{"id":343737,"date":"2025-04-07T12:07:27","date_gmt":"2025-04-07T16:07:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sothebysrealty.com\/?p=343737"},"modified":"2025-04-07T12:07:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T16:07:27","slug":"spotlight-on-milan-the-european-capital-of-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/spotlight-on-milan-the-european-capital-of-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotlight on Milan, the European Capital of Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

The annual Salone del Mobile fair is a furniture mecca, but Milan is a year-round destination for design lovers, says Francesca Perry<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Milan, Italy<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Italy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

In Italy, visitors might flock to the storied cities of Venice or Rome, but Milan manages to combine elegant historic architecture with a real livability that places contemporary culture front and center. Not only is the city home to agenda-setting fashion weeks, but it functions as a hub for design in the broadest sense. This is brought to life most vividly each spring when Milan hosts the iconic furniture fair <\/span>Salone del Mobile<\/span><\/a>, this year running April 8-13, and the hundreds of exhibitions and events that accompany it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During this annual celebration of design, the city\u2019s palaces, museums and showrooms become a stage for the best in contemporary furniture and interior decor. For one week, Milan is the only place to be. But it is the beating heart of design year-round, too: home to leading European brands and top creatives, as well as a prominent design museum. For those with a passion for stylish interiors, it\u2019s the ideal city to live in.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Salone del Mobile fair began in 1961 as a way to champion Italian furniture design and has only grown in scope, size and impact over the decades. This year, a focus on lighting design is accompanied by installations from Oscar-winning Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon and Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span>Milan, Italy<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Italy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

While Salone remains primarily a trade fair, taking place at the larg<\/span>e<\/span> Fiera Milano <\/span>exhibition space on the city\u2019s outskirts, events across the rest of Milan\u2014under the umbrella of \u201cFuorisalone\u201d (translating to \u201coutside Salone\u201d)\u2014include everyone. This constellation of activity adopts a different theme each year, which for 2025 is \u201cConnected Worlds\u201d, spotlighting cooperative design that engages people with nature, technology, culture and each other. At the same time as operating at the forefront of contemporary design, Milan draws from its rich heritage of creative innovation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMilan perfectly balances tradition and modernity,\u201d explains Paolo Casati, co-founder and creative director of Fuorisalone and design studio Studiolabo. \u201cA blend of historical architecture, modern infrastructure and a vibrant creative community creates the ideal environment for design. The city has long been a hub for Italy\u2019s most celebrated masters, whose work continues to influence generations of designers.\u201d Among the names Casati highlights is Ettore Sottsass, who founded the Memphis Group of designers in Milan in 1980, and whose playful, colorful work would help define the spirit of postmodernism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Milan, Italy<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Italy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

A design museum, part of the <\/span>Triennale di Milano<\/span><\/a> in the city\u2019s Palazzo dell\u2019Arte, opened in 2007, following regular international exhibitions of design held on the premises since 1936. Design brands that cemented Italy\u2019s reputation as the pinnacle of European furniture production\u2014Kartell, Cassina, Molteni&C\u2014are headquartered in and around the city, particularly in the Brianza region, to the north. \u201cMilan\u2019s proximity to Brianza, known for its centuries-old artisan craftsmanship, strengthens the area\u2019s reputation as a leader in furniture and industrial design,\u201d Casati says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a quiet and leafy area of Milan, on the way toward Brianza, the graceful <\/span>Villa Bassetti<\/span><\/a> offers an appealing blend of history and modernity that reflects Milanese style, while balancing peace with proximity to the city. Built in 1900, the villa\u2019s architecture and design draws on neo-Gothic, baroque and art nouveau references, including an intricate floral decoration on the facade.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Milan, Italy<\/span><\/a> | <\/span>Italy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Closer to the city center, an impeccable <\/span>nine-bedroom home<\/span><\/a> on Piazza Castello\u2014the 19th-century semicircular addition to the Sforza Castle complex\u2014benefits from the ideal location between the Triennale di Milano and the thriving design-centric neighborhood of Brera. Once more, sumptuous historic detail and sleek modern amenities combine to provide the best of both worlds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But Milan offers plenty more contemporary residences too, including a <\/span>bright, open-plan townhouse<\/span><\/a>, built in 2002, which features a spectacular two-story bookcase and verdant roof terrace. It is a perfect base for enjoying the city, an unbeatable place where\u2014in Casati\u2019s words\u2014\u201ccreativity is celebrated.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspired to explore Italy? Discover how Venice’s historic palaces are embracing modern living<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The annual Salone del Mobile fair is a furniture mecca, but Milan is a year-round destination for design lovers, says Francesca Perry Milan, Italy | Italy Sotheby\u2019s International Realty In Italy, visitors might flock to the storied cities of Venice or Rome, but Milan manages to combine elegant historic architecture with a real livability that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":232770370,"featured_media":343740,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1399],"tags":[1453],"class_list":["post-343737","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-and-design","tag-italy"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ZR29KZ.jpg","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-1rq9","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":342877,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/significant-sales-september-2024-highlights\/","url_meta":{"origin":343737,"position":0},"title":"Significant Sales: September 2024 Highlights","author":"SIR Admin","date":"October 28, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"From a US$18.45M sale in Homewood, California, to a \u20ac7.8M sale in Milan, Italy, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby\u2019s International Realty\u00ae global network in September. Tokyo, Japan Kantaro Aoki, Jinyu Cui | List Sotheby\u2019s International Realty, Japan, JPY6.685B View properties in Tokyo, Japan Homewood, California Katherina Haug,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Market Insights"","block_context":{"text":"Market Insights","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/market-insights\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/top-image.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/top-image.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/top-image.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/top-image.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":344305,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/significant-sales-june-2025-highlights\/","url_meta":{"origin":343737,"position":1},"title":"Significant Sales: June 2025 Highlights","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"July 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"From a AUD$55M\u00a0sale in Point Piper, Australia, to a US$12M sale in Sea Island, Georgia, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby\u2019s International Realty\u00ae global network in June. Point Piper, Australia Michael Pallier | Sydney Sotheby's International Realty, AUD$55M View properties in Sydney, Australia Palm Beach, Florida Kourtney Pulitzer\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Market Insights"","block_context":{"text":"Market Insights","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/market-insights\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/c211-hires-69.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/c211-hires-69.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/c211-hires-69.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/c211-hires-69.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/c211-hires-69.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/c211-hires-69.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":345682,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/significant-sales-november-2025-highlights\/","url_meta":{"origin":343737,"position":2},"title":"Significant Sales: November 2025 Highlights","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"December 19, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"From a US$56M sale in Portola Valley, California, to a CHF 22M sale in Zermatt, Switzerland, here are nine sales represented by the Sotheby\u2019s International Realty global network in November. 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Your zodiac sign may have something\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-6.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-6.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-6.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-6.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-6.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-6.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/343737","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/232770370"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=343737"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/343737\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/343740"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=343737"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=343737"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=343737"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}