Milan Design Week 2025: Colour, Material & Textiles
Published 22 April 2025
At Milan Design Week, colour and materials blended bold creativity with thoughtful expression. High-impact hues and rich palettes set a theatrical mood, while tactile materials like plant-based naturals and warm woods provided honesty and depth. Playful textiles and decorative elements reflect both an ongoing celebration of craft, and a growing appreciation for heritage craftsmanship and historical design.
Colour Applications
Key Colours
Materials
Textiles
This year reveals a balanced divide in colour use. On one side, high-impact expressions emerge through enchanting darks, digitally amplified hues and playful accents. On the other, more subdued approaches capture interest, with ethereal light tones, romantic neutral tints, and indulgent, food-inspired shades that evoke comfort and familiarity.
This year reveals a balanced divide in colour use. On one side, high-impact expressions emerge through enchanting darks, digitally amplified hues and playful accents. On the other, more subdued approaches capture interest, with ethereal light tones, romantic neutral tints, and indulgent, food-inspired shades that evoke comfort and familiarity.
The five standout colour families are yellow, brown/orange, red, green and blue, – spanning from soft and mellow to bold and high-energy applications. These evocative hues stir different emotional responses, from uplifting optimism and a renewed sense of joy, to deep calm and sensorial appeal.
An appreciation for natural materiality, organic warmth and handcraftsmanship underpins the latest material explorations. Wood and other plant-based naturals feel enriching and honest, while metals and glass harness an ambient, vintage charm. A decorative eclecticism is also emerging in the form of creative material mixes.
A playful mood defines many textile collections, where upbeat colourways, illustrative prints and exaggerated textures aim to surprise, delight and comfort. Meanwhile, a notable shift is unfolding towards historical-feeling patterns and qualities, with brands delving into archives for inspiration and re-releases.
Milan Design Week 2025: Colour, Material & Textiles
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