Insights into the world of design. A detailed focus on manufacturing companies, new collections, designers and products from the best European brands.

MisuraEmme Company

Ability, persistence and enthusiasm. MisuraEmme could be described with these three words. 

The company, located in Italy, in Mariano Comense (CO), was founded in 1902 by Giovanni Mascheroni. Today it has a factory of 35,000 m2.

However, we asked manager Ottaviano Borgonovo to tell us something more about this company.

Born in 1987, since 2014, Ottaviano is passionately dedicated to the commercial and marketing aspects of the family business, demonstrating great competence and professionalism.

About 10 years at the head of the Company: which developments have you noticed over this period?

“As first, I have seen the evolution of many international markets in the furniture industry, which have become strategic to its success. This is why, we wanted the company to become more and more international, in order to adapt to the requirements of foreign markets, different from those of the Italian market.

A further consequence of the decision to invest in foreign markets was the reinforcement of the quality and international design of the products. We’ve also decided to invest more in raw material technology and in the industrial process.

As a result of these choices, sales have reversed from 80% in the Italian market to less than 20% in 2022.”

Customizing the product according to the individual’s needs is one of the strengths of MisuraEmme. What are the differences between Italian and international customers? Do needs change based on geography?

“Definitely. It’s not a secret that there are countries with a taste for minimal, such as northern Europe, while those of the Middle East prefer a sumptuous aesthetic, with a prevalence of bronzed metals and marble. Quite the opposite, the United States is focused on wood. However, each country has its own specific taste.

Anyway, a trend in the luxury market is developing recently, with an international taste that unites all geographical areas and combines elements of different styles.

But another significant difference between customer types concerns the way the market is conceived: design, in fact, plays a role of primary importance in the international arena, compared to the simple production of the product. The sale of a project is much more important than the sale of the product itself.”

In 2003, MisuraEmme was awarded the Acquaver label for the use of environmentally friendly painting systems. How attentive is today’s customer to the green theme?

“The green theme is becoming more and more relevant for all markets. In fact, the appreciation for using eco-sustainable materials and industrial solutions with a lower environmental impact is increasing.

Moreover, consumer awareness has increased not only towards the product, but also towards the sustainable attitude of the company that produces it.

Being a green company not only means using materials and solutions with a lower environmental impact, but also adopting a respectful approach to the environment in the daily management of the company itself

In other words we want sustainability to be a theme in all areas of the company’s work.”

Salone del Mobile.Milano 2023: what’s new at MisuraEmme?

“This year we brought two new boiserie systems to the Salone del Mobile: Puzzle and Palo Alto Wall. We designed these two systems to be integrated with all the day and night equipment and the finishes are completely customizable. So we have a range of furniture solutions that are potentially infinite and widely customizable, which is the quintessence of the sartorial attitude of MisuraEmme.”

Puzzle

Designed by CR&S MisuraEmme

Puzzle is an equipped and modular boiserie system for wall coverings, which includes a series of completely integrated elements: wooden containers, glass cases and shelves.

The idea starts from the concept of evolution of the composition, thanks to wall coverings that can be equipped with dedicated elements, which can be used both in the living area and in the sleeping area.

It consists of a system of uprights and transoms in aluminum to be fixed to the wall and a series of frame panels.

Puzzle is available in different finishes: wood, concrete, straw or thermoformed melamine.

Palo Alto Wall

Designed by Gianni Borgonovo

Palo Alto Wall is the wooden boiserie system which becomes the distinctive element of an exclusive and functional sleeping area, with the elegance of the unmistakable MisuraEmme style.

It is a floor-to-ceiling wall covering, which can be fully integrated with the Palo Alto Free and Palo Alto I-Box walk-in closet systems, which opens up an infinite range of furnishing possibilities, providing the designer with various opportunities.

Special tip: the prestige of wood and glass can be further enhanced by installing exclusive LED lights, thanks to the electrified rack structure.

In your opinion, which is the secret of MisuraEmme’s success?

“Certainly, the ability to understand customer needs and intercept market trends. The collaboration with architects of international caliber has also contributed to the success. Last but not least, the strategic vision and the belief of my family, which over the generations has always enthusiastically supported all the innovations in research and innovation in design and product.”

