Salone del Mobile Milano holds a significant place in the global design calendar. It’s here that the latest trends, innovations, and visions for interiors are presented by over 2000 brands.
Core Furniture is always in attendance, and last month was no different, giving us the opportunity to get up close and personal with the leading global brands we represent here in Southern Africa, as well as the chance to discover exciting new brands to introduce to the local interior design scene.
Salone del Mobile began in 1961 and has grown into the world’s largest celebration of design from across the globe. What’s showcased in Milan often becomes a benchmark for design in both residential and commercial interiors. From materials to colours, furniture styles, and technology integration, Milan’s Design Week influences global markets, driving the evolution of interior aesthetics.
Every year, we look forward to seeing what new innovations our brands – like Eichholtz, Talenti, Dedon, and Vondom – bring to the Southern African market.
We’ve unpacked some of the key trend themes that emerged from our latest visit and are excited to share them with you.
The cocooning trend in interior design is thriving in 2025, as was clearly evident in Milan. It is evolving into a holistic approach that emphasizes comfort, warmth, and sensory engagement.
Comfort is the key ingredient here with low, loungey seating taking centre stage. Think plush, oversized sofas with generous cushions, deep seats, and curvy silhouettes. Modular sectionals are especially popular because they allow people to sprawl or nestle in different configurations.
COMFORT IS THE KEY INGREDIENT
Rounded forms in sofas, chairs, and ottomans are key with curved edges creating a visual softness that feels less aggressive than straight lines and sharp corners. Vondom’s Milos collection of outdoor upholstery epitomises this beautifully. The soft curves and shapes offer sensory and practical comfort.
Looking to nature and nostalgia offers comfort. Biophilic elements provide grounding and tranquillity, while nostalgic design and styling evoke familiarity and a sense of rootedness. Dedon’s Seashell Grand Wing Chair is a prime example – we love how it’s inspired by the gentle embrace of a seashell, creating a feeling of security and comfort.
TEXTURES, TONES, AND COLOURS BRING PSYCHOLOGICAL EASE
Warmth in the cocooning trend isn’t about heat, but rather about how the space makes you feel. Textures, tones, and colours bring psychological ease, with an emphasis on prioritising well-being. Warm neutral and earthy tones offer a break from overstimulation and a focus on soft, dimmable and layered lighting helps to achieve that cocooning feeling. Calia Italia’s Daisy Sofa range – available as single seaters and in various modular configurations – comes in an array of cocooning colours, with a choice of over 400 options, including innovative 3D fabrics. But it’s Daisy’s embracing curves that really bring the warmth.
Sensory engagement is a defining element of cocooning in interior design – it’s what transforms a space from simply nice to look at into something deeply felt. In 2025, sensory design is not a bonus; it’s a foundation. Cocooning is tactile, olfactory, acoustic, even emotional. From touch and smell to sight and sound, we’re seeing spaces that engage all the senses while also tapping into emotional memory and psychological comfort. Calia Italia’s Choco Magic Sofa is a sensory explosion – even the name evokes a sense of sensuality and escapism. From the ’70s-inspired design to the comfort-ticking ergonomics and tactile fabric options, this is a cocooning winner.
Finally, cocooning isn’t just a visual style – it’s a feeling-first approach that acknowledges our full sensory experience in a space. It’s about being enveloped, grounded, and soothed in an environment that understands your nervous system as well as your aesthetic preferences.
SHOP THE LOOK
- SEASHELL GRAND WING CHAIR, by DEDON 2. MILOS OCCASIONAL CHAIR, by VONDOM 3. PANAMA OCCASIONAL CHAIR, by TALENTI. 4. DAISY SOFA , by CALIA ITALIA
LIGHTING TAKES CENTRE STAGE
Drama! That’s what the latest lighting trends from Milan are bringing to interior design. We’re talking feature lighting – often designed as works of art, created to steal the show. Feature lighting has emerged not just as a design trend, but as an emotional experience. Gone are the days of lighting as mere ambience. In 2025, luminaires are theatrical, sculptural and deeply expressive – we’re talking oversized pendants that anchor entire rooms to fluid, organic forms that blur the line between art and object. Designers leaned into bold silhouettes, daring materials, and unexpected proportions, proving that lighting is now a central player in our interior storytelling, not just a supporting act.
DRAMA!
One of the standout names in this space is Bomma, the Czech brand known for merging traditional glassblowing with avant-garde design. Their latest collections showcased in Milan push the boundaries of scale and translucency, with monumental glass spheres, asymmetric clusters, and unexpected colour gradients that feel both celestial and architectural.
