The Dezeen team are reporting live from Milan design week in the northern Italian metropolis (15-19 April) with updates throughout the day, including exclusive previews of products, installations and events.

9:30am Dezeen US editor Ben Dreith was at the press opening of the seventh edition of Alcova yesterday, which is taking place across Villa Bagatti Valsecchi and Villa Borsani outside of Milan.

American designer and Dezeen Awards 2023 judge Colin King has created an installation for Calico Wallpaper at Alcova and said that installations in Milan “are getting more and more complex and interesting”.

Alcova founder Joseph Grima said Villa Borsani (pictured below) was important because it was the residence of Osvaldo Borsani and because his factory next door was “one of the places where Milanese design was born”.

Grima also highlighted this year is the first time Alcova has taken place at a residential location. Find out more about Alcova 2024 on Dezeen Events Guide ›   

9:00am Dezeen’s editorial director Max Fraser, editor-at-large Amy Frearson, digitial editor Rupert Bickersteth, deputy editor Cajsa Carlson, US editor Ben Dreith, design editor Jennifer Hahn, social editor Clara Finnigan, design and interiors reporter Jane Englefield and editorial assistant Starr Charles are all on the ground in Milan reporting from the 62nd edition of Milan design week.

As things get underway catch up on the projects we have already published from Milan and checkout twenty must-see exhibitions and installations we have rounded-up, including a highly anticipated Salone del Mobile installation by David Lynch, an arts club by Faye Toogood and a “playground” by IKEA.

We’re also looking forward to seeing the debut of designer Samuel Ross’s first toilet for bathroom brand Kohler.

Dezeen Events Guide has created a Milan design week guide, highlighting the key events at the festival this year.

To keep you up to date, Dezeen Events Guide has created a Milan design week digital guide highlighting the key events at the festival.

See Dezeen Events Guide for all the latest information you need to know to attend the event, as well as a list of other architecture and design events taking place around the world.

All times are London time.

The lead image is by Amy Frearson.

The post Dezeen LIVE: Milan design week 2024 appeared first on Dezeen.

Three archival images inspire an immersive installation featuring new releases by Michael Anastassiades, Barber Osgerby and Formafantasma

After she stepped into the role of Chief Creative Officer for Italian lighting pioneer Flos in October 2023, Barbara Corti was parsing through archival imagery when she uncovered a trio of photos from 1988 that featured the designers Achille Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa and Philippe Starck. The three were lensed together in Milan’s historic, ornately-styled Palazzo Visconti for the release of a new chandelier, a brilliant bouquet of bulbs known as the Taraxacum 88 (designed by Castiglioni). Corti observed the Taraxacum 88’s material construction—only glass, aluminum and light—and a vision formed: Flos would return to Palazzo Visconti for Milan Design Week, with the Taraxacum 88 as the thesis statement of an exhibition that introduced new pieces employing only these elements.

In conjunction with Milan Design Week 2024’s sprawling slate of FuoriSalone installations, “Flos at Palazzo Visconti” runs from 16 to 21 April within (and in contrast to the baroque nature of) Palazzo Visconti. The illuminated immersive installation is introduced by the Taraxacum 88, set within one quadrant of a mesmerizing, mirrored axis portioning up the stunning central hall. Each of the other reflective quarters is dedicated to new releases by Michael Anastassiades, Barber Osgerby and Formafantasma, with tangential rooms of equal beauty revealing further pieces in these collections. The result is not steeped in nostalgia; rather, it’s a translation of the brand’s heritage into powerful works of contemporary design.

Prior to the exhibition, Flos invited all three designers of the new collections to visit the palazzo together to discuss their particular style of collaboration with the brand. From this abundance of talent was born a humorous, informative video work that greets guests upon entry on large-scale, floor-set screens. This media introduction along with stills from the occasion nod to the original captures from 1988.

“I needed to understand what kind of products we had—especially products that we didn’t launch,” Corti says of the archival immersion that led to the image discovery. “Instead, I found these beautiful images. Everyone was elegant, but also enjoying themselves. It wasn’t over-structured. We decided to come back here, to the palazzo, and celebrate this lightness. We work with a lot of talent so this is a celebration of what Flos does in terms of connection with creative minds, not only in terms of our designers but all of the creativity in the process.”