How do you imagine the future of the Company? What is your vision of MisuraEmme?

“The evolution will be crucial to face an increasingly competitive market.

Because of the presence of foreign industrial companies in the furniture sector, we should be able to intercept the needs of a market that is moving towards a demand for life style, as well as product, in order to compete internationally. To consolidate our presence in the most emerging markets, we’ll then face a series of international investments.

Finally, it will be essential to implement the latest technological innovations that in these years are revolutionizing the world of communication and beyond.”

Credits: Photographs courtesy of MisuraEmme.

Esadesign art and passion for design mirrors

Esadesign was born from the will and intuition of its founders to express their passion for glass through design

We talked about it with Luna Pavone, one of the founders and company manager.

“Passion supported by several years of experience for a raw material with a unique charm that they find in its malleability but at the same time resistance.”

The roots of Esadesign are deep and linked to the territory of Monza and Brianza, in Lombardy, where craftsmanship and tradition come together to give life to the typical excellence of Made in Italy.

Corporate values ​​of Esadesign

“Human value is certainly what we are closest to, it is a precious and indispensable contribution in all phases of the production processes.”

Another no less important value is the protection of the environment, that brings Esadesign to improve every day with the aim of achieving ever better sustainability standards.

What is the essential element in the design of a mirror?

“An essential element in a design mirror is the awareness of having to satisfy a need. Aesthetics in design will always have to meet functionality.”

Which collection are you most attached to and why?

“It’s difficult to answer, each collection brings with it elements and experiences that do not fade but remain and contribute to a personal and intellectual enrichment.”

Specular Collection

Specular comes to life thanks to the will of creating mirrors of absolute excellence gathering a secular tradition in glass processing.

The “Specular” collection is characterized by luxury finishes and contemporary lines. It has an incredible ability to adapt to different contexts thanks to its sinuous and seductive lines.

Can Esadesign also make customized mirrors?

Esadesign can make customized mirrors evaluating the needs of the customer.

Italy and Australia

“A professional synergy and a bond of mutual esteem and trust. A bond born thanks to the appreciation of the Italian tradition in this sector and the opening of Australian culture towards the aesthetics and lines of Italian design and beyond.”

Credits: Photographs courtesy of Esadesign.

Vener: bespoke furniture from mechanics to design

Vener was born in 1969 and is distinguished by a particular aspect: customized furniture. We had the opportunity to interview the president Giovanni Vener.

For more than twenty years, in Valbrona, in the province of Como, Giovanni Vener has been involved in the production of mechanical products in the family business.

Giovanni Vener photographed by Giorgio Lorini.

“We often supplied carpentry workshops with metal frames for the creation of handcrafted furniture.”

It all started with a manufacturing scrap: an aluminum sheet to be scrapped. Giovanni Vener conceives metal as a plastic mass: thus he transforms a piece of aluminum into a panel that anticipates the furnishing elements, typical of creative recycling.

“I have always loved the scent and texture of raw materials, heating and shaping iron following my imagination has always fascinated me and, as in many success stories, mine too started with a very simple request.”

Why did Giovanni Vener choose this career?

We asked Giovanni Vener why he chose this career.

“The reason for my willingness to now devote most of my day to this activity is simple, here I am I feel alive, here I find my identity as a human being in harmony with my surroundings. I create as if I were making each item to give it t”o a friend with my heart.”

Materials

Vener uses only natural raw materials of great quality: solid wood, metal, stone and glass. Few materials, handcrafted, joined without the use of chemicals, combined in innovative way: there is no use of glue or acrylic paints.

The wood mostly comes from Como lands, smoothed to reach a surprising velvet effect preserving its natural shades or used exactly as it is, as in the case of logs used as table base.

Stone used is the marble of the Lombard valleys, a material that offers great stability and versatility, allowing different processes for each project.

The metal is skillfully treated, with a complete technical know-how to obtain surprising effects of brightness and decorations.

Vener Tailor made art

The 2012 led to the birth of Vener Tailor Made Art. A team of 12 carpenters, mechanics and carpenters create the works conceived and designed by Giovanni Vener.

