Last week was a very good week design wise. Did you get the chance to follow me and fellow interior stylist aka @houseofhawkes on our adventures?
We had the amazing opportunity to attend a VIP press trip with AXOR Middle East and have co-written this post to tell you all about it.

AXOR is the premium bathroom collection of the Hansgrohe brand, a luxury label in the world of bathroom fittings with an impressive list of renowned designers behind the products.

We started off with a visit to the HQ in the beautiful town of Schiltach in Germany’s Black Forest region. We enjoyed a trip down bathroom memory lane at the Aquademie facility and had an actual shower experience as a highlight.

From there we travelled on to Milan to visit the Salone Del Mobile show and join in the celebration of AXOR’s 25th anniversary. At the Hansgrohe/AXOR exhibition we got a glimpse of AXOR’s latest product release – AXOR MyEdition, a luxurious tap that can be customised to your own specifications. We also learned that the Hansgrohe brand is also stepping to the kitchen arena with a line of granite sinks that are firmly on the wish list.

Katherine and I both believe that investing in design in combination with other (affordable) brands is the best way to create a space that you will love. The same goes for your bathroom. A beautifully designed rain shower as a statement piece can really change the look of your bathroom, your shower experience and hence your day!

While we were there, we also had the chance to explore the design universe that is  called Salone Del Mobile and the various design districts in the city, called Fuorisalone.

Here’s our take on what’s in coming hot for the season ahead:

Yellow is having it’s moment. It was already in the cards last year yet we can see that it is definitely on the radar now in all shades and tones
We also noticed that harsh angles and sharp corners are making way for smooth, curvy edges in everything from the corners of headboards to the silhouettes of armchairs. Round is the new square!
Rich textures are taking centre stage. And we’re talking major textural situations here. We even spotted a few eye-openers like carpeted walls. True story. We may not be on board just yet, but you heard it here first!
Retro floral prints are in full bloom. Yup, we saw big, bold florals on sun loungers, sofas and armchairs. Not to mention that some of have have recently used oversized floral wallpapers in projects too. So I guess this one is really happening.
Velvet may be vanishing. It’s enjoyed a meteoric resurrection over the past few years but there was little to be seen around Milan this past week. Let’s see what the future holds for this one.