The Pebbles and Fragments collections were especially captivating – with their fluid, asymmetrical forms that play with reflection, weightlessness, and shadow. These designs seem to float mid-air, scattering light in poetic, unpredictable ways, transforming ceilings and whole rooms into sculptural focal points and design conversation starters.
Eichholtz continues to refine its language of luxury with lighting that leans into glamour and precision. This year’s unveilings featured bold geometric frames, warm metallic finishes, and Art Deco references reimagined for contemporary interiors. Think: tiered chandeliers dripping in smoked glass, elongated sconces with exaggerated silhouettes, and pendants that command attention with a sculptural sense of proportion.
A REFINED LANGUAGE OF LUXURY
Notable standouts like the Hyde, Elias, and Foliage chandeliers exemplified Eichholtz’s commitment to creating striking statements – each piece a masterclass in drama and elegance. Whether cascading in layers of glass, showcasing fluid curves, or embracing nature-inspired forms, these pieces are designed not to blend in but to shine unapologetically.
As lighting continues to evolve in the realm of luxury design, brands like Bomma and Eichholtz are at the forefront, transforming these functional elements into breathtaking works of art. It’s clear that feature lighting is no longer just about illumination – it’s about making a statement. Whether it’s through sculptural elegance, dramatic proportions, or innovative materials, these pieces are designed to captivate, inspire, and elevate interiors. In 2025, lighting isn’t just functional; it’s a statement of style, a play of light and shadow, and a defining element in the art of interior design.
SHOP THE LOOK
- CHANDELIER FOLIAGE, by EICHHOLTZ 2. CHANDELIER HYDE, by EICHHOLTZ 3. TABLE LAMP DANIEL, by EICHHOLTZ 4. CHANDELIER ELIAS, by EICHHOLTZ 5. CHANDELIER GREYSON by EICHHOLTZ 6. CHANDELIER ST. ROCHE, by EICHHOLTZ 7. OLIVIER TABLE LAMP, by EICHHOLTZ 8. TABLE LAMP ORTIZ, by EICHHOLTZ
We’ve been talking about the indistinct line between our indoor and outdoor spaces for years now, but we live in exciting times – and there’s never been a more opportune moment to make our outdoor spaces feel more indoorsy (and even vice versa).
With recent developments in outdoor fabrics and other materials – such as aluminium, steel, and recycled plastics – we’re seeing our patios and terraces convincingly mimic interior spaces. The innovations in outdoor lighting and rugs are particularly noteworthy, but there have also been some exciting advancements in the furniture realm.
EICHHOLTZ HEADS OUTDOORS
Guided by their passion for design and craftsmanship in the interior space, leading Dutch brand Eichholtz recently unveiled their outdoor furniture collection. The collection epitomises the blurring of interior and alfresco spaces through its blend of indoor aesthetics, luxury, comfort, and premium outdoor materials.
What truly brings the collection to life is the inspired mix of materials such as rope, teak, aluminium, glass fibre concrete, and highly durable (and touchable) outdoor fabrics. A standout example is the Aurore Coffee Table, with its organic styling and travertine-mimicking finish made from glass fibre concrete – offering both durability and longevity while being fully exposable to the elements.
Another fine example of Eichholtz’s ingenuity in the outdoor space is their Amore Outdoor Sofa. Here, you’ll find an elegant and familiar curved silhouette that exudes indoor sophistication. The handy protective cover for when it’s not in use is also worth a mention!
- OUTDOOR SOFA AMORE, by EICHHOLTZ 2. OUTDOOR SOFA BYSON, by EICHHOLTZ 3. OUTDOOR CHAIR SIDERNO, by EICHHOLTZ 4. OUTDOOR SOFA JULIAN, by EICHHOLTZ 5. OUTDOOR COFFEE TABLE JOSHUA, by EICHHOLTZ 6. OUTDOOR DINING CHAIR NOLAN, by EICHHOLTZ
TALENTI FLIPS THE SCRIPT
Some of the brands Core represents have even gone the other way. Talenti, for example, has taken its outdoor expertise and turned it toward a new interior furniture collection. The Talenti Home Collection is a fine example of the brand combining its well-recognised ingenuity and creativity to produce a highly commendable indoor range.
In the early 2000s, Talenti used its know-how of working with marble to reimagine the outdoor space. More recently, after more than twenty years in the industry, their signature clean lines and passion for materials and textiles have come to life indoors. With its intriguing use of multiple materials – including marble – their latest interior collection certainly doesn’t disappoint.
