Salone del Mobile: Innovation and Trends in the Design World
Trends appear to move cautiously, spanning long periods. There are no sudden explosions, but rather underground currents that surface even far from their source. Thus, a visitor at the Salone perceives some general trends, especially in furnishing accessories, which are widely returned to but are not absolute novelties: rounded, sinuous shapes, both in symmetric and asymmetric versions, replicating the sense of the natural; the marble effect that is replicated on kitchen countertops, tables, and sideboards, straddling a taste of retro elegance and the desire to bring back the most fascinating materials Mother Nature has to offer.
In fabrics too, more complex textures like bouclé prevail, used for seating and upholstered pieces, in a trend that is becoming popular across different market segments. The world of luxury rugs is more daring by comparison. Lurex is gaining ground, creating highlights of shine against the backdrop of matte yarns. Textiles are deconstructed, with fringes distributed across the surface; they move beyond the loom's confines, and the rectangular shape imposed by the craft, pushing into irregular shapes or circles.
Beyond the concept of trends, the originality of a proposal has struck the visitors. Design has always communicated and expressed the world. From this perspective, the OTO seat speaks to us of inclusion and awareness of a great need, that of reducing stress by rediscovering the extraordinary power of a hug. This need is common to all, as is the difficulty of accepting another's embrace, but for people with autism, this becomes an insurmountable barrier. With OTO, however, with the simple use of a joystick, one can adjust the sense of soft welcome of the seat, in total privacy and at a pace suited to each individual.