Secolo and Tableau Unveil "Soft Matters" at Milan Design Week
Danish design studio Tableau and Italian brand Secolo have collaborated on a unique installation called "Soft Matters" at Milan Design Week. The exhibition features an undulating sofa and furniture adorned with blind-drawn floral patterns, showcasing a blend of artistic expression and functional design. This marks Secolo's first external designer collaboration and highlights Tableau's distinctive creative approach.
IKEA Unveils Innovative Inflatable Chair at Milan Design Week
IKEA has launched an inflatable chair, the PS 2026 Easy Chair, at Milan Design Week, marking a return to air-filled furniture. Designed by Mikael Axelsson, this chair addresses previous challenges with inflatables by incorporating a steel frame and innovative dual-chamber cushions for enhanced comfort and stability. It aims to offer an affordable, sustainable, and playful yet functional furniture solution.
Gaggenau's "Presence" Installation: A Fusion of Design and Culinary Art at Milan Design Week
Gaggenau, in collaboration with Studio 1ZU33, presents its "Presence" installation at Milan Design Week. This minimalist exhibition in Villa Necchi Campiglio showcases new and existing kitchen appliances, alongside a curated program of events, including a talk with architect John Pawson and culinary demonstrations by chef Tohru Nakamura. The installation aims to provide a refined, immersive experience, highlighting the essence of Gaggenau's design philosophy amidst the bustling design week.
A new modular seating solution, dubbed Macaron, has emerged from a partnership between Dutch design studio Bert Plantagie and architectural firm Mecanoo. This innovative sofa system, which draws its name and aesthetic cues from the well-known French dessert, is set to be unveiled at the Masterly exhibition during Milan Design Week. The design prioritizes adaptability, enabling users to customize arrangements to fit a multitude of spatial requirements and preferences.
The creative team behind Macaron described the sofa's modules as embodying the playful curves and distinct layers reminiscent of the meringue-based sweet treat. This circular, layered construction forms the essence of the collection's identity, ensuring a versatile configuration suitable for various tastes and settings. The emphasis on flexibility allows for the mixing and matching of individual components, ensuring the furniture can evolve with its environment and remain relevant over time.
The Macaron collection offers a range of module shapes and sizes, all characterized by robust profiles and gracefully curved edges. Each piece is constructed with a solid wooden frame, available in either walnut or oak, and upholstered in bio-based textiles offered in a diverse palette of colors. This thoughtful material selection contributes to both the durability and aesthetic appeal of the furniture.
These modules can function independently or be combined to form a variety of seating arrangements, highlighting the system's broad applicability. The designers envision Macaron fitting seamlessly into diverse locations, from private residences to corporate offices, bustling airports, academic institutions, and cultural museums. The upcoming exhibition at Milan Design Week will showcase six distinct arrangements, effectively demonstrating the collection's remarkable versatility and design ingenuity.
The Macaron modular sofa system represents a harmonious blend of innovative design and practical functionality, perfectly suited for the dynamic demands of contemporary living and working spaces. Its unique inspiration from the French confection not only gives it a memorable name but also informs its distinctive, adaptable aesthetic, offering a fresh approach to furniture design.