• Posted on October 8, 2015, by David Bjørngaard

On my recent trip to Milan, it was hard to decide where to go and what to see simply because there was too much to see: Milan is the hub for Italian interior design. Friends and colleagues gave suggestions to me, and in the course of the adventure my weary feet lead me to other sources of inspiration. Here’s a quick survey of four showrooms that I found particularly inspiring. (For two more, check out Italian Design Now)

Artimede is making an impact on design by employing some of the most famous designers working today to design light fixtures utilizing the latest technology. It was great to see this showroom in person. The results are innovative and modern, using minimal design for maximum impact.

Poliform is know in the US for kitchens. A revelation for me was their furniture showroom, with its contemporary mix of materials, color and design. It would be easy (and expensive) to outfit a home shopping here.

I like the luxe feel of this space: marble and wood, brass and yellow-gold, checkered rug. It is very Italian sensibility.

An unexpected find was the opulent Meissen showroom, off the main shopping street, tucked into a renovated private home. Oh the splendors of money and good taste.

Meissen china rests on a porcelain inlay produced by a chemical reactions in the firing process.

Porcelain and metal fireplace surround.

Close to our hotel was the Poltrona Frau showroom. I was never a big fan on the company over the years, but this may have been because the pieces that I saw in San Francisco didn’t tell a cohesive story. That changed in Milan. I loved the design of the pieces, with a mix that is urban, contemporary and fresh.

David Bjørngaard, October 2015