• Preview of I Saloni 2007
• Review of I Saloni 2007
• Review of SaloneSatellite 2007
• Review of Milan 2008 - News From the World’s Most Important Design Fair
• Review of Milan Design Week 2008 – Notes from the Design Zone

by Ania Dardas

Pretty much an institution and a valuable indicator of the direction in which trends in the home/contract furnishing sector are developing, the Saloni is getting ready to open its 47^th edition in Milan, Italy, at the Milan fairgrounds at Rho from April 16 to the 21^st.

As always in even years, there will be five exhibitions spread over the 220,000 square meters as well as two amazing city events: Salone Internazionale del Mobile/ Eurocucina, the new SaloneUfficio/International Biennial Workspace Exhibition (formerly EIMU), the International Bathroom Furniture Exhibition, the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition and SaloneSatellite

Last year’s event attracted more than 270,000 visitors, of whom 165,000 came from beyond Italy from 145 different countries to visit the stands of the almost 2,000 exhibiting companies.

Together these exhibitions provide access to the leading edge of home and contract furnishing as well as insight into the ideas and offerings of the coming generation. The beauty and excellence of stand design and efficiency of available services make the Saloni experience unforgettable.

Photo bySaverio Lombardi Vallauri

Watch out for the two external events this year. They are taking place against the backdrop of the Sala delle Cariatidi at the Palazzo Reale and also in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Visitors will be able to enjoy one of Italy’s greatest cultural and artistic figures as well as the internationally renowned British film director and artist Peter Greenaway. Add to this one of the world’s most famous works of art and you have a cultural concoction that it is impossible to pass up.