DESIGN – INTERIORS
The importance of space
One of the highlights was Alcova, staged across the Baggio Military Hospital and Villa Pestarini. The architecture became part of the experience, with each corridor, room, and hidden corner revealing something unexpected.
The settings demonstrated how powerfully context influences our response to design. Successful interiors are more than collections of beautiful objects. They are considered spatial experiences that evoke curiosity, emotion, and connection. Space tells a story, and great design understands how to guide that narrative.
Colour with confidence
Colour played a significant role in defining the mood of many installations. Deep chocolate browns emerged as a dominant tone, layered with rich jade greens, earthy neutrals, and warm yellow accents. Unsurprisingly, these are colours I naturally gravitate towards in my own work.
What stood out was the confidence with which they were used. Colour became a tool for creating depth, warmth, and emotional resonance. The palettes felt sophisticated, grounded, and deeply connected to nature, reinforcing the broader focus on comfort and sensory engagement.
Materiality and touch
Material exploration was one of the most exciting aspects of Milan this year.
Glass appeared in countless forms, including textured, layered, coloured, and sculptural applications. Aluminium, resins, and repurposed plastics were used in innovative and unexpected ways, while richly tactile fabrics invited interaction.
There was a willingness to challenge conventional applications and transform familiar elements into pieces that felt new. Materials were chosen for how they felt as well as how they looked, making texture, weight, and tactility integral to the design. www. tobuild. co. za | spring 2026 35