Stainless steel, aluminum, iron, copper and cortĂŠn steel that blend with essences such as chestnut, cedar of Lebanon, with stone, marble, glass. A path that has given life to modern furnishings, unique pieces or in any case in super limited reproduction, which live an elegant balance of form and material, between craftsmanship and industrial archeology, between art and design.

“We create our pieces moved by imagination and the will to create something unique. Our customers have the privilege of having custom-made pieces of art, unique creations.”

Credits: Photographs courtesy of Vener. Photo of Giovanni Vener by Giorgio Lorini.

Guerra Vanni: bespoke luxury furniture

Guerra Vanni was founded in the 1960, in San Pietro di Morubio (VR), immediately setting on the luxury furniture sector.

“Since 1962 we have been producing furniture and furnishing accessories for homes all over the world. Roots in tradition, contemporary vision, international design, craftsmanship: these are our distinctive traits.”

Family business. From left: Jenny, Vanni and Giada Guerra.

Made in Italy

Guerra Vanni is synonymous with Made in Italy. It was born in an area which has always been known and appreciated for the artisan production of furniture. Manual skills and attention to detail handed down by grandparents and great-grandparents combines with the typical Made in Italy mentality, to guarantee quality and good taste.

Hand crafted decoration

Customized projects

Guerra Vanni creates customized projects. The most stunning furniture doesn’t just happen. It is carefully thought, designed and crafted. And this is exactly the ethos behind Guerra Vanni.

“The starting point of every collaboration is always your dream: how did you imagine your room? How would it make you feel comfortable and at home? It’s from this information that a detailed map of the area is created, and a 3D project is born. In this way, you can touch the final result right away.”

“We like to reflect a genuine connection with our clients and lifestyle: the colors they love, the type of wood and the materials they prefer. It’s only up to us to adapt their preferences perfectly to the style of the furniture we make.”

Best projects

In Guerra Vanni the team establishes a relationship of trust and respect with every customer.

“Customers like Mrs Silvia of the Los Angeles project are the greatest satisfaction for us. After 15 years, last year she contacted us to renew her house in contemporary style.”

Guerra Vanni in the world

Today Guerra Vanni is a reference point in Italy and in the world thanks to its classic collection, synonymous with tradition and nobility, and to the contemporary, fresh, youthful, and daily collection.

Over the years, the team has specialized in the characteristics and needs of each country. From America to Asia, passing through Africa and even Australia: Guerra Vanni is everywhere where craftsmanship, good taste and elegance are sought.

Credits: Photographs courtesy of Guerra Vanni.

Humans since 1982: Connection between design and function

Humans since 1982 was founded in 2009 by Bastian Bischoff and Per Emanuelsson while the pair were studying together on a postgraduate course at HDK Academy of Art and Design in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Later they relocated to Stockholm where the studio is now based. 

Per Emanuelsson and Bastian Bischoff photographed by Tim Meier.

We had the opportunity to interview Per Emanuelsson and Bastian Bischoff, founders of Humans since 1982.

Can you tell us about The ClockClock Project by Humans since 1982? 

The ClockClock was the first Humans since 1982 artwork that used and subverted clocks.

“We had been experimenting with an animated typography, developing a font that was based on a grid of clocks. We would manipulate the clock hands to make letters and numbers written out over several clock faces, but once the clock hands started rotating again then the numbers would fall apart and disappear. This led to the core concept of our clock-based works: the hands across multiple analogue clock faces are programmed to move in unison, creating an abstract ‘choreography’ then align once each minute to accurately display the time, written out by clock hands in a digital typography.” 

How do A million Times work? 

“A million Times is our ongoing series of wall-mounted, kinetic sculptures that are also a functioning wall clock. We took the original concept of The ClockClock and developed it in ambition, complexity and scale to make bigger artworks with more clock faces, and more varied choreographies which we launched in 2013. While The ClockClock had only one choreography, A million Times now has 20 unique choreographies on each artwork.” 

And ClockClock 24? 

ClockClock 24 was originally developed in collaboration with MoMA Design Store in New York. It was launched in 2015 and has been one of the studio’s signature pieces ever since.

