate the overall aesthetic of a space. Similarly, the shift towards velvet and other plush textiles signals a move towards more opulent spaces that evoke comfort and refinement.
As Filipino homeowners become more experimental with their design choices, they can benefit from the wealth of inspiration offered at the 2024 Milan Design Week.
Read the first part of our 2-part series on this year’s Milan Design Week at Beyond Ordinary!