design exhibitions bring different approaches to form and making into view. our april 2019 selection drew from the conversations around milan design week, recording furniture, lighting and surface references with distinctive character.

these historical references offer ideas to consider, rather than a prescription for a room. furniture selection in melbourne begins with scale, comfort and the way a piece contributes to the wider interior.

Black sculptural Ekstrem armchair in a room with stone walls, plants and framed art.

ekstrem armchair, terje ekstrøm for varier

the ekstrem chair uses an open, sculptural structure. its unusual silhouette invites consideration from several viewpoints, with comfort and the space around it assessed before selection.

Indoor plants in ribbed planters on varied metal stands.

klorofyll planters, anderssen & voll for elementa

the klorofyll reference considers plants through vessels of different scales. the planter’s dimensions and surface need to work with the plant, the available light and the room’s circulation.

Slender suspended lighting tubes beside a rust-toned chair and muted green wall.

cirque, giopato & coombes

fine metal lines and glass create a suspended composition in the cirque collection. a sculptural light fitting requires careful review of room height, positioning and its practical lighting role.

Console table with a pale stone top and grouped dark tubular legs.

elephant console, bernhardt & vella for mingardo

the elephant console contrasts tubular supports with a stone top. the meeting of materials gives the piece its character, with the wall, artwork and nearby furniture considered alongside it.

Sculptural rug with layered bands of colour displayed within an arched interior.

fordite rug, patricia urquiola for cc-tapis

layered bands of colour distinguish the fordite reference. a rug with this level of pattern can establish a palette, while quieter upholstery allows its composition to remain visible.

Round sculptural stools in varied materials with circular side openings.

cyclop stools, tron meyer

the circular opening gives the cyclop stool a recognisable identity. such a detail can create continuity across a furniture group without requiring every piece to share the same material.

Terrazzo-patterned side table against a coral wall beside open shelving.

loggia table, matteo leorato for portego

the loggia reference brings a terrazzo-like surface into a three-dimensional form. grain, aggregate and edges should be viewed together, alongside the table’s height and intended use.

Light bathroom with a round sunken bath and warm patterned wall tiles.

excinere tiles, formafantasma for dzek

the excinere reference explores a varied glazed surface. application, slip requirements and maintenance need to be confirmed for the specific tile and setting, rather than inferred from its appearance.

Woven lounge chairs with differently coloured metal frames beside a standing model.

dl lounge chair, dion lee and gibson karlo for designbythem

the dl lounge chair combines a defined frame with a woven-looking seat. construction, material and proportion are read together, with the piece assessed in use as well as in a photograph.

materials and finishes specification connects these discoveries with practical project requirements. current details and availability should be confirmed with the makers or suppliers.

milan 2019: form and material