FEATURE: HOUSEWARES


Right: The Kansas sofa from Furniture And Choice is a comfy favourite that looks and feels amazing. A relaxed, contemporary style that’s perfect for lounging, with soft armrests and padded cushions you can sink into. And because it’s crafted on a sturdy frame it’s tough, as well as handsome (www.furniturechoice. co.uk).


THE BEST


TRENDS FROM MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2026


Colour, textures and functionality are some of the key trends at one of the biggest design fairs in the world. Amthal Karim, Head of Design at Furniture And Choice reports…


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his month, Amthal Karim explores emerging trends showcased at Milan Design Week 2026 and the trends set


to shape furniture style, colour palettes, and design silhouettes for the year ahead.


1. Red Red emerged as one of the defining colours of Milan Design Week 2026. From ‘the unexpected red theory’ that was trending not so long ago, red has now evolved to being front and centre by transforming into the main character. We’re seeing vibrant cherry tones on dining tables, deep burgundy for installation backdrops alongside velvet textures, lacquer and glass. The experimentation with colour and textures highlights that designers and brands aren’t afraid to take risks and lean into being bold and expressive.


2. Furniture as art At Milan Design Week, furniture design is an art form just as much as it is functional. Sofa design isn’t just about comfort; many sofas feature architectural silhouettes and modular features. The evolution of contemporary dining furniture was also on display, highlighting how it has become the social centrepiece of the modern home. Dining tables have a sculptural quality with rounded curves that create a bold focal point. A lot of designers have taken inspiration from retro or Bauhaus interiors with lightweight, tubular designs and clever use of materials like steel, wood and lacquer.


3. Wood Wood is trending, and it was on full showcase at Milan Design Week. This year, it highlighted the beauty of several different types of wood, from light wood with raw finishes, sculpted forms with soft curves and


seamless joins. Walnut has been in the spotlight for a while now, and oak has made its comeback, now softer and more approachable. Designers and brands are exploring more sustainable ways to use wood, such as cultivating their own trees or learning traditional techniques that blend the old and new. This calming and inviting take on wood is also in line with other lifestyle trends like biophilic design, slow living and earth tones.


4. Mixed metallics and lacquer For mixed metallics, we are seeing a lot of cool-toned metals like chrome mixed with warmer metals like bronze and brass. Stainless steel is still a popular option for accent chairs and art installations but is now combined with bronze for a warmer feel. As for lacquer, we can confirm that glossy is in. Aside from sculptural dining tables, lacquer can also be


seen on accent chairs or as the glossy texture for kitchen cabinets. Earth tones are everywhere for both mixed metallics and lacquer, with a lot of warm browns, blues, deep greens and mint tones for the hint of unexpected.


5. Multi-purpose furniture As our homes are now multi- hyphenate spaces, furniture must evolve to match this. Sofas can now feature headrests and lumbar support while still looking extremely luxe. One of the kitchen island exhibits featured an anchored table extension that ticks all the boxes in terms of design, materials and functionality. Beds can now feature storage, seating, and built-in side tables, which fit right in with the smart home trend. Bookcases and shelving, which are regularly used to create zones in open plan spaces, now have more curved options, making it feel like you’re relaxing in a comfortable cocoon.


INTRODUCING THE ROSELLA COLLECTION: A FRESH TAKE ON ELEGANT HOME INTERIORS


Lime Lace has introduced the Rosella collection by RV Astley, a sophisticated new lighting range that blends natural materials with refined design to elevate modern interiors. Combining the soft, organic beauty of alabaster with striking dark bronze accents, this collection offers a contemporary lighting solution for any space.


The Rosella Collection features four beautifully crafted pieces: a four-arm chandelier, a single-arm wall lamp, a table lamp, and a floor lamp. Each design is unified by its sculptural alabaster body, paired


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with a rich dark bronze frame and lamp holder, and finished with a soft opal shade that diffuses light to create a warm, ambient glow. Designed to suit a variety of interiors, from modern minimalist homes to classic, elegant spaces, the Rosella Collection brings both functionality and statement style. The natural veining of the alabaster


ensures that every piece is unique, adding a sense of individuality and luxury to each design. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and dining areas, the collection offers versatile lighting solutions


that balance form and function. The chandelier creates a striking focal point, while the wall, table, and floor lamps provide layered lighting for a cohesive interior scheme With its combination of premium materials and timeless design, the Rosella Collection is ideal for those seeking luxury lighting, contemporary home décor, and statement interior pieces that stand the test of time.


• For more details, please call 0330 058 4158 or visit www. limelace.co.uk.


MAY 2026 DIY WEEK 29


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