2011.10.14

Discover the latest interior design trends!
Tokyo's Milano Salone

Milano Salone – the world’s largest Italian festival. Held every Spring, brands from around the world come to unveil their latest collection. You can experience the Salone in Tokyo, which has the largest collection of Italian shops in Japan. We spoke with interior design specialist Mitsuko Kuroda for hints on which shops to visit for a taste of the Milano Salone in Tokyo. (above photo: e interiors)

Mitsuko Kuroda

Interior design specialist, style director, interior decorator. President of Laboratory. In addition to contributing articles on interior design to "ELLE DÉCOR", "Grazia", and others, Kuroda is involved in business and home design, concept work, exhibition interior installation, and many other projects. Her specialty is mixing and matching modern furniture with distinctive items. Her latest work was the interior design and overall direction of the Saijima Club in Shonan.
http://laboratoryy.com/

The hottest interior décor store by Italy's premier designer

With three floors and a basement level, e interior was renovated in 1988 by Lissoni.

Aoyama, home to store after store of the latest in interiors and fashion, saw the opening this Spring of e interiors. This hot interior shop was recommended by Kuroda as the place to stop first to get a feel for Salone in Tokyo.

"Here you can really experience first-hand the exquisite sense of one of Italy's premier active designers, Piero Lissoni, who is also a Salone regular."

"Italian architect/designer Piero Lissoni was involved in e interior's renovation and design concept. Its product line-up focuses on his products."

"This fall they'll be getting in Ghiaccio, which really got to me at this year's Salone. Lissoni is a master of "light" design, as exemplified by this chair. The balance of its presence is extraordinary."

GHIACCIO (Polo)
This low armrest chain struck home with Kuroda at this year's Salone.

MINIMO (Polo)
This 260cm wide large dining table, also by Lissoni, shows off its "lightness."

In the basement you'll find concept rooms designed by Lissoni. Come enjoy the masterful living room, bedroom, and kitchen stylings.

It's not just the products that are eye-catching - the interior décor on every floor is wonderful.

"Lissoni is an architect, but he is also particular about detailed styling as well. At this year's Salone he used industrial pipes to create a sophisticated exhibition space. I was amazed at his skill. This shop is a treasure that allows you to experience the global pinnacle of styling sense."

Kuroda, a interior styling pro, is stunned by his sense. Stop by e interior and see for yourself!

e interiors

Aoyama 4-22-5, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-6447-1451　Hours: 10:30 - 19:00, closed Wednesdays
http://interiors-inc.jp

Come see the latest Salone trends in Aoyama, home to all the top brands

Aoyama, home to numerous interior shops featuring the world's top brands, such as Cassina ixc Aoyama.

"Here you can really experience first-hand the exquisite sense of one of Italy's premier active designers, Piero Lissoni, who is also a Salone regular."

"Italian architect/designer Piero Lissoni was involved in e interior's renovation and design concept. Its product line-up focuses on his products."

Luminabella offers all of Europe’s top lighting brands under one roof.

The LED lighting at this year's Salone was also striking. "LED allows for highly unique designs; nothing excessive, mind you, but we're seeing more designs that are befitting a new light source like LED." Kuroda's recommendation to see Salone lighting in Aoyama is Luminabella.

SUPERLEGGERA (Cassina)
Introducing Gio Ponti's masterful chairs, combining utility and beauty in this year's hottest colors.

Cassina ixc Aoyama

1 - 3F Unimat Aoyama Bldg., Aoyama 2-12-14, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5474-9001 Hours: 11:00 - 19:30
http://www.cassina-ixc.com/

FLO (Luminabella)
A no-frills form, yet with a feeling of warmth in its base.
*Available from Spring 2012

Luminabella Tokyo

Aoyama Bldg., Aoyama 1-2-3, Mianto-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3470-8605 Hours: Weekdays 10:00 - 18:00, Saturdays 11:00 - 19:00, closed Sundays
http://www.luminabella.co.jp/

Japanese modern décor available worldwide through Milan are also a must-see!

Many Japanese companies and brands also exhibit at Salone. The best part is that the products you see at the exhibition, you'll find walking around Tokyo's interior decoration shops.

This year as well Panasonic, Canon, TOTO, INZ, and many other global companies and brands exhibited. Which caught Kuroda's eye?

"Quality Japanese modern interiors. They have perfect chemistry with Italian and European modern furniture. From this year's Salone, I recommend the new products from Maruni and Sfera.

Enjoy strolling around Tokyo while stopping by these shops and deciding for yourself how to you combine European and Japanese modern design.

Left: Roundish (Maruni collection)
A new chair designed by Naoto Fukusawa, this comfortable chair wraps around the body.
Right: Lightwood (Maruni collection)
Another new product designed by Jasper Morrison. Both show off the best of Maruni's expertise.Both photos by Yoneo Kawabe

Maruni Wood Ind. Tokyo Showroom

Higashi Nihombashi 3-6-13, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3667-4021　Hours: 10:00 - 18:00, closed Wednesdays
http://www.maruni.com/

Vases made of mountain cherry wood (Sfera)
Original vases directed and designed by Sfera. Handmade by expert wood craftsmen, these exquisite pieces utilize the natural grain in creating a Japanese aesthetic. They were a hit at this year's Salone and will be exhibited at shops in Japan as well.

Sfera Shop Tokyo

Tokyo Midtown Galleria D-0303, Akasaka 9-7-4, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5413-3083 Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
http://www.ricordi-sfera.com/