My Top Takeaways from Milan + NYC Design 2025

Interior DesignLighting DesignDesign Trends

Jun 14

As the spring Design season winds down with 3 Days of Design next week, I’m reflecting on the incredible opportunity I had to attend two of the most inspiring design events of the year: Salone del Mobile and Euroluce in Milan this April, followed by ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) and Shelter for NYCxDesign in New York City in May. As an interior designer based in beautiful East Sacramento, I’m always looking for ways to bring global perspectives back home to create fresh, personalized spaces for my clients, and this year’s shows delivered.

Larose Guyon - Saule Pendants at ICFF in NYC

1. Sculptural Lighting: Function Meets Art

At both Euroluce, the biennial lighting exhibition at Salone del Mobile, and at NYCxDesign, sculptural lighting was a standout. The lighting this year pushed boundaries; think sculptural forms, organic silhouettes, and unexpected materials like alabaster, woven metals, and textured glass. These pieces weren’t just fixtures, they were conversation starters.

From historic East Sacramento homes, where period charm often meets updated interiors, to modern Lake Tahoe cabins, these artistic lighting elements offer a stunning way to blend old and new. I especially loved how many of the new collections emphasized warm, layered lighting, perfect for cozy California evenings.

2. Earthy Palettes & Natural Materials

Both in Milan and New York, there was a consistent return to organic textures and earthy color palettes—think ochres, deep forest greens, soft browns, and terracottas. These tones ground a space and pair beautifully with Sacramento’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Materials like lime-washed walls, handcrafted ceramics, and sustainably sourced woods dominated many showrooms. This ties in seamlessly with the kind of relaxed yet refined aesthetic I love creating for my clients, inviting, tactile, and timeless.

3. The Seventies Are Back - With a Refined Twist

One of the most undeniable trends at Milan Design Week was a bold and nostalgic nod to the 1970s, reimagined for modern living. From iconic furniture reissues by heritage brands to the resurgence of polished chrome, velvet upholstery, and sun-drenched color palettes, the seventies are officially making a sophisticated comeback.

This era’s influence showed up in playful yet elevated ways: low-slung modular seating, geometric patterns, sculptural lighting, and rich tones like burnt orange, ochre, and espresso brown. Even space-age curves and smoked glass had a moment—bringing that signature 1970s drama, but with a sleeker, more refined aesthetic that feels surprisingly fresh.

In Northern California, especially here in Sacramento, with a rich history of mid-century architecture, this look translates beautifully. Whether it’s a retro-inspired lounge area, a chrome-accented bar nook, or a pop of earthy glam through vintage lighting or textiles, the seventies revival is all about bold personality with timeless appeal.

Think of it as California cool meets Milanese nostalgia—a perfect fusion of warmth, confidence, and effortless style.

4. Artful Glass: Clear, Sculptural, and Handblown

Glass made a quiet but powerful statement at both Salone del Mobile and ICFF this year. From handblown vessels to sculptural lighting and furniture accents, designers are embracing the purity and artistry of glass in all its forms; especially in clear and subtly tinted finishes.

The look is elegant yet approachable: rippled textures, organic shapes, and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship that adds a soft layer of sophistication. Whether used in lighting, décor, or even statement tables, this new wave of glass design strikes a beautiful balance between minimalism and ornament.

For homes in our area, where natural light and clean lines are often architectural highlights, incorporating artful glass elements can enhance that sense of airiness and openness while adding a touch of intentional beauty.

Think of it as modern transparency; light-catching, timeless, and just a little bit poetic.

5. Sustainability with Soul

Sustainability is more than a buzzword for me; as a LEED-certified designer, I’m passionate about finding products that are as environmentally responsible as they are beautifully designed. At ICFF and at Shelter in New York, sustainability was deeply embedded in product design. Brands showcased furniture made from reclaimed wood, low-impact upholstery, and locally sourced materials. Even better? These pieces were beautiful, not just responsible.

As an interior designer who values both aesthetics and ethics, I’m excited to continue bringing sustainable options to Sacramento clients who want their homes to reflect both their style and their values.

Bringing It Home: What This Means for Northern California Design

After walking miles of showrooms, talking with makers, and soaking up the global design energy, I came home with fresh ideas and deepened inspiration. East Sac may be thousands of miles from Milan or Manhattan, but great design is all about translation, and personalization.

Our region has a unique blend of architectural charm, natural beauty, and modern living. The trends I saw this season can enhance that, whether through a show stopping light fixture, a touch of artisan texture, or a commitment to conscious materials.

If you’re thinking about updating your space and want to infuse it with some global style while keeping it grounded in Sacramento sensibilities, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

Let’s create a space that feels like you: elevated, intentional, and inspired.

📍 Based in East Sacramento and serving clients across the greater Sacramento area, Lake Tahoe, and beyond.

💬 Want to refresh your space with design ideas straight from Milan and NYC? Let’s chat! Book a 20-minute discovery session or a design consultation: https://www.idplusl.com/contact \ kerry@idplusl.com