Corti worked with the Barcelona-based studio Arquitectura-G to develop the installation. “I didn’t want to interrupt the baroque style. It’s a strange style for Milan, which is inspired by Rome. Baroque is more rooted in Sicilian or Spanish. But this space is full of illusion—the trompe l’oeil, the balcony, the historic mirrors. We wanted to divide all of this, and multiply it at the same time.” The mirror divider was so carefully crafted that preexisting lines in the room continue unexpectedly in reflection and reality is distorted. This is thanks to rigorous preproduction using a maquette that took into account the movement of light throughout the day, beyond the palazzo’s windows.

Hidden car batteries power some lights so that cords are tucked away and the floor is left uninterrupted. All three collections channel the unique values of their designers. Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby present their curved Bellhop Glass collection, in both suspension and table lamp versions crafted from opaline triplex glass and aluminum. Anastassiades introduces 24-karat-gold finished iterations of his popular IC lamps to celebrate their tenth anniversary. He also reveals a new maxi style. Both Barber Osgerby and Anastassiades’ lamps are composed of blown glass.

In contrast, Formafantasma’s hexagonal pieces, entitled SuperWire, are composed of the purest planar industrial glass and polished aluminum. Inside, thin, replaceable filaments—which stretch one meter—look as if they must be fluorescent but are actually milestone LEDs. This system is modular and comes in iterations that feature three or five angular hubs. “Inside, it’s the longest filament in the world,” Corti says. The floor lamp, which pairs two stacked modules, stands more than five-feet tall.

“The world is full of people and companies and even fashion brands that produce design objects. But to make design exists in another plane,” Corti says. “The effort Flos makes in terms of our designers and their creativity, it is the same way we have always done it. The process is the same but the technology has changed. It is necessary to communicate that. That we are not just about history, but we’re about the future.” Not only does “Flos at Palazzo Visconti” convey that, but so do the company’s two other exhibitions—”Golden Hour” at the Flos Flagship Store and “Out of Office” at the Flos Professional Space—both of which are only steps away from Palazzo Visconti.

As the 2024 edition of Milan design week kicks off, our digital guide to the festival is now live. It spotlights the key events taking place from 15 to 21 April this year.

Highlighting exhibitions, talks, open showrooms, product launches, fairs and more across the city’s design districts, our dedicated guide features over 100 events in the city.

Bentley Home, Seletti Showroom, Tom Dixon SS24 collection at the Manzoni and Design That Sits Well are among the brands hosting open showrooms at the festival, while Stone Island, Gaggenau and Luce di Carrara are launching products during the week.

Dezeen Events Guide also features the key design fairs taking place in Milan this year, such as Salone del Mobile and Alcova, as well as the stands and installations located around the venues.

Additionally, you can read about twenty of the best installations and exhibitions taking place during Milan design week this year.

Our digital guide can also help visitors navigate events located in the multiple design districts located across Milan, including 5Vie Design Week, Tortona Design Week, Brera Design District, Montenapoleone District and Isola Design District.

Read our guide to find the key events at Milan design week, along with their dates, times and locations.

About Dezeen Events Guide

Dezeen Events Guide is our guide to the best architecture and design events taking place across the world each year.

The guide is updated weekly and includes virtual events, conferences, trade fairs, major exhibitions and design weeks. For more details on inclusion in the Dezeen Events Guide, including in our guide to Milan design week, email eventsguide@dezeen.com.

The illustration is by Justyna Green.

The post Check out Dezeen’s digital guide to Milan design week 2024 appeared first on Dezeen.

TORRAS, known for its tech products, recently combined efforts with autism communities through its COOLiFY line. The company aimed to support autistic individuals and their families while also raising awareness of its products.

