Salone del Mobile 2017 preview: The top design houses to see

The Salone del Mobile turns 56 this year and it promises another outstanding gathering of the world's top design and furniture names. Run under the slogan 'Be the First to See the Latest', the 2017 edition is divided into five separate exhibitions: Salone Internazionale del Mobile (re-imagination of classic luxury), International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition (complementary furniture pieces), Euroluce (exquisite lighting fixtures), Workplace3.0 (commercial spaces) and SaloneSatellite (emerging designers).

While there are over 2,000 exhibitors, here are the five design houses and their creative masterpieces that you absolutely should not miss...

Luomo (SaloneSatellite)

Made up of three Finnish designers – Hanna Sarokaari, Elina Ulvio and Laura Vare – Luomo is a collective design house and for the event, each of them has created specific pieces from lamps to reversible mirrors and trays, to form a coherent collection centred around minimalism. "Inspired by a distinctive Finnish atmosphere with strong contrasts, the designs pay attention to natural materials and details with delicacy," the trio said. "In general, we believe that local production and a close relationship between designer and craftsman play an important role, making a statement for uniqueness and originality."

DelightFull (Euroluce)

DelightFull specialises in unique lamps that marry contemporary design with elements of historic savoir-faire. Inspired by mid-century modernism, the lighting experts shine the light on its newest offerings: the Amy suspension lamp, Cannonball suspension lamp and the Evans wall lamp.

Boca do Lobo (Salone Internazionale del Mobile)

A smorgasbord of bright vivid colours, Pixel by Portuguese brand Boca do Lobo features 1,088 triangles to form a cabinet with a Rubik's cube-esque exterior. More than just about shapes and colours, the piece is also a showcase of masterful juxtaposition courtesy of the polished brass base.

Swarovski (Euroluce)

Swarovski brings its coveted Atelier Swarovski Home range to the event with new creations by the maison's group of famed collaborators. Expect to discover colourful trays from Tomás Alonso as well as a collection of contemporary and geometric paperweights by Studio Brynjar and Veronika, centred around an idea first presented at the 2016 Swarovski Designers of the Future.

Lasvit (Euroluce)

Czech glass masters Lasvit is celebrating its 10th birthday and will unveil key lighting pieces at the upcoming fair including two new collections created in partnership with Zaha Hadid Design: Eve and Duna. While the former is a composite chandelier from 15 separate pieces, the latter was inspired by shifting sand dunes, with a focus on the abstract effects of light through reflection and refraction.

Salone del Mobile will run from April 4-9 in Milan. Also, read about the semi-finalists for the Van Cleef & Arpels' Middle East Emergent Designer Prize.