A WIDE SPECTRUM OF SEATING
If there’s one sector Spanish design companies excel at it’s seating. In Milan, we saw both brand new designs created by high-profile names, such as Patricia Urquiola’s Nub chair for Andreu World and Javier Mariscal’s Green chair for Mobles 114, and new versions of such favourite classics as Oscar Tusquets’ Gaulino chair. We also enjoyed seeing new additions to existing collections as was the case with Sancal’s Tea collection or Stua’s Globus chair, now available in more colours (which people are being asked to vote their favourite on Facebook).

As for sofas, we were particularly impressed by the originality of Emiliana Design’s Simone sofa for Joquer, by the highly comfortable Folk collection unveiled by Sancal and by the versatility of Héctor Serrano’s Sail collection for Gandía Blasco (designed to go with a line of rugs).

SMALLER FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES
Equally notable were various smaller pieces – Patricia Urquiola’s compact Burin tables for Viccarbe, Gandía Blasco’s new Sonora planters and Fez lanterns and a fun coat-stand designed by Berlin-based studio Nachacht for Sancal.

WOOD AND COLOUR
One winning combination at Milan this year was the pairing of wood in different tones and colours. Good examples are Andreu World’s Moody chair, Tab’s new stools and tables for Nadadora, the eye-catching Free Port cabinet designed by Martí Guixé for BD Barcelona Design and Viccarbe’s Penta armchairs.

INDOOR / OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Why restrict home accessories to only indoor or outdoor use? Why can’t they be used in both environments? A major trend this year was for accessories which can. Increasingly, brands are cleverly bringing out flexible products suited equally for indoor or outdoor use. Take Nani Marquina’s Practik rug, Ramón Esteve’s Origami light for Vibia and Andreu World’s Sail chairs.

DECORATIVE SCREENS
Another interesting innovation were decorative or acoustic screens produced by companies such as Viccarbe, Sancal, Stua and Nomon. Decorative and visually arresting pieces, these are ideal for reception areas or restaurants.