2026 was the year I finally experienced Salone del Mobile in Milan firsthand.

After years of listening to other designers return from Milan and share their observations, this was my own “pinch me” moment, and it certainly did not disappoint.

So, why does Salone del Mobile matter, and why make the trip?

Quite simply, it is the major global event in the design calendar. The official wrap reported more than 316,000 visitors from 167 countries, with 1,900 brands represented from 32 countries - an extraordinary gathering of design, craftsmanship, innovation and creativity on a global scale.

For me, the value was not only in seeing what is happening internationally, but in filtering those ideas through the lens of how we live here in Australia. What felt timeless? What felt relevant? What had the potential to translate beautifully into a Sydney home?

From Milan to Manly, these are the details, ideas and design directions I saw, loved, and would bring home.

“Do we need a little more colour in our home? I think so - but introduced with care!”

**A bold statement chair, proving colour can be playful and beautifully refined**

One of the strongest impressions from Milan was the confident use of colour. From bold colour blocking, to richly pigmented furniture, finishes and decorative details, colour was used not as an afterthought, but as a powerful design tool.

At Order & Grace Interiors, we often work with calm, coastal backdrops - soft whites, natural textures, timber, linen and layered neutrals. But a restrained palette does not mean a space should feel plain or predictable. In fact, a beautiful neutral foundation creates the perfect opportunity to introduce colour in a more considered and sophisticated way.

**Colour as the hero - confident, elegant and suited to a layered Australian coastal home**

This might be through a statement chair in a beautiful bold fabric, a striking stone benchtop, a ceramic lamp, artwork, wallpaper, or a single unexpected accent that gives a room its personality. Colour does not need to overwhelm a space to have impact. When used well, it can bring warmth, energy, individuality and a sense of confidence to an interior.

For me, the most successful use of colour is not about following trends. It is about creating moments of interest - details that elevate a room and make it feel layered, memorable and beautifully resolved.

So yes, I do think we need a little more colour in our homes, but introduced with intention, restraint and a carefully curated eye, which is very much how we design at Order & Grace Interiors.

Working with an interior designer should gently push you beyond your comfort zone and guide you past the completely safe option. After all, if the aim is simply to have what everyone else is having, the opportunity to create something truly personal can so easily be missed.

Often, it is the brave, carefully chosen elements that give a home its soul and personality - the pieces our clients come to love most, and the details guests remember long after they leave.

**Colour does not need to shout to make an impact - this sculptural table is expressive and refined**

**A confident use of colour at Salone del Mobile 2026. Rich, elegant and considered**

If you are planning a renovation, furnishing project or full home refresh, Order & Grace Interiors can help you create a home that feels refined, layered and beautifully resolved.