Inspiration

Dawson & Co. share the Milan Design Week trends that inspired them

Article by Simply You

After returning from Milan Design Week, the team from Dawson & Co share their experience and reveal what colours, textures and materials trends are influencing upcoming homeware

Dawson & Co. share the Milan Design Week trends that inspired them

For the fifth year running, Dawson & Co director Scott Fisk has found inspiration in the sights, sounds and incredible design showcased at Milan Design Week. The Auckland furniture showroom stocks brands including Timothy Oulton, Tribù, Jardinico and Manutti, all of which offered up unique displays of modern design that are sure to resonate with New Zealand customers.

“I remember being completely overwhelmed on the first day I went five years ago – like a kid in a candy store,” says Scott Fisk of his initial foray into Salone del Mobile.

The team from Dawson & Co, a family furniture business that has been operating in Auckland for 40 years, relish their sensorial week in Milan as an opportunity to see new designs emerge and to view trends as they hit the market for the first time.

“Colours, textures and materials are constantly evolving as designers adapt to the market and look to push boundaries as technology and manufacturing techniques allow,” explains Fisk. “This year was no different; moss greens were prevalent, as was ‘millennial pink’. Darker timber hues were taking over from Scandinavian-influenced blond oaks and also an emphasis was put on the textures of natural stones.”

The use of materials that reflect the textures and colours of the New Zealand environment is particularly important to Kiwi customers, who are drawn to finishes in stone and ceramic to suit our living style and need for durability and usability.

Fisk says environmental impact and sustainability are key for these customers, too, so the use of 100 percent organic fabrics for sofas and upcycled timbers, set against more luxurious materials such as brass and marble, was particularly appealing.

Kobo outdoor sofa and Torsa coffee tables all by Manutti.

It’s these observations, along with the connection to both customers and suppliers, that is a key point of difference with Dawson & Co. “We spend a great deal of time travelling to our partners’ workshops in Europe and Asia to ensure we are showcasing great design, quality and value,” says Fisk. “We all love furniture and home interiors and believe we bring a unique experience and product selection to our customers, from the moment you walk into our stores until we deliver your new purchase to your home.”

For more inspiring design visit Dawson & Co.