“As with the larger works it tells the times once a minute, and is also hand assembled in our Stockholm studio. After a couple of years we added 22 karat gold plated hands as an option for ClockClock 24 so we continue to experiment with materials and different finishes, and we are also curious to explore some collaborations with other artists and designers too.” 

What distinguishes the new ClockClock 9 from its predecessors?

“ClockClock 9 is distinct in that it is the first piece to tell time using analogue clock hands. The nine clock faces show a new selection of choreographies specifically designed for its smaller, circular format and then once each minute, or at intervals defined by the user via the app, the time is shown using the central clock face.”

Only the first 100 pieces are available and selling out quickly! 

Credits: Photographs courtesy of Humans since 1982. Photo of Per Emanuelsson and Bastian Bischoff by Tim Meier.

Roberti outdoor

Roberti was founded as a family business in 1959 and the production processes take place mainly in Italy, in the Veneto region.

The ability of an expert craftsmanship combined with modern processes and technology and the high-quality materials, allows to achieve excellent quality standards.

Materials

Aluminum and stainless steel with high quality powder coating treatment, fibreglass, HPL and a special outdoor cushion system are only some of the many new materials introduced in the Roberti production to guarantee for long life in the outdoor space.

All the weaving materials used by Roberti are resistant to the atmospheric agents, bear easily thermical shocks, are long lasting and of easy maintenance.

Oasi

Oasi is a proposal with an exclusive style.

Round canopy lounger dedicated to relaxation and inspired by the breeze and the soft shapes of nature.

In the new Forest finish for a feeling of full immersion in a natural environment or in the delicate White finish. Oasi is a perfect outdoor shelter, which with the countless ropes knotted to the structure is able to redefine outdoor spaces and fascinate touching the senses thanks to its harmonies of color.

Gravity

Gravity is a cozy, swing, outdoor sofa with colorful cushions, playful combinations of colors and designs, perfect as patio furniture and garden furniture. It can be also a luxury outdoor armchair to relax.

Design and comfort are combined to create cozy and refined corners both for residential and contract. It is available in three new combinations: with hanging ropes, with supporting frame and with sunshade.

Charme

Charme is a collection of innovative elegance, with a light and enveloping design, where the rope is emphasized in the backs of chairs, armchairs, sofas and rocking chairs. Its geometry created by the different tensions of the weave adapts naturally to the body, offering an amazing feeling of comfort.

The elements are offered in the warm Bronze finish or in the classic White. The table with a dynamic shape and the small tables complete the line and suggest comfortable environments for both exterior and interior.

Irinox is a leading company in the production of rapid blast chillers and high quality storage systems for the professional and domestic sectors and electrical panels in stainless steel, setting quality standards in every area.

Irinox promotes new products and ways of operating that have allowed it to introduce the concepts of rapid chilling and food freshness all over the world and to rethink the way to identify solutions for the design and construction of customized electrical panels.

Origin of Irinox

Irinox was founded in Corbanese (Treviso, Italy) in 1989, starting the production of blast chillers, shock-freezers and stainless steel electrical enclosures. In 1994 there was the opening of the new production plant in Conegliano (Treviso, Italy) for the production of stainless steel electrical enclosueres. 

First blast chiller in a built-in version

In 2002 the first blast chiller in the world was invented, in a built-in version, which is presented to the public at the Salone del Mobile in Milan.

Business units

Irinox is formed by three business units: Irinox Professional, Irinox Home and Irinox Electrical Enclosures.

Irinox Professional is the leading manufacturer of blast chillers and shock freezers. It offers professionals cutting-edge equipment to keep food fresh and optimise production processes.

Irinox Home is a line of equipment dedicated to quality household chilling systems. Equipment with innovative functions and refined design provides technology used by professionals to offer the best of industrial kitchens in the home, so food is once again delicious, healthy and nutritious.

Irinox Electrical Enclosures business unit, has been designing and manufacturing stainless steel electrical enclosures since 1989. Innovative solutions, customised production and immediate response are the cornerstones of approach at Irinox Electrical Enclosures and the staff strives tirelessly to deliver products and services that exceed customer expectations.

