Saluti Milano!
The 2024 Salone has finally closed its doors after a hugely successful return to form. The dark days of lockdowns seem like a distant memory as the crowds returned to sunny Milan. Queues were back, taxis were hard to find, the metro was packed and hotel prices were through the roof. Oh Milan we missed you!
So let’s review Arco and Bla Station, who both have lots to celebrate… For more information on the products shown, just click the image.
Arco
Hofman Dujardin called on to the Arco stand to collect the ‘Best of the Best’ award from the German Design Council for their Move table collection. The judges were impressed with the table’s sustainable approach to stackable, flexible meeting spaces. Move tables have hidden magnets in the legs, allowing this unusual triangular form to ‘click’ together and create cool shapes for meeting, workshops and collaboration.
Ben Capper meets Hofman Dujardin who collected the ‘Best of the Best’ Award for Arco’s Move table.
We were also treated to a visit by renowned artist and designer Sabine Marcelis, who’s Dew tables and new Dew coffee tables are causing quite the stir. As an abstract artist, the form of the Dew tables is representative of Sabine’s abstract influences. The Dew table is not oval, more a free form, with the supporting legs forming gentle curves which are interesting to the eye.
Sabine Marcelis with her DEW table produced by Arco. Also shown: Re-volve chairs by Gudmundur Ludvik.
Bla Station
The VEVA tables continue to attract lots of attention – especially as the oversized handles in bold colours acts as an invitation to people to come and try out the height adjustment. It’s this playful and intuitive approach that has led Bla Station to success. Design should be fun. And with this innovative family business it certainly is!
VEVA tables by Bla Station. Simple height adjustment from coffee to dining height. Or from dining to standing height.
ABLE chairs shown above in two heights and with wooden armrests. Many more options and colours available.
Aside from VEVA, the ABLE chair collection was very much in the spotlight. This is the chair that can be stripped down to components, upgraded, parts can be exchanged, design can be adapted, wheels can be swapped for feet (or vice versa), height can be changed – and the chair is of course 100% recyclable. ABLE is a new chair for a new world.
BOB Split - the new Bob sofa modules allow splitting a double sided sofa in two directions.
BOB Split demonstrated how the super successful Bob Sofa can turn one double sided configuration into two sofas going in different directions. The innovation just doesn’t stop with Bob, which goes from strength to strength.
The Bla Station stand was covered in parts with Bla Station’s acoustic panels: Arc, Gaia and Ginkgo – which attracted real attention once again. Not new products, but so easy to use with the Bob planning tool and optional wall magnet fittings.
For more information on the products featured in this article please get in touch with us via the contact page.
You can also download the official press kits with much more information and many more product details:
Arco here and Bla Station here
After a week of early starts and late night dinner and drinks with industry friends, clients and colleagues we are glad to be back home - but we look forward in anticipation to Salone 2025 and everything that it will offer. Don’t forget to book your hotel early!
Arrivederci Milano - Grazié!
early morning at Salone del Mobile Milan. Before the rush!