In addition to a slew of beautiful projects in leading hotels and resorts across the globe, Talenti has also made a significant impact in the luxury yachting sector – a testament to their ability to truly blur the lines between inside and outside.
Rugs have long been the foundation of many an interior scheme. Thanks to the latest developments in technology, our outdoor spaces can now benefit from these same design principles. These technical innovations mean outdoor rugs are becoming softer underfoot – and that’s a very exciting notion.
As one of Europe’s oldest and largest rug companies, Ferreira de Sá has embraced this very concept using polypropylene rope. Their Echoes In/Outdoor rug collection is designed to straddle both indoor and outdoor spaces. The material is ideal for outdoor use as it’s weather-resistant, UV-protected, and easy to maintain. The collection employs a variety of weaving techniques that add both structure and softness underfoot.
The Trails rug is one of their latest arrivals, Inspired by the winding trails of the earth, the Trails rug features a raised linear design that evokes organic movement. Handwoven with care, it’s a resilient yet soft option for poolside settings, modern decks, or garden retreats. Its neutral tones ensure effortless harmony with a variety of outdoor decors.
Ultimately, the growing fusion of interior and outdoor spaces reflects a deeper shift in how we live – more fluidly, more freely, and more in tune with our environments. As design continues to evolve, we’re seeing a seamless dialogue between comfort and nature, luxury and durability. Whether it’s a sofa that belongs as much on a terrace as it does in a lounge, or a rug that softens stone underfoot just as beautifully as it does timber, the boundaries are no longer rigid. Instead, we’re embracing spaces that respond to lifestyle rather than labels – where indoors and outdoors aren’t opposites, but extensions of the same experience.
FROM RUST TO ROSSO: TONES OF ORANGE ARE HEATING UP OUR SPACES
The ongoing resurgence of burnt orange in design circles speaks to our collective yearning for warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of earthy sophistication. Some tones are cheery and bright, others more earthy, but this rich, grounding hue – sometimes called terracotta, rust, amber, cinnamon, or ochre – continues to make a bold statement across interiors and exteriors alike.
Orange is less intense than red, yet is charged with energy without being overpowering.
From statement upholstery pieces and ceramic accents to powder-coated outdoor furniture and textiles, burnt orange brings a sunbaked elegance that feels both contemporary and timeless. It pairs beautifully with neutrals like beige, taupe, and stone, while also holding its own alongside blues and pinks.
Whether used sparingly or with full confidence, this colour evokes the heat of African landscapes and mid-century moods – adding depth, personality, and a sense of place to any space.
Talenti has embraced this warming hue with their Panama Rocking Bed offered in the most quintessential shade of terracotta. The aluminium and nautical rope combination perfectly blends design with functionality.
Eichholtz is well versed in the success of using various shades of burnt orange, and their collection is filled with appealing examples. Bold colour statements feature in pieces like the Relax Swivel Chair, Chloe Dining Chair, and Olsen Bar Stool, while the San Marino Chair finesses this trend through subtle texture and feature piping.
Similarly, Calia Italia embraces the power of orange. Their Eliseo Chair, with its contemporary proportions and comfort, delivers a modern-retro punch with options in Ocra or the redder-toned Rosso. The Daisy Sofa – available in both compact and modular variations – also brings vitality with an array of orange shades, from bold Arancio to more subdued tones.
THIS EARTHY HUE ADDS AN INVITING RICHNESS
Whether introduced through accent walls, soft furnishings, or statement furniture, this earthy hue adds an inviting richness that bridges retro charm with modern sophistication. Its versatility allows it to shine in both minimalist and maximalist settings, pairing effortlessly with everything from natural textures to bold patterns. As trends continue to favour grounded, nature-inspired palettes, burnt orange proves to be a confident, enduring choice that brings depth and soul to any interior and exterior.
SHOP THE LOOK
- ELIEO CHAIR, by CALIA ITALIA 2. CHAIR RELAX, by EICHHOLTZ 3. DINING CHAIR CHLOE, by EICHHOLTZ 4. CHAIR SAN MARINO, by EICHHOLTZ 5. MATER FAMILIAS DAY BED, by CALIA ITALIA 6. CHAIR CHAPLIN, by EICHHOLTZ
GAME, SET AND MATCH !
Luxury home gaming (of the analogue kind) has undergone a serious style evolution in recent years, moving far beyond the basement games room to become a fully integrated part of high-end interiors. Think statement furniture first, game second. Today’s gaming tables – from pool to table tennis, poker to foosball – are design-driven statement pieces, purpose-built to enhance and elevate our indoor and outdoor spaces.
