Made in Milan | Part IV – The new aesthetic

During Salone del Mobile, Lowe Living Co-Founder Emma Lowe travelled to Milan with furniture and styling curator Karin Bochnik to explore the ideas, materials and experiences shaping the future of contemporary living. Together, they visited Alcova and some of the world’s most influential design destinations, discussing how emerging global trends continue to influence the way Lowe Living approaches design, lifestyle and the resident experience.

If you had to describe Milan Design Week in three words, what would they be?

Karin: Sensory, immersive and inspiring.

What was the biggest shift you noticed compared to previous years?

Karin: The focus moved away from products and towards atmosphere. Designers were creating worlds rather than simply displaying furniture. There was a huge emphasis on materiality, texture and tactility, with spaces designed to feel immersive and emotionally engaging.

Which installation or experience stayed with you long after you left?

Karin: Alcova. The combination of historic spaces, emerging designers and experimental ideas created a completely different way of experiencing design. Many designers were exploring organic forms and rich textures in a way that felt warm, authentic and enduring.

What materials or design themes seemed to define Milan this year?

Karin: Raw stone, woven metals, tactile fabrics and layered natural materials. Everything invited touch and interaction. More broadly, there was a return to timelessness nothing felt overly trend-driven or excessive. The focus was on craftsmanship, heritage and longevity.

Did Milan change your perspective on Australian design?

Karin: It reinforced how strong Australian design is. We often look to Milan as a global benchmark for innovation but being there highlighted how sophisticated Australian design thinking has become, particularly when it comes to creating thoughtful and experience-led spaces.

How do these global design insights influence Lowe Living’s approach to creating homes?

Emma: What really resonated was the idea of creating environments that feel thoughtful and deeply considered. At Lowe Living, luxury living goes beyond finishes and interiors it’s about creating a genuine emotional connection through every detail within a space. We’re constantly looking at how design evolves globally and how those ideas can enhance the way people live.

What do you think homeowners are looking for today that they weren’t five years ago?

Karin: Emotional connection. People want homes that feel personal, calming and meaningful not just beautiful.

What is the biggest takeaway Lowe Living brings home from experiences like Milan?

Emma: Experiences like this inspire us to continue evolving the experience of living. It’s about translating global ideas into homes that feel elevated, considered and genuinely connected to modern lifestyles.