Our interviews with designers, architects, builders, producers and professionals from the world of international design.

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“We have been understanding customer needs for generations”. Ottaviano Borgonovo tells us about his MisuraEmme

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.”

Do you need MisuraEmme products for your project? Request a free quote

Credits: Photographs courtesy of MisuraEmme.

Lighting technology in the home

Lighting is essential to create the right atmosphere in every room of the house. With the use of technology there are so many ways to light up your home intelligently.

Using technology for home lighting offers many benefits, including a more comfortable, safe and efficient experience.

In this video we talked about it with the Lighting Designer Filippo Cannata, who explained the importance of using technology for home lighting.

Home lighting technology

Technology has revolutionized the way we manage lighting in the home, providing numerous opportunities to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

Thanks to the use of LED lamps, motion sensors and remote control systems, it is possible to create the perfect atmosphere in any room.

Energy saving

The use of home lighting technology generates great energy savings. LED lamps consume much less energy than traditional light bulbs. Additionally, smart lighting systems can be programmed to automatically turn off the lights when there are no people in a room, further reducing energy consumption.

Remote control

Another great advantage of using technology for home lighting is the ability to control the lights remotely.

For example, smart lighting systems allow you to control the lighting using a mobile application or voice assistant. With a simple touch you can turn on, adjust or turn off the lights in any room. This is especially useful when you’re away from home.

Personalization and importance of a well-lit environment

Home lighting is an important aspect of home comfort, influencing people’s mood, productivity and health.

With smart lighting systems you can customize the lighting of every room in your home according to your preferences. For example, you can choose between different color temperatures to create the right atmosphere at any time of day or according to the activity you are doing, such as reading, watching TV or relaxing. Plus, you can program the lights to turn on gradually in the morning, simulating the natural sunrise, to help you wake up naturally.

Safety

Using home lighting technology can increase the safety of your home. You can schedule lighting systems to turn on and off at regular intervals, giving the impression that someone is always home and reducing the risk of theft or break-ins. Additionally, some smart lighting systems can be integrated with security systems to automatically turn on lights when motion is detected on your property.

Benefits for you

Ultimately, using technology for home lighting offers many benefits, from saving energy to customizing the lighting to your preferences. Additionally, smart lighting systems can increase the safety of your home.

If you are looking for a way to improve the lighting in your home, the Cannata/Salbini partnership offers our customers the possibility of essentially relying on a “genius” who takes care of every detail of the lighting project.

Contact us now

Esadesign: art and passion for design mirrors

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.”

Do you need Esadesign products for your project? Request a free quote

Credits: Photographs courtesy of Esadesign.

Vener: bespoke furniture from mechanics to design

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 cortén 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.”

Do you need Vener products for your project? Request a free quote

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

Guerra Vanni: bespoke luxury furniture

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.

Guerra Vanni: Made in Italy production
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.”

Furniture for Silvia in Los Angeles

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.

Do you need Guerra Vanni products for your project? Request a free quote.

Credits: Photographs courtesy of Guerra Vanni.

Light in the house

How to create lighting for the different rooms of the house?

We talk about it with Filippo Cannata, international Lighting Designer, who explains how to manage the light inside and outside the houses.

Filippo Cannata

“All the rooms of the house are micro-worlds in which life unfolds.”

Benefits for you

The Cannata / Salbini partnership offers our customers the opportunity to rely essentially on a “genius” who takes care of every detail of the project for what concerns lighting.

Contact us now

Humans since 1982: Synergy between design and function

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! 

Do you need Humans since 1982 artworks for your project? Request a free quote.

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

The importance of collaboration

To create a harmonious project it is necessary for the designer-architect to involve all the professionals who must be part of it from the very beginning.

The collaboration between architect / interior designer and lighting designer

In this video interview we talked about it with the Lighting Designer Filippo Cannata, who has been collaborating for over thirty years in the realization of residential, commercial, urban and hospitality projects in various countries.

Cannata explains how the lighting project also begins with the architectural project.

In fact, light is a fundamental element of architecture and interior design, which is why it must be designed when the idea for the project is born.

Filippo Cannata

“Light becomes the language through which architecture and interior design are expressed, to which the client’s identity is added”.

Benefits for you

The Cannata / Salbini partnership offers our customers the opportunity to rely essentially on a “genius” who takes care of every detail of the project for what concerns lighting.

