Every April, Milan becomes the world capital of design. Salone del Mobile – the most important trade fair in the furniture and design industry – draws designers, architects, and enthusiasts from across the globe. From April 8–13, 2025, Fiera Milano Rho pulsed with life, showcasing the latest ideas and innovations that will shape the future of our interiors. But the magic didn’t end there – the true spirit of design came alive in the streets, courtyards, and showrooms of Fuorisalone.
Among the most inspiring voices at this year’s event were the brands of the MillerKnoll collective: Herman Miller, Knoll, and Muuto.
Herman Miller – Designing the Future of Work
The Herman Miller showroom immersed visitors in a space built for the future of work: flexible, human-centered, and emotionally attuned. At its core stood the Bay Work Pod – a compact, acoustically shielded unit that balances focus with collaboration. It supports modern, mobile workplaces where change is constant.
Another highlight was the refreshed Mirra 2 – an ergonomic icon reimagined with sustainability in mind. Enhanced lumbar support, breathable materials, and recycled components make this chair not only supportive of the body, but also aligned with environmentally conscious values.
Herman Miller’s space was more than a showroom – it was a source of real solutions for those designing better ways to work.
Muuto – Sensory Rhythm and Everyday Beauty
In the heart of Brera, Muuto created an apartment inspired by the rhythms of nature. Each room reflected a different emotional and seasonal atmosphere – from energetic spring to introspective winter. The use of light, texture, scent, and color invited visitors to slow down and feel connected to their surroundings.
Highlights included:
- Looped Lamp by Dimitri Bähler – a hand-blown glass lamp with a calming, adjustable glow.
- Midst Table by TAF Studio – now in a dark grey marble finish, adding bold elegance to a classic shape.
- Beam Table Lamp by Tom Chung – a taller, statement version of a beloved design.
- Gaze Mirror by Phil Procter – part sculpture, part visual anchor.
Outside, the Muuto Garden continued the story. A Scandinavian-inspired oasis with outdoor furniture, ceramics, textiles, and plants, it offered visitors a place to pause, breathe, and enjoy a multisensory retreat.
Knoll – Form, Emotion, and Timelessness
In a pavilion designed by the Belgian studio OFFICE, Knoll created a space that was far more than just a backdrop for furniture. It was a full-scale installation – minimalist yet meaningful – where architecture, light, and materials coexisted with furniture forms as equal partners. At the heart of the presentation were new collections that demonstrated Knoll’s willingness to experiment, always with its signature elegance and restraint.
One of the strongest statements was the Biboni™ Sofa, designed by Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee of Johnston Marklee. This piece seemed to almost dance through the space – sensual and soft, inspired by the human body. Its form was not only functional, but emotional; a sofa that spoke in the language of sculpture.
Bringing a different kind of energy was the Perron Bun™ Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Willo Perron. This design, a hybrid between chair, sofa, and cocoon, responded to the needs of the modern user – someone looking for a flexible, comforting piece that adapts to the rhythm of the day and the mood of the moment.
Alongside these new introductions were classics reinterpreted with updated finishes, such as Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona® Chair. Rendered in new textiles and colors, these legendary forms took on a contemporary expression without losing their modernist soul.
Knoll’s exhibition did not shout. It didn’t aim to shock. It was calm and understated – and all the more profound for it. This was design that doesn’t need to prove itself, because it knows exactly what it stands for. Design that moves in sync with the human spirit – not with passing trends.
From Milan to Everyday Life
MillerKnoll didn’t just present furniture – they delivered holistic experiences. Emotional, tactile, and human. What they showcased in Milan spoke to our needs, moods, and daily rhythms. And that’s the kind of design that inspires us most.