FURNITURE TRENDS REPORT: It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to the shifting furniture and design landscape. When it comes to buying furniture – whether it’s for a retail venture, an interior design project or for your own home – gaining insight into how Australia is interpreting global trends can take the headache out of buying.

The key annual platform at which the design world scopes trends is the Milan Furniture Fair  (Salone del Mobile Milano). This magnificent event spans two weeks in April and takes over the whole city. With over 2000 exhibitors on display, it can be overwhelming – which is why we’ve sifted through the trends to pull out some key directions for the coming year. We’ve also got some beautiful on-trend pieces from exhibitors at one of Australia’s leading furniture shows,  the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF). The next show will take place in Melbourne in July 2018.

Milan Lesson 1: Embrace Curves

Milan made it clear that furniture will more focused more on comfort in 2018. The domination of Scandinavian minimalism has receded and the trend is towards creating living spaces that nurture and restore.

Luxurious fabrics were everywhere, injecting sensuality through plush velours and velvets. Sofas tended to be low-slung and curved for comfort, with plumped cushions for added oomph. Think an updated on 1950’s glamour.

This ‘Richmond’ sofa from AIFF exhibitor and luxe furniture company Gorsia is a great example of the low-slung structure and curved lines. The neutral tone contrasted against a rich, forest green is also perfectly on trend for 2018.

Milan Lesson 2: Love Dark Woods 

Beech-coloured woods with a Mustique feel have been supplanted by dark woods that add depth and sophistication. Walnuts, teaks and mahogany add a beautifully classic feel to a room.

This ‘Pascal’ walnut buffet from regular AIFF exhibitor Tubeworks will look exquisite with a warm colour palette in the rest of the room, such as terracotta and sienna.Milan Lesson 3: Add an Accent of Watermelon Red

Emerald Green and Watermelon Red were all over Milan, used as popular accent colours. They evoke a rich decadence which contrasts beautifully with warm or neutral tones.

This table from Gorsia is a gorgeous lacquered red that is aptly named ‘Versailles’. Use it in a sparingly furnished room for a dash of elegant decadence.

Milan Lesson 4: Inject Warm Colours

The design world promises to draw from an earthy palette this year and well into the next. The muted colours of past seasons have exploded into warm terracotta, sienna, rusts and a gorgeous array of greens.

We love this chair from AIFF exhibitors Arc Commercial Furniture. Its burnt sienna tone is perfect – the button detailing and curved arms also embraces the trend towards 1950’s comfort.

The Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) is co-located with Decor + Design at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from July 19 – 23 2018. Together they feature over 250 leading companies from the furniture and soft furnishings sector. Subscribe now to stay in the loop