Hasta La Ideas

Filling the rustically chic streets of Milan once again, design’s fervent crowd of aficionados will gather next week for the annual Salone Internazionale del Mobile—a showcase of 2010’s best in furniture and design wares.

Only a few days remain before the festivities begin, and to prepare we’ve highlighted a few of the shows we’re anticipating the most in two parts.

Dutch design always has something interesting to offer both visually and conceptually, and the innovative Weltevree is no exception. This year the product design company stretches its legs with a large-scale exhibition, bringing with it a range of stimulating and thoughtful designs. Combining carefree playfulness with high level intellect, look out for the cute Tilestove by Dick Van Hoff and the incredible Dutchtub from Floris Schoonderbeek. (pictured above)
Via Cletto Arrighi 16, Milan

A collective show organized by Svensk Form, the Swedish society of craft and design, will once again represent Swedish design. Entitled “Swedish Love Stories,” this year visitors can soak up the work of Thomas Bernstrand, who lances his strong conceptual work with cheeky humor. (pictured above and top left) Contrasting with the relatively young Bernstrand, Gärsnäs, has been making top quality furniture since 1893. (See the green “Citi” chair by Ralf Lindberg, pictured top, and Nina Jobs’ quilted chair in the slide show below.) New talent juxtaposed with the heritage of Swedish design creates an interesting tension at this year’s Swedish exhibition. The show also examines the influence of the Dalarna region and the impact of its historical and natural heritage.
Superstudiopiu, Via Tortona 54, Milan

After the successful launch last year, colorful French design company Moustache (pictured above) return to Milan for its “difficult second collection.” Hopefully, if last year’s efforts are anything to go by, it will be more of the same pop colors and more compelling pieces from this extroverted brand.
Superstudiopiu, Via Tortona 54, Milan