Designer: TORRAS

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TORRAS’s “Stay Cool, Share Warmth” campaign emphasizes its commitment to social responsibility and the autism community

In line with World Autism Awareness Day, TORRAS started the “Stay Cool with Cyber, Share Warmth COOLiFY” campaign, uniting their COOLiFY Cyber products with social responsibility efforts. This move emphasizes COOLiFY’s role in offering comfort through personal air conditioning and its support for the autism community, showcasing TORRAS’s commitment to using technology for positive impact and community connection.

On April 5th, TORRAS transformed the American Airlines Center in Dallas into a hub of philanthropy and fun with a curling game aimed at autism awareness and support. Each participant’s engagement led to a $1 donation to Bust Buddies by TORRAS, drawing a lively crowd, including Dallas Mavericks fans, all eager to support the cause and win a COOLiFY product. This initiative, inspired by COOLiFY’s temperature-regulating technology, underscores TORRAS’s dedication to enhancing comfort for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), acknowledging the challenges they face with temperature sensitivity.

Specifically, the first prize is a TORRAS COOLiFY Cyber, which is a personal air conditioner that’s the first of its kind, marking a significant advancement in personal comfort technology.

The COOLiFY Cyber provides quick, multi-dimensional cooling

The COOLiFY Cyber, with its sleek and ergonomic design, wraps gently around the neck, delivering a cooling breeze that feels like a refreshing hug. Its unique semiconductor cooling plate, powered by a robust motor, ensures rapid and effective temperature regulation, making it an ideal companion for individuals in hot climates, during travel, or engaging in physical activities. What distinguishes the COOLiFY Cyber is its capacity to offer multi-dimensional cooling relief. Its three-speed settings and seven air outlets engulf the user in a cocoon of cool air.

TORRAS APP: Personalized temperature with three modes and smart adjustments

For individuals with autism who may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs, the COOLiFY Cyber offers a soothing relaxation. The device’s 366 cooling particles create a gentle, immersive experience, cooling the head, neck, and back with precision and care. This attention to detail in cooling is complemented by advanced heat dissipation technology, ensuring efficiency and comfort in every use.

Offering remarkable comfort and coverage, the COOLiFY Cyber’s high-speed, aerodynamic airflow can reach up to 7,200 RPM, distributing cool air from multiple directions. This capability, along with the ability to manage temperature settings personally through the TORRAS app and the integrated NTC temperature control, enables users to customize their cooling experience according to their specific needs, ensuring relief and comfort across a range of temperatures.

Charging is swift and convenient. Its 20W fast charging technology recharges the device quickly, ensuring it’s ready when needed. Its ErgoFit Engineering promises a comfortable fit for a range of neck sizes, allowing for freedom of movement and long-term wear without discomfort.

Durability and portability are key aspects of the COOLiFY Cyber’s design, making it a reliable accessory for on-the-go lifestyles. Its compact size, resistance to sweat, dust, and impact, and waterproof and durable construction emphasize its suitability for everyday use, ensuring that those with autism can find a moment of calm and comfort wherever they are.

The COOLiFY Cyber: swift charging, ergonomic fit, and durable design for on-the-go lifestyles

As fans eagerly competed for this innovative product, the value of the COOLiFY Cyber goes beyond its advanced features. It becomes a conduit for enhanced everyday ease and sensory solace, particularly for individuals within the autism spectrum, illustrating TORRAS’s commitment to combining state-of-the-art tech with profound support for those requiring extra care.

Vibrant crowd at Dallas’s American Airlines Center for TORRAS’s autism awareness curling event

During the event, a family affected by autism shared their story, highlighting the potential benefits of COOLiFY for individuals like Rand’s daughter, Carinna. The event also featured interactive elements, such as a button that, when pressed, signified a donation to autism support, linking the cause directly to the product’s use.

Following the curling event, TORRAS and its partner Best Buddies hosted over ten families with autistic members at a basketball game on April 7th, providing them with COOLiFY Cyber devices to enhance their experience.

Through these actions, TORRAS aims to demonstrate its commitment to technological innovation and positively impact the lives of individuals with autism and their families. The company views technology as a tool for improving quality of life and fostering a sense of community and support.