A brand that embodies this transformation is Vismara Design. Known for its unapologetically opulent approach to entertainment furniture, the Italian brand has taken several games and transformed them into sculptural, conversation-starting centrepieces. This is gaming for the design-conscious – immersive and impossibly chic. Here’s a look at the latest trends shaping this niche but fast-growing category.
A perfect example of this trend is the new Egeo Table Tennis Table. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek temples – with their majestic grace and elemental forms – this piece takes humble ping pong to elevated heights. Egeo is available for both indoor and outdoor use, with the outdoor version featuring a stone-effect ceramic top (offered in two stylish finishes). As with many of Vismara’s designs, Egeo is dual-functioning: by removing the net, it effortlessly transforms into a dining table.
Vismara’s Mono Pool Table features a central base with a sinuous design with major impact. Featuring a removable top, this too offers multifunctionality and converts into a dining table. Available in various finishes including lacquered and stone effect.
Where the Mono offers statement-making boldness, the Dandy Pool Table presents a more streamlined design, embracing the perfect balance between form and function. The removable tabletop comes in two parts, making it easy to handle and store, and is available in Makassar Ebony or Canaletto Walnut finishes.
Building on Dandy’s clean lines, the Blow Air Hockey Table offers the same balance of form and function, combining laminated metal – with micro-perforations to ensure optimal airflow – and sculptural steel detailing for scorekeeping. Customisation is available in a variety of wood, metal, and leather finishes.
HOME ENTERTAINMENT HAS NEVER LOOKED SO POLISHED
The rise of luxury gaming tables speaks to a broader movement in interior design: that beauty and function need not be mutually exclusive. With brands like Vismara Design leading the way, home entertainment has never looked so polished. These pieces are not hidden out of sight – they take centre stage, delivering style, play, multifunctionality and a bespoke sense of indulgence.
Once upon a time, home gyms were tucked away in garages or basements, cluttered with clunky weights, squeaky machines, and a general lack of visual appeal. The goal back then was function over form – a utilitarian approach to breaking a sweat in private. But the rise of wellness culture, open-plan living, and an appreciation for design-led lifestyles has dramatically shifted the landscape. Today, the home gym is not just about performance. It’s about beautiful aesthetics. And few brands are embodying this fusion of fitness and style quite like NOHRD.
NOHRD has become something of a cult favourite among design-conscious fitness devotees. What sets them apart is their uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship. Think sustainably sourced wood, seamless leather accents, and sculptural silhouettes that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end furniture showroom. Their products are hand-finished, each one as much an artisanal object as a piece of fitness equipment. That’s pretty much why we brought NOHRD into the mix at Core Furniture – it just made sense.
AN UNCOMPROMISING COMMITMENT TO REFINED CRAFTSMANSHIP
Take their now-famous WaterRower, for example – a rowing machine made from solid ash, walnut, or cherry wood, with a water flywheel that mimics the rhythm and resistance of real rowing. It’s not just a cardio machine; it’s a kinetic sculpture. Or consider the Swing Bells, stored in a curved wooden rack and wrapped in hand-stitched leather – nothing average about these kettlebells.
NOHRD’s WallBars, a modern reimagining of the traditional stall bars seen in European gymnastics, are made from solid wood with a slim profile. It also doubles as a stretching tool and a space-efficient design feature. It’s the kind of equipment you don’t have to hide – you might even want to highlight it.
Their SlimBeam cable machine is as versatile as it is refined, offering a full range of strength training options while hugging the wall with a sleek, vertical design. The build quality is impeccable, the biomechanics carefully thought through, and the usability intuitive.
This aesthetic transformation of our home gym equipment speaks directly to a larger cultural shift: fitness isn’t just a habit anymore; it’s part of the lifestyle. And as such, the tools we use to stay healthy should blend seamlessly with our living spaces.
SHOP THE LOOK
- EXERCISE BIKE, by NOHRD 2. WALL COMPACT, by NOHRD 3. NOHRD DUMBBELL RACK, by NOHRD 4. SPRINTBOK, by NOHRD
Sustainability in interior and exterior design has evolved in recent years. What used to be a niche concern – often associated with “hippie” aesthetics or recycled materials – is now full-spectrum thinking that touches on every stage of the design process.
It’s no longer just about using energy-efficient light bulbs or bamboo flooring; it’s become a more integrated, sophisticated, and even luxurious approach to how we shape our indoor and outdoor environments.