Certifications

Irinox management system is certified in compliance to ISO standards (specifically, regulations ISO 9001,14001 and 45001). ISO standards rule over management systems; they are voluntary-based management and organization processes.

Such regulations lay down requirements for companies/organizations to be able to:

  • Meet customers’ needs through their products and service (ISO 9001).
  • To monitor any factors in their own manufacturing and performing activities which may have an impact on the environment (ISO14001).
  • Specify the requirements for the implementation of an occupational health and safety management system (ISO 45001)

Sustainability

Irinox is willing to play its role in facing environmental challenges by embracing sustainable consumption and production patterns aiming to reduce their impact so as to preserve resources for the generations to come.

“We wish and want  to outline and make public our plan of action for Carbon Neutrality by 2030 for the Business Unit Professional and the Business Unit Home, and by 2040 for the Business Unit Electrical Enclosures.”

Irinox S.p.a.
Sovet: glassmaking tradition and contemporary design

After our visit to the company in December 2021 and the meeting with the team at the Salone del Mobile Milano 2022, we dedicate an in-depth study to Sovet, which blends the tradition of Italian manufacturing art and the inspirations of contemporary design, to give life to furnishing elements that speak an original, elegant and multifaceted language.

Sovet 

Sovet was founded in the late 80s. Later in the early 2000s it started its collaboration with important international designers, choosing to combine the glass with other materials.

From “New shapes for glass” to “New shapes for design“, in the last 30 years the company has seen constant growth to transform itself from a company identified with glass to a 360-degree design company.

Tradition and innovation

The creative use of industrial processes, the highest quality raw materials and the meticulous works performed by local workers allow Sovet to get collections of high quality and 100% Made in Italy.

Sovet combines experience, technology and strict selection of the materials in its production processes, characterized by the highest quality levels. Its production ranges from the use of glass, proposed only in its purest extralight version, to the use of steel, aluminium, ceramic and wood. Entirely made in Italy, Sovet products are exported to over 70 countries worldwide.

Life in Sovet

During the Salone del Mobile “Life in Sovet” was presented: it is a journey through the historical architectures that have culturally marked the evolution of Italian living in recent centuries.

Life in Sovet wants to express the values of the Sovet brand, its innovative and minimalist style at the same time, the desire to create a new culture of living spaces in the name of refined shapes and materials.

Slim sideboard

One of the absolute Sovet novelties is the Slim sideboard, a natural evolution that completes this premium collection.

The rounded edges of wooden elements perfectly blend with the aluminium structure. The various finishes available for the top create new solutions and contrasts.

Arkos

The Arkos table designed by Gianluigi Landoni is another important novelty. It stems from a desire to revive the atmosphere of Italian home interiors of the 1950s.

The aerodynamic lines and curved tensions of its shape are inspired by the designs of Ico Parisi, in line with the symbolic style of Italian furniture in those years. Arkos stands out for the distinct structural nudity of its X- or Y-shaped legs with its long, slender shape. 

Campos

The Campos collection designed by Altherr DĂŠsile Park expands with a range of coffee tables outlined by the graphic and minimalist sign of the structure.

The combination of ceramic and mirror finishes for the tops creates a refined balance for furnishing in contemporary style and recalls the concept already introduced with the mirror.  The subdivision of the surface, in the top for the coffee table, in the mirror for the inclined part, offers new inspiration and functionality for interior design.

Outdoor collection

With the outdoor collection Sovet wants to highlight the strong desire of Sovet to offer genuine ‘New shapes for life’ also for outdoor spaces.

A series of proposals ranging from the Slim and Kodo collection with Iroko wooden slats to the new Keyah seat designed by Gianluigi Landoni: a balanced stainless steel chair ensures excellent ergonomics, providing well-being and comfort with a polyurethane cushion that easily attaches to the structure. The aim is to create durable products, a basic principle of sustainability.

Giulio Marelli Atene collection

Giulio Marelli is one the Made in Italy brands with whom we collaborate. We’ve had the opportunity to interview Luca Erba, the designer of the new Atene collection.

