From 21 to 26 April, the 64th edition of Salone del Mobile took place at Fiera Milano Rho. The fair brought together 1,900 exhibitors across 169,000 square metres. Highlights included the biennial editions of EuroCucina, featuring 106 brands, and the International Bathroom Exhibition, with 163 brands. The A Matter of Salone campaign placed materials at the centre of a wider conversation about the meaning of design.
From the perspective of interior design studio Tom Koren d.o.o., this year’s edition offered a mature, considered vision for the future of kitchens and bathrooms—not a search for spectacle. Integration, personalisation and tactile appeal took centre stage. Rather than imposing ready-made solutions, these spaces are shaped around the people who use them.
EuroCucina presented kitchens that blend almost imperceptibly into the architecture of the home. Kitchen units flow into wall surfaces, with joints kept almost invisible.
The variety of materials stood out, giving each kitchen the opportunity to express its own character. Natural stone, wood sourced from responsibly managed forests, antibacterial ceramics, large-format ceramic slabs and recycled composites offer a wide range of design possibilities.
Lighting is becoming increasingly integrated into the space. LED lights are built into cabinets, drawers and worktops, serving both practical needs and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Technology is present but unobtrusive: refrigerators can recognise food items, ovens can adapt cooking programmes to recipes, and induction hobs can be concealed beneath the worktop. Appliances are designed to be functional while sitting naturally within the interior.
Bathrooms: From Functional Spaces to At-Home Spas
At the bathroom exhibition, the bathroom was presented as a personal space for relaxation and renewal. Sanitaryware takes on sculptural forms, while elegant showers, alcove-set bathtubs and modular cabinets with integrated LED lighting were among the highlights.
The feel of the materials matters too. Matte metals, finely textured ceramic surfaces and expansive, continuous stone surfaces bring warmth and depth to the space. Technology remains discreet yet useful, from sensor-activated taps to smart bidets and digital showers, all designed to preserve the bathroom’s aesthetic.
Durability is another priority. Non-slip surfaces, easily replaceable components and water-saving systems help make bathrooms practical and sustainable for years to come.
Muted Colours and Atmosphere Shaped by Light
The colour palette is generally restrained and enduring, with beige, earthy tones and soft pastels taking the lead. Rather than creating strong contrasts, the colours bring different elements together in a harmonious whole. Lighting adds another layer: carefully arranged LED lighting can make the same space bright and practical during the day, then warmer and more intimate in the evening.
A Takeaway from Milan
Salone del Mobile 2026 showed how materials can be far more than a finishing touch: they can express values and shape our experience of a space. Kitchens and bathrooms are becoming increasingly personal, adapting to the habits of their users rather than following predetermined standards.
At Tom Koren d.o.o., this approach reflects a more mature vision of design: creating spaces that respond to the body and the senses, and can adapt to change over time.
Article published in Jutarnjem magazine Dom & Design column: June 9. 2026