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The post COOLiFY Combines Personal Cooling with Relief for the Autism Community first appeared on Yanko Design.

Did you know that the average size of a tiny home is just about 400 square feet? Given the current housing market where space often feels like the ultimate luxury, these pint-sized dwellings challenge us to rethink our notions of what makes a home comfortable and inviting. But fear not, spatial wizards and cozy-home enthusiasts! There are myriad tricks to turn your compact castle into an airy oasis. From clever storage solutions to strategic decor choices, this article will guide you through simple yet transformative steps to expand your horizons within limited square footage. Drawing from both professional insights and personal experiences, these methods will give you insights into how to intelligently plan, purchase, and utilize what you have to enhance the quality of your living area.

Minimal Multifunctional Shoe Rack by Teixeira Design Studio

1. Embrace Multifunctional Furniture

In a small space, every piece of furniture should earn its keep. Multifunctional furniture is akin to having a Swiss Army knife in your home; it’s versatile, saves space, and often becomes a conversation starter. For instance, consider a sleek, modern sofa bed that seamlessly transitions from a cozy lounge area during the day to a comfortable sleeping space at night. Or imagine an ottoman that not only provides a perfect perch for your feet but also opens up to reveal hidden storage for blankets or books. These versatile pieces not only save space but also add a layer of functionality that is crucial for living comfortably in a small area. By carefully selecting furniture that multitasks, you can maximize your living area, ensuring that every piece serves more than one purpose.

IMAGO-iter by BESS

2. Maximize Vertical Space

Vertical space is often the most underutilized asset in tiny homes. By shifting the focus upward, you can dramatically alter the perception of your living area. Installing floor-to-ceiling shelving can provide ample storage for books, decorative items, and essentials, drawing the eye upward and making the ceilings appear higher. Wall-mounted desks and fold-away tables offer workspaces that don’t eat into your valuable floor space. Don’t overlook the potential of hanging items; bicycles, pots, pans, and even beds can be suspended from the ceiling or high on walls, doubling as decorative features while saving floor space. This approach not only enhances the functionality of your home but also adds visual interest, creating dynamic levels and layers that invite the eye to roam, thus making the space feel larger and more inviting.

Monarch Tiny Home by The Bunkie Co.

3. Let There Be Light

Light has the power to transform a cramped space into an airy sanctuary. Ensure your windows are unobstructed by heavy curtains or blinds, opting instead for light, sheer fabrics that allow sunlight to permeate the space while still offering privacy. Mirrors strategically placed opposite windows can amplify the amount of natural light entering the room, creating a brighter, airier feel. In areas lacking natural light, consider a well-planned mix of overhead lighting, task lighting, and accent lights to illuminate dark corners and create the illusion of depth. Proper lighting can transform a cramped, gloomy space into a welcoming haven, enhancing both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Elsa Prefab Home by Olive Nest

4. Opt for Light Colors

The color palette you choose has a profound impact on how your space is perceived. Light, neutral colors like white, beige, light gray, and pastels have the power to reflect light, making spaces feel brighter and more open. Painting walls, ceilings, and even floors in these hues can create a cohesive, airy feel, visually expanding the room. These colors serve as a blank canvas, allowing you to inject personality through smaller accent pieces, textiles, and artwork without overwhelming the space. Furthermore, light colors can evoke a sense of calm and cleanliness, essential qualities in a small living environment. While it might be tempting to go bold, remember that dark colors tend to absorb light, making spaces feel smaller and more confined.

Bangkok Micro Apartment by Mae Prachasilcha

5. Declutter Ruthlessly

Clutter is the arch-nemesis of space, both physically and visually. In a tiny home, every item must justify its presence. Adopting a minimalist approach doesn’t mean living without; it means living with only what you truly need, value, and love. Regular decluttering sessions can help maintain a sense of order and spaciousness. This practice isn’t just about physical space; it’s about creating room to breathe and focus on what truly matters. Employing smart storage solutions can help keep essential items out of sight but within reach, reducing surface clutter and maintaining a tidy, open feel. Remember, a clutter-free home is not only easier to clean and maintain but also more peaceful and inviting.