Luca Erba

He is an Italian architect and designer.

Born in Brianza in 1984, in the heart of the furniture district, he graduated in Architecture at Politecnico di Milano in 2010 and founded his studio.

A profound territorial, material and formal research is the basis of the creative process: Luca develops projects ranging from architecture to graphics and from interior to product design, collaborating with Italian and international brands.

The approach to the project celebrates the union between materials, industrial design, natural shapes and refined craftsmanship, with the desire to create objects that last over time, with a contemporary taste and a strong personality.

Atene collection

The Atene collection is the maximum synthesis of the classic trilithic system used in ancient Greece, the oldest simple structure, consisting of two piers on which the architrave rests.

In an apparent state of simple support, the Atene coffee tables are composed of 3 metal cylinders that support the marble or glass top in a perfect state of balance, framed by a metal ring that gives volume and solidity. A tribute to classical architecture.

The collection consists of coffee tables and side tables in different diameters and heights: five different sizes and heights are available. They can be customized in all the marble glass and metal finishes. The round shape is the distinctive element of this new collection.

Wave and Noah collection

In addition to Atene, Wave has been designed for Giulio Marelli, a large family of tables and coffee tables whose distinctive feature is a base made up of two thin curved metal sheets, reminiscent of the movement of waves. In addition, Noah, a large collection of upholstered furniture with generous and full proportions with a stroke that stands out for its contemporary roundness.

New products

During the 60th edition of the Salone del Mobile 2022, Marelli presented new products: Onno, a sculptural and vigorous dining table with Linda, a Nordic-inspired dining armchair with extremely soft and delicate lines.

The favourite product

“The recent Linda armchair is a piece to which I am very attached because the design of a chair is always something very intimate”.

Luca Erba

In addition to having to be beautiful and in line with market trends, a seat must also find the maximum harmony with the people who will use it. It is perhaps the most difficult object to make but at the same time the most complete and stimulating.

Vismara Design luxury furniture for entertainment

Vismara Design was founded in 1950 by three brothers: Aldo, Enrico and Luigi, who had the same passion for furniture. The great turning point took place in the 90s, thanks to the visionary designer Pino Vismara, who created a new product concept: the CD and DVD cabinet. 

“From this moment the brand acquired notoriety all over the world, thanks to real pieces of contemporary design.”

Vismara’s philosophy

Love and dedication to noble work are the real driving force behind Vismara. 

“Our philosophy is very simple: the customer is at the center of every process, from the first contacts to after sales. What we offer is not just a luxury product, but a luxury service.”

Home entertainment

For the past 10 years, the company has strongly specialized in the concept of Home Entertainment, or products dedicated to entertainment for private residences.

Vismara Design’s commitment is, and has always been, to celebrate the beauty and luxury of free time.

“In Vismara we have specialized in the creation and construction of home theaters, offering a highly customizable product, packaged on the basis of the customer’s wishes and the space available.”

Another growing trend is the Game Room, or areas dedicated to different types of games, from poker tables to pool tables, from soccer tables to chess tables.

Kubrik Sofa

Kubrik is the perfect product to complete the now popular Media Room.

Its design is modern and essential, the ergonomics are designed to be a comfortable seat for prolonged use. Thanks to the presence of two motors, the reclining of the backrest and footrest can be controlled separately from that of the headrest, reaching the ideal position and maximum comfort.

Blade Table Tennis Table

The Blade Table Tennis table is the reinterpretation of a classic game, of common use and knowledge, revolutionized and elevated to an exclusive product.

The structure of the table is entirely covered in leather with the exception of the game top, in wood essence. The Ping Pong Blade table is designed to be used also as a conference / dining table and is complete with all the accessories for play: removable net, rackets and balls, stored inside a hidden drawer.

Metropolis Collection

The Metropolis Collection, presented in its entirety at the Salone del Mobile Milano 2022, is a hymn to the fusion of cultures, innovation and progress.

The new models of Game Tables are characterized by an extremely contemporary style and a timeless design.

In a historical period in which the world seems to be strengthening its borders, the Metropolis collection aims to claim the freedom of the individual and the fluidity of connections.