Sustainability touches on many elements, and it’s increasingly difficult these days to tick all the boxes. Some sustainability ambitions for brands in our sector include consciousness about materials, resource and energy efficiency, localism, longevity, biophilic principles, cultural and ethical sustainability, and circular design.
SUSTAINABILITY TOUCHES ON MANY ELEMENTS
Whilst many of our brands strive for, and even deliver on, several of these sustainability principles, the one we’re most excited about is Dedon. For over 35 years, they’ve honoured the beauty of nature. Their inaugural Dedon Fibre has become a benchmark in the industry, admired by many other brands for its 100% recyclability and pollutant- and metal-free composition.
Taking the same unrivalled strength and weatherability as their original fibre, Dedon recently unveiled their Ecocycle Fibre. Made from 90% renewable, plant-based components – specifically ethanol derived from sugarcane – this material takes sustainability to new heights.
This fibre has revolutionised the outdoor furniture market and inspired a new range that’s set to turn heads on verandahs and terraces: the Ecocycle Collection. The collection leans beautifully into the woven furniture trend. Bringing together the expertise of several well-known designers, it offers a blend of comfort, elegance, generosity, and distinction.
The Fllair dining chair and Seashell armchair are firm favourites, but we’re also crushing on the Sealine modular sofa system, with its elegantly woven back and side panels.
Luxury means different things these days. Many would argue that time is the ultimate luxury, but when it comes to our interiors and exteriors, craftsmanship and sustainability are key ingredients to living our best, most luxurious lives. Dedon’s commitment to eco-conscious design, craftsmanship, innovation
We chat with Core Furniture’s Managing Director Ivone Azevedo about all things Core and this year’s Milan design fair. With over two decades in the industry, Ivone has been instrumental in establishing Core as one of Southern Africa’s leading distributors of sought-after European design.
Q: In addition to the Milan Salone, you’ve attended many other major global furniture fairs. What makes Milan so special?
A: Milan is simply in a league of its own – nothing compares! Fairs like Maison have their place, but the Salone holds a unique kind of magic. Over the years, it’s earned a very special place in my heart.
It’s also, without a doubt, the most important event on the global furniture design calendar. It’s where trends are unveiled, where the energy is electric, and I always leave feeling incredibly inspired. I come back excited to share everything new with our clients – it’s a creative reset every time.
Q: You represent several well-known and established European furniture brands in South Africa. Why do you think they’ve chosen to partner with you in this market?
A: Over the past 20+ years, we’ve built strong, lasting relationships with some of the top designers, architects, and style-savvy clients in the region. These clients have come to rely on us for consistency, excellent service, and dependable delivery.
We’ve also developed a strong marketing and sales team, and we deeply understand the unique logistical challenges of importing into the region. That expertise allows us to add real value to our partner brands – we act as an extension of their team on the ground, helping them navigate this market seamlessly.
Q: These brands operate on a global scale. How would you describe their understanding of the local South African market?
A: It’s evolved a lot! Over the years, South Africa has become increasingly recognised on the global design scene. Many of our interior design clients operate not only locally, but also across the continent and internationally – and our brands see the value in that.
Many of our partner brands also travel here for both work and leisure. It’s always heartening to hear their stories – many light up when they talk about South Africa and will fondly reminisce about their “best holiday ever” spent here. There’s definitely an affection for our country that goes beyond just business.
Q: What trends from the Salone are you most excited about, and why?
A: One that really stood out for me is the blurring of lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. This trend feels so aligned with our South African lifestyle and climate – it’s all about fluid living, comfort, and embracing nature in design. It resonates perfectly with our way of life.
Q: What was your favourite new piece from the show?
A: Oh wow – there were so many standouts this year! But as always, Eichholtz really captured my heart, especially with their lighting. Their new chandeliers are absolutely breathtaking – elegant, bold, and completely unforgettable.
Q: What is next for Core Furniture?
A: What we’ve been doing is clearly working, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. We’re building on that momentum – delivering real value to our Southern African clients, while also offering strong representation and support to the European brands we work with.
For me, it’s all about relationships. Long-standing, mutually beneficial partnerships are the heart of what we do – whether it’s with our clients, our suppliers, or our global brand partners. Relationships are everything.
We’re also incredibly passionate about playing a role in the growth of Southern Africa’s booming design industry. We’re perfectly positioned to support that. From world-class safari lodges to luxury beach homes along our breathtaking coastline, our clients and designers are creating truly spectacular spaces.
And we want to keep giving them access to the very best the world has to offer – always on trend, always inspired.