
McDonald's Ball Pit Installation Ignites Nostalgia at Milan Design Week
McDonald's marked its 40th anniversary in Italy with an immersive installation at Milan Design Week. Titled 'Pool: Unlock Happy Memories,' the exhibit featured a colossal ball pit designed to evoke childhood recollections. Curated by Nicolas Ballario, the display also included historical brand memorabilia, connecting visitors with their past experiences and celebrating McDonald's cultural impact in Italy.

Kartell's AI-Enhanced Furniture Exhibition at Salone del Mobile
Italian furniture giant Kartell unveiled its latest collection at Salone del Mobile, featuring products from renowned designers like Philippe Starck and Patricia Urquiola. The exhibition booth cleverly integrated AI-generated expressionistic artworks as backdrops, a subtle nod to the brand's pioneering use of artificial intelligence in furniture design since 2019, epitomized by the A.I. Chair. This innovative display underscores Kartell's commitment to technological advancement while maintaining artistic integrity.

Marazzi's Mystone Tivoli: A Fusion of Ancient Charm and Modern Durability
Marazzi's Mystone Tivoli collection masterfully blends the timeless appeal of Roman stone with the advanced qualities of porcelain stoneware. Utilizing 3D Ink technology, these tiles offer an authentic, subtly textured surface that brings warmth and harmony to any space. Available in various colors and decorative patterns, they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, providing both elegance and high performance.
Milan Design Week 2026 recently concluded, showcasing a diverse array of innovative furniture and lighting designs. Dezeen Showroom has compiled a selection of eight noteworthy pieces that debuted during this annual event, held from April 20 to 24. These creations represent a blend of aesthetics, functionality, and novel materials, reflecting the cutting-edge trends and creative spirit of the design world. From elegant tapware to versatile seating and captivating illumination, the featured products exemplify the ingenuity of both established and emerging designers.
Among the highlighted items is the Vea tapware collection, designed by Christian Haas for Villeroy & Boch. Drawing inspiration from the delicate forms of vintage perfume bottles, this collection offers a sophisticated range of floor-mounted and countertop faucets. Available in white, black, and chrome finishes, these fixtures are adorned with ceramic inlays, adding a touch of refined elegance to any space.
Marset reissued its Lauro lighting collection, originally conceived in the early 1970s by P Aragay and J Pérez Mateo. This refreshed collection now includes a contemporary sconce light, alongside its classic floor, table, and wall lamps. The floor lamp's distinctive tubular steel base, coiling artfully for support, remains a testament to its timeless design.
NII presented its versatile Allround stool, a creation by creative director Hirotaka Tako. This collection features a taller barstool and a shorter, multi-purpose stool. The bar-height version boasts a swiveling top and a foot bar that seamlessly mirrors the base's shape, while the low stool incorporates hidden wheels for effortless mobility.
Bolzan introduced the Milo bed, characterized by its unique headboard. This design allows for adjustable 'wings' at either end, enabling users to create different atmospheres—from an open, airy feel to a cozy, cocoon-like embrace. The fully-upholstered frame provides both comfort and flexibility in styling.
Antonio Citterio reimagined traditional sofa forms with the Quincy sofa for Flexform. This winding, modular seating system deviates from conventional angular designs, offering a variety of configurations, including chaise longues. The extensive range of upholstery options ensures adaptability to diverse interior aesthetics.
Cristián Mohaded’s Corsetto armchair for Molteni&C stands out with its distinctive leather harness, cinching the plush form of the chair. This design element, featuring a brown leather belt integrated into the base, creates a striking textural contrast with the various available upholstery options.
Nao Tamura designed the Ryo bookcase for Porro, crafted from flat planes of aluminum. Its faceted structure plays with light, shadow, and reflection, creating intriguing niches and voids that serve both decorative and functional purposes for display and storage.
Bocci unveiled its 93 lighting series, a collection of globular fixtures formed by pouring molten aluminum into glass vessels. Designed by Bocci co-founder Omer Arbel, these lights feature a unique marbled surface and emit a gentle glow, available in suspended, table, or wall-mounted versions.
The annual Milan Design Week continues to be a pivotal platform for innovation, showcasing the evolving landscape of contemporary design. The featured items from Dezeen Showroom exemplify a forward-thinking approach, blending artistic expression with practical utility across furniture and lighting categories. These diverse products, from the minimalist to the intricately designed, reflect the dynamic interplay of materials, forms, and functions that define modern living spaces.