Now that we’ve all been overwhelmed at the designs showcased at the Salone del Mobile’s show floor and outside at the Zona Tortona and the Fuori Salone, I’d like to showcase a few pieces that are worthy of mention, at least for me. So here we go.

Pivot cabinet by Shay Alkalay for Arco.

While walking on the show floor, I almost walked right by this piece without noticing. I saw a few people intrigued by the piece so I naturally had to walk over to see what was going on. At first the piece was just not that obvious as to its function, but once you pull out the drawers, it became clear. They are just perfect for small items like your keys, wallets, etc. Designed by Shay Alkalay for Arco.

Alcove Highback Love Seat by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra.

This is one piece of furniture that features the ultimate in privacy. The surrounding “walls” takes one away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for just a bit, to a state of solitude. Designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra as part of their “alcove” series of sofas.

photo above by Paul Tahon

A Pile of Suitcases (prototype) by Maarten de Ceulaer for Casamania.

Closets are generally boring creatures, at least mine are. This pile of suitcases can be the solution to escape from boredom in your space. So basically there are six different types of “suitcases”, each of which store a type of clothing. You would be able to assemble your own “pile” for your own needs. Isn’t that cool? Once you pick your own set of suitcases, they can then be joined together to form a unique wardrobe system just for you.

In addition to the main furniture and accessories exhibition, the Salone del Mobile this year also offers the Eurocucina, which is the exhibition for the kitchen. It’s not just about the cabinetry, but also the technology and design behind it. One of which is the Porsche Design Kitchen P’7340, a collaboration between German furniture brand Poggen Pohl and Porsche Design for the men in the kitchen. The design itself is a modular system that is customizable. In addition to the aluminum and glass that is common with Porsche Design, a “no-handles” approach to the drawers gives the kitchen a cleaner look. With a simple push the drawers will open slowly. Did I mention that this kitchen “system” also comes with a high-tech audio system and with Miele appliances?

Behind the main hall, we find a tent that is called FTK (future technology for the kitchen). Inside there are quite a few conceptual models as well as new technology featured. I found this wall-mounted oven by Siemens that features an elevator-type opening that would simply make life much easier (at least for me) when using the oven.

Next door is the tent for Salone Satellite, the young designers exhibition. This year’s pool of designs have definitely surpassed that of last years. Here are a couple that is worthy of mention.

This spoon/fork combination is definitely very functional, you can remove the scoop part of the utensil and it’s a fork – and vice versa. Designed by Katja Bremkamp.

This cube 6. cube 3 series (pictured is cube 6) is a space-saving set of six stools that can be easily pulled out or stored. There’s not much more to it. Designed by Naho Matsuno.

More is coming. Stay tuned.

It’s only noon and I have already seen quite a lot of the show — but in just one hall. This is definitely one show in which comfortable walking shoes should be made mandatory, as I have found out the hard way last year. Now that I am equipped with some comfortable Ecco city walking shoes, my heavy DSLR camera and a backpack full of cords, tripods and batteries, I am well-prepared this year.

So what’s cool this year at the show? Let’s start with the bigger names.

The first thing that caught my eye, as well as some of the other press folks around me, is the Him&Her chairs by Italian designer Fabio Novembre for Casamania. These polyethylene chairs are, as you can see in the photo, inspired by the human form.

At Moroso, we find the Bouquet Chair by Japanese designer Yoshioka Tokujin. Although the chair may not look exactly inviting at first, it is actually a beautiful piece to have around. The colorful, creative materials make this a wonderful piece.

Edra this year has cool Aguapé chair by Fernando and Humberto Campana. The chair is made to look like waterlilies with thick laser-cut leather petals, and comes in spring colors of natural, white, pink or soft green. A soothing piece for your living space (of course).

I will also be reporting from Molteni & C, Zanotta and more as soon as I can perfect the images… links are coming too, so stay tuned.