The scale of an event like Salone del Mobile is so vast that inspiration can be drawn from it long after the busy week in Milan ends. Those few intense days are best revisited slowly—browse the standout images, savor the most compelling displays and appreciate what the world’s largest interior design fair has to offer. Thanks to our coverage of this year’s show, here are the highlights and the top kitchen design trends from Salone del Mobile 2016 and EuroCucina 2016.
Following our recent showcase of the 60 best bathrooms from the Salone Internazionale del Bagno, this feature focuses on the 50 best kitchen décor ideas from EuroCucina 2016. These kitchens represent a mix of current trends, emerging technology and inventive design—ideas that can kickstart the renovation you’ve been putting off.
1. An Island that Does It All!
The central island continues to dominate modern kitchen design. Islands at EuroCucina 2016 combine storage, prep space, seating and integrated dining into a single adaptable unit. From sliding drawers and clever cabinets to open shelving and breakfast nooks, islands are increasingly multifunctional. Renowned brands such as Leicht and Snaidero showcased confident, streamlined islands built on familiar proportions rather than experimenting with many round or semi-circular forms.
Open shelving is a notable island trend, turning functional storage into a display element. Many islands now include dedicated breakfast and serving zones, encouraging the kitchen to function as a social hub. Natural, non-toxic finishes—like those from Team 7—make these social kitchens feel warm and family-friendly, integrating seamlessly with living areas.
2. The Magic of Marble and Stone
Stone and marble made a strong comeback in kitchen design at EuroCucina. Moving beyond synthetic surfaces like Corian, designers reinterpreted stone to suit modern lifestyles—polished black granite and dramatic marbles were featured prominently. Innovators such as Strasser pushed the concept further with all-stone kitchen islands, demonstrating how natural materials can be both functional and sculptural.
These stone surfaces were often paired with minimalist cabinet designs to create kitchens that feel both elegant and robust. Even manufacturers with subtler stone use, like DaFre and Valdesign, demonstrated how a restrained approach can still deliver striking, contemporary results.
3. Organic Wooden Tones
Alongside stone and metal, warm wood tones were a consistent presence. Many designers used wood to bring texture and an organic feel to otherwise sleek kitchens. From fossilized wood islands to elegant wooden cabinetry, these natural finishes introduced depth and a sense of calm. Brands such as ILVE, Dica and Ernestomeda showcased wood in varied styles—rustic, minimal and Japanese-inspired—revealing just how versatile timber can be in modern kitchen design.
4. Color and Pattern
Not every kitchen at EuroCucina was neutral and quiet—color and pattern played a lively role in several standout designs. From bespoke, jewel-toned ranges by heritage brands like La Cornue to playful office-kitchen concepts from Estel Group, designers used color to define mood and personality. Patterned backsplashes and textured finishes added visual interest without overwhelming the overall palette, as seen in custom tile work and integrated decorative details.
5. Space-Savvy Solutions
Functionality was as important as style at EuroCucina. Space-saving ideas—smart shelving, corner storage, integrated drawers and multifunctional countertops—were everywhere. The Toncelli island, for example, hides a clever assortment of drawers and cabinets within a compact footprint, and Polaris highlighted modular shelving and efficient corner units for small spaces. Brands such as Comprex and Pedini also presented practical storage solutions that make daily life easier without compromising aesthetics.
EuroCucina 2016 revealed clear directions for kitchen design: islands as multifunctional centers, renewed appreciation for stone and wood, confident use of color and pattern, and clever space-saving systems. These trends offer practical inspiration for anyone planning an update—small changes to shelving, lighting or countertops can refresh a kitchen quickly and affordably. Which of these Milan highlights would you bring into your home?