Best of Milan Design Week 2018: A Concentration of Inspiration and Décor Trends
From April 17 to 22, 2018, the city of Milan pulsed to the rhythm of design. Every year, the Italian capital becomes a hub of creativity. Designers, architects, stylists, and interior design enthusiasts gather there. Milan Design Week is an unmissable event to discover upcoming trends.
This week is structured around two main components: the Salone del Mobile and the Fuorisalone. The former is the official furniture fair, held at Rho Fiera, a massive exhibition center. The latter, freer and more artistic, takes place in different neighborhoods of the city.
Milan Design Week, Tortona and Brera: Two Neighborhoods at the Heart of Creation
The Fuorisalone offers a unique atmosphere. Exhibitions, creative installations, and events take place in sometimes unexpected locations. This year, two neighborhoods stood out: Tortona and Brera.
In Tortona, the hotspot was BASE Milano. This former industrial complex has been transformed into a cultural and creative space. There you’ll find bars, workshops, conferences, and exhibitions. A striking installation featured a forest of red columns in a pristine white space.
Another highlight was the immersive exhibition dedicated to Frida Kahlo at the Museum of Culture—a sensory and visual experience, blending art and emotion.
Brera shone with its artistic charm. This bohemian neighborhood hosts galleries, design boutiques, and showrooms. Throughout the week, Brera becomes an open-air museum. Visitors discover design objects, temporary installations, and new collections.
The Salone del Mobile: The Beating Heart of the Event
The Salone del Mobile remains the centerpiece of the event. It is where major international brands unveil their latest creations. Furniture is sober, elegant, and often inspired by nature. Raw materials, rounded forms, and neutral palettes are in the spotlight. The Living Nature pavilion surprised with its ecological approach, recreating the four seasons in one single space.
Décor Favorites of the 2018 Edition
The standout trends of this edition included colorful kitchens, concrete furniture, graphic rugs, retro appliances, and pop objects inspired by contemporary art.
Milan Design Week 2018 confirmed its role as a global reference. Creativity, boldness, and emotion were all on display.



