This year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan saw a strong focus on connectivity.
Held from April 17-22, the Milan interiors exhibition enjoyed a 17 per cent increase in attendance this year compared with 2016, with exhibitors and visitors reporting packed halls.
Organisers said a total of 434,509 people attended the event from 188 countries.
Ipswich-based kitchen and bathroom designer Sandy Armitage reported seeing a large focus on connectivity throughout the stands. She said: “Smart connectivity and energy-efficiency was certainly the big trend, with the appliance manufacturers – notably Candy and Grundig – intriguing us with their oven cams and touch-screen display doors. In particular, Grundig’s Gourmet Chef, which was equipped with precise technology, a superb 3D handle and classic side opening.
“The subtlety of Miele’s grey glass ovens was a visual joy,” she added.
However, Novy country manager Owain Harrison said that while there was “so much connectivity”, it was “only Samsung who are shouting very loudly”.
“Not everyone’s shouting as loudly as I thought they might do,” he said. “Connectivity is on nearly every stand, but it doesn’t appear to be the main story. Other things have taken precedence. Electrolux are launching the pull-out fridge, which is a really clever concept, and materials and use of materials seem just as important.”
