Our industry style makers put on quite a show in Milan last
week, exhibiting their wares at the 40th International Hospitality
Exposition. Hollowick took the
opportunity to scout the show floor looking for trends and new tabletop
products. We also hoped to find
confirmation of some of the style directions we are currently following.
There were several common themes among tabletop and
furnishings exhibitors. Color and
decoration on tableware were abundant.
Vintage cut crystal dominated the drinkware booths. Materials and finishes including rustic
woods, concrete and brass were also prevalent.
Matte black and traditional blue and white colors on
dinnerware are trending. Dishes with natural
textures, like wood grain and stone hit the mark for connecting nature to the
table.
Other color observations include red accents. This is nothing new, but we saw more red than
usual in tableware and furniture.
Decoration is making a big comeback. Patterns on dinnerware, yes, but also on
flatware handles and accessory items.
Vintage themes like decorative Edison filament bulbs and
antique brass fixtures are now fully saturated.
But the most dominant vintage look is happening in drinkware. Throwback glass textures and cut crystal items
were everywhere.
Industrial influence was there, but not as overtly as we
expected. Concrete as a tableware
material/texture has arrived. Several
companies exhibited either actual concrete items or very accurate looking faux concrete
surfaces.
We noticed, weathered finishes on flatware that support the
vintage/industrial aesthetic.
In fact, flatware finishes are getting more extreme and
varied. We spied gold, copper, black,
and even variegated finishes that change depending on light angle.
Metallic finishes were a popular sight on all types of
tableware. It is safe to say that
gold/brass is now a thing. In fact, you
might say there is a trend towards luxe/opulent style in dinnerware, flatware
and serving pieces.
We also spotted some interesting lamp designs, mostly in the
furnishings building. Some of these could
have some tabletop or hospitality accent lighting influence.
Arrivederci da Milano!