Adraga by Madeiguincho

6. Think Thin

Choosing the right furniture for a tiny space is about balance. Bulky, heavy pieces can quickly overwhelm a room, making it feel cramped and small. Instead, opt for slim, sleek furniture that fits the scale of your space. For example, a delicate, glass coffee table can serve its purpose without visually dominating the room. Similarly, thin-legged chairs and tables maintain functionality while keeping the space looking open and airy. This approach extends to shelving, lamps, and even art frames. The lighter and thinner the profile, the less visual space it occupies. Moreover, furniture that can be easily moved or reconfigured offers flexibility in arranging your living area to suit different needs or activities, further enhancing the utility and spaciousness of your home.

Brandburg Home & Studio by Modelina Architecture

7. Zone Your Spaces

In a tiny home, it’s not uncommon for one room to serve multiple purposes. Creating distinct zones for sleeping, working, and relaxing can help manage this multiplicity, making your space more organized and functional. Rugs, lighting, and furniture arrangement can all serve as visual cues that delineate different areas without the need for physical barriers, which can make a space feel smaller. For example, a rug can anchor a living area, creating a distinct space for relaxation within a larger room. Similarly, a pendant light over a dining table can define the eating area, setting it apart from the rest of the home. These visual distinctions help organize the space functionally and aesthetically, making it feel more structured and spacious.

Shapeshifting Cork Furniture by José Manuel Carvalho Araújo

8. Smart Storage Solutions

Storage is king in small living spaces. Look for innovative storage solutions that maximize unused spaces, such as under the bed or over the doors. Hidden storage, such as under-bed drawers or ottomans with compartments, can keep everyday clutter out of sight. Utilizing the vertical space with high shelves and hooks can free up floor space while keeping essentials accessible. Built-in units, like bookcases or desks, can be customized to fit your space perfectly, offering a seamless look that feels intentional and cohesive. The goal is to have a place for everything, reducing visual clutter and creating a sense of order and spaciousness. When every item has a designated spot, maintaining a tidy and open living environment becomes much easier.

9. Incorporate Reflective Surfaces

Mirrors and other reflective surfaces are magic in tiny spaces. They not only bounce light around a room, making it feel brighter and more open, but they also create the illusion of depth, effectively doubling your space visually. Consider mirrored closet doors or a decorative mirror wall to enhance this effect. The strategic placement of these elements can dramatically alter the perception of your home’s size, transforming a small, enclosed area into a more expansive and inviting space.

10. Open Floor Plan

If possible, adopting an open floor plan can make a tiny home feel much larger. Removing non-structural walls to create a single, unified space allows for greater flexibility in how the area is used and perceived. An open plan enhances the flow of natural light and movement, creating a sense of freedom and spaciousness. For those unable to make structural changes, furniture placement and visual tricks, like consistent flooring or color schemes, can help create a cohesive, open feel. The open floor plan not only makes the space more adaptable to different uses but also fosters a sense of connection and interaction, making your tiny home feel like a much larger, integrated space.

Living in a tiny home requires creativity, discipline, and a keen sense of what truly matters. By implementing these strategies, you can create a space that feels open, comfortable, and uniquely yours. The constraints of a small living area encourage us to think differently about space, challenging us to live more thoughtfully and efficiently. And remember, the size of your home doesn’t define its potential. With a bit of creativity and effort, even the tiniest of homes can be transformed into spacious, serene havens.

Creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere in a tiny home is both an art and a science, requiring a blend of practical solutions and creative thinking. The journey to maximizing your small space can be incredibly rewarding, offering lessons in simplicity, efficiency, and the importance of truly loving the things you choose to surround yourself with. So embrace the challenge, and revel in the opportunity to turn your tiny home into a spacious retreat that reflects your personal style and meets your unique needs. After all, a home, regardless of its size, is a sanctuary—a place to create memories, find comfort, and express who you are.

The post Ten Ways To Make Your Tiny Home Feel Spacious first appeared on Yanko Design.