Contact us now

Salbini Experience: Vittoria Chiarilli from Australia

Our Australia manager Vittoria Chiarilli is an Interior Designer. She has a small studio called Marly Hemisphere which operates out of Melbourne Australia.

She has been in Milano for the Salone del Mobile and then we interviewed her in Pagani.

Childhood

She has always been artistic as a child.

“As a very young girl l would accompany my father to his work – he was a builder and l would find small objects on his building sites and make sculptures to take home and show my mum. I learned to sew at 14 and draft all my own patterns for clothes l made. I was happiest when l was creating and making things.”

Favourite design style

Some of her favourite design styles are: Neo Classic, Post Modern, Scandinavian, Midcentury Modern and Art Deco.

Functionality or appeal?

When asked if she prefers functionality or appeal she says she prefers to try to combine both.

“It means l can have something look beautiful but also importantly provide the client with an easy to use space that meets most of their needs”

What are a couple of questions you’d ask to discover your client’s requirements?

Some of the questions she usually asks a client are:

  • what are you trying to achieve in the space?
  • are we using some existing items/furniture you have
  • how do you live in the space
  • Are you looking for locally made furniture or are you wanting to consider furniture manufactured overseas
  • And then most importantly what is your budget”

These are important questions to ask a client to begin a good collaboration.

Keeping up with industry changes and with the latest Interior Design styles

Keeping up with industry changes is at times difficult in a fast changing world.

“I try where l can to go to trade shows such as Salone del Mobile which often provide a great source of inspiration… I keep myself up to date with the latest design styles by following interior designers and architects on instagram and the internet that interest me.” 

It’s also important working in collaboration with other designers.

Imagine your client asks you to design a room in a way that is visually pleasing but not practical. How would you react?

“If they are just wanting a room/space to look beautiful and it be never used then we don’t need to be practical, but if the space is an area that is used frequently it is my job to highlight to the client the disadvantages of being in a space that is not practical.”

It’s important to create spaces that are thoughtful, reflect the client’s personality and ultimately give the client great satisfaction to move within these spaces.

When a client rejects all your design concepts

The design process needs to be a collaboration between client and designer and in order to achieve this successfully there must be a level of trust from the client.

“When a client rejects all my design concepts it usually means they have perhaps not chosen the right designer for their project. Initial meetings with clients are crucial, they establish if we will be able to work together and if there is a potential to clash.”

Vittoria Chiarilli at the Auditorium Theater in Pagani

Why Salbini for the supply of European design products?

Using a company like Salbini means that clients are dealing directly with an agent out of Italy. One of the benefits is that a customer can buy different type of products all through one agent. 

Moreover, “Things are done more quickly if there is an issue or drama.” Another reason would be cost saving. It’s all advantageous.

With Salbini Experience we will open the doors of the best Italian companies to you.

Do you need to carry out projects with the best design products? Come to Italy!

Find out more

Salbini Experience: Scott Wilson from Australia

Scott Wilson is our commercial manager and agent in Australia.

He came in Italy in June 2022 for the Salone del Mobile and then he visited Pagani, where we had the opportunity to interview him.

“I love Italy and working with Italians… I like the beautiful people in the South”.

His role

He’s the commercial manager and agent in Australia.

“I have to face between our team in Pagani and our clients in Australia: mainly with commercial clients but also with private ones as well”.

“…dealing with the client, being the middle piece between the Australian clients and our team in Pagani… I love being part of the process”.

Interesting aspects of the job

Scott loves everything about his job but several things stand out most:

“…dealing with the client, being the middle piece between the Australian clients and our team in Pagani… I love being part of the process… I get to see beautiful pieces of furniture, beautiful joinery”.

What clients usually ask

Clients ask Scott lots of things: they ask about the prices but they are also curious about the process and how Salbini operates. They also want to now about Salbini.

“I tell them the history of Pagani and the history of the company”.

Relationship Pagani-Sydney

It’s amazing this relationship Pagani-Sydney.

“We get to expose Australians to this part of Italy… I feel very proud that I get to tell the story of Pagani and our business, which is a family”.

Scott Wilson and Filippo Salbini
Scott Wilson in Pagani

The future of the job

Scott is very positive about the future of Salbini.

“In 2 years we will have more staff, more commercial clients, we will grow even larger… I see exciting things for Salbini in Australia and in every other country as well”.