Milano - Spring 2025

Salone del Mobile 2025 was a dynamic celebration of bold color, rich materials, and expressive design. Earthy tones like mocha, terracotta, and deep brown brought warmth and elegance, while purple, hailed as the color of the year, appeared in plush leathers and atmospheric lighting. Accents of juicy orange and deep blue added vibrancy, and nature-inspired palettes of greens, blues, and soft neutrals paired seamlessly with sustainable materials like cork, bamboo, and recycled wood. Organic shapes, playful forms, and layered transparencies defined the visual language, with nods to the 1960s and '70s, through sculptural lighting, chrome, burl wood, and Murano glass. Emotional, multisensory experiences were central, as designers curated spaces that engaged touch, sight, and mood. Blending tradition with innovation, the fair underscored a renewed focus on comfort, craftsmanship, and storytelling in contemporary design.

During my time in Milan, I found myself drawn to the vibrant Brera Design District, a neighborhood renowned for its cobbled streets, historic architecture, and reputation as the city’s creative heart. Wandering through Brera’s lively mix of galleries, design boutiques, and cafés, I was fully immersed in the district’s unique atmosphere, where art, fashion, and design seamlessly converge.

One moment I keep returning to is my decision not to step inside the Magis showroom on Corso Garibaldi. That evening, British designer Paul Cocksedge, whose imaginative work I deeply admire, was giving a casual presentation of his new Squash Mirrors collection. Missing the chance to experience his work firsthand and perhaps exchange a few words with him remains one of my few regrets from an otherwise inspiring visit.

Yakisugi: The Art, the Misnomer, and the Process

If you're passionate about unique wood finishes or sustainable building techniques, you've probably heard of "Shou Sugi Ban." But did you know that's actually a misnomer? The correct term is “yakisugi,” a centuries-old Japanese technique that's as beautiful as it is practical. In this post, I’ll clarify the name's confusion, explore the traditional process, and explain why yakisugi is relevant as a useful building material.

Yakisugi vs. Shou Sugi Ban: Clearing Up the Name Confusion

In Japan, the traditional method of charring wood is called yakisugi, which means "charred cedar," with yaki meaning burned and sugi referring to Japanese cedar. Occasionally, it's called yakisugi-ita, meaning "charred cedar plank." The term "shou sugi ban," widely used in the West, is actually a mistranslation, a result of misreading Japanese kanji and combining pronunciations in a way that doesn't exist in the language. In fact, most people in Japan wouldn't recognize the term at all. While "shou sugi ban" gained popularity abroad through early translation errors and marketing, using yakisugi is both accurate and respectful of the craft's cultural roots.

The Yakisugi Process: Traditional and Modern Methods

It begins with selecting Japanese cedar, prized for its ideal charring properties. Boards are cut, dried, and then bound together, typically with wet rope or wire, to form a triangular chimney, with the sides to be charred facing inward. A small flame source, such as wood shavings or newspaper, is placed inside and ignited, creating a chimney effect that pulls flames upward for even burning. In just a few minutes, the wood reaches temperatures of up to 600°C. The boards are rotated as needed to ensure uniform charring. Once the desired finish is achieved, the boards are separated and extinguished with water. Finally, the surface is brushed clean, washed, and often sealed with oil to enhance durability and sheen.

Modern Adaptations

Today, many use propane torches for greater control and convenience, especially on smaller projects or when uniformity is key. The steps remain the same: burn, brush, wash, and oil.

Why Yakisugi?

Yakisugi-treated wood is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to the elements. The charring process naturally repels insects and prevents rot while also enhancing the wood’s fire-retardant properties. Visually, it offers a striking aesthetic, ranging from smooth, refined surfaces to bold, textured patterns reminiscent of alligator skin, depending on the intensity of the burn.

Conclusion

Yakisugi is more than a design trend, it's a time-honored Japanese craft with lasting benefits. Often misnamed "shou sugi ban" in the West, the correct term is yakisugi, and using it shows respect for the tradition and culture behind the technique. Whether you're an architect, woodworker, or design enthusiast, understanding its true origins and process deepens your connection to this enduring art form.

Sources:

  • Japan Woodcraft Association: “Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban)” – Explains the correct terminology, historical context, and manufacturing process.

  • Nakamoto Forestry: “Sustainable Building Material: Yakisugi” and “What is Yakisugi/ Shou Sugi Ban?” – Details the traditional and modern yakisugi process, wood selection, and sustainability.

  • The Spruce: “What Is Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi)?” – Discusses the meaning of yakisugi, process steps, and qualities of the finished wood.

  • Goodland: “An Exploration of Yakisugi” – Outlines the traditional charring method and finishing steps.

  • Wikipedia: “Yakisugi” – Provides an overview of the technique, etymology, and benefits.

  • Pioneer Millworks: “The History of Shou Sugi Ban: Yakisugi” – Offers historical background and cultural context.

  • Nakamoto Forestry UK: “The Cultural Origin of a Centuries-Old Tradition” – Describes the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of yakisugi.

  • ArchDaily: “Carbonized Wood: A Traditional Japanese Technique That Has Conquered the World” – Notes the adaptation and popularity of yakisugi in modern architecture.

Understanding Color Metamerism: Types and Their Impact on the Perception of Color

Metamerism is a fascinating phenomenon in color science where two objects appear to match in color under certain conditions but reveal their differences when those conditions change. Understanding the various types of metamerism is crucial for anyone working with color, whether in design, manufacturing, or scientific research, because it helps explain why colors that seem identical in one context may look completely different in another. In this post, I’ll guide you through the different types of metamerism, highlighting what causes each one and why they matter in real-world applications. By the end, you’ll have a basic understanding of how lighting, viewing angle, observer differences, and even technology can all influence the way we perceive color matches.

Illuminant Metamerism:

This occurs when two colors appear to match under one light source but look different under another. For example, a fabric might match a swatch in a store’s fluorescent lighting but not in daylight. This happens because the spectral reflectance of the materials interacts differently with each light source, revealing their differences as the illumination changes.

Observer Metamerism:

Observer metamerism occurs when two people perceive the same color differently, even under identical lighting conditions. This happens because individual variations in human vision, such as differences in cone cell sensitivity or age-related changes in the eye, affect how colors are interpreted. For example, one person might see an object as teal, while another sees it as more turquoise, despite both viewing the same material under the same light. This makes consistent color communication challenging, particularly in industries like design and manufacturing where precise color matching is critical.

Geometric Metamerism:

This type arises when the match between two colors depends on the viewing or illumination angle. Surface texture, gloss, or orientation can cause colors to match from one angle but not another. It’s common with materials that have directional properties, like textiles or metallic finishes.

Field-size Metamerism:

Two colors may match when viewed as small areas but differ when seen as larger fields. This is because the human eye’s color sensitivity changes with the size of the visual field, due to variations in cone cell distribution across the retina. Field-size metamerism is especially relevant in industrial color matching and quality control.

Device Metamerism:

This happens when the same color appears differently across various digital displays, even though it's technically the same RGB value. For example, imagine someone shopping online for a teal sofa. On their smartphone, the sofa looks vibrant and slightly blue-green. Later, they view the same product on their desktop monitor, where it appears more muted and leans toward grayish-green. When they finally see the sofa in person at a showroom, it has a warmer, richer teal tone with subtle undertones not visible on either screen. This shift occurs because each device interprets and displays color differently, based on its own calibration, screen type, and lighting, leading to the phenomenon known as device metamerism.

Print Metamerism:

Print metamerism occurs when two colors that appear to match under one lighting condition look different under another. This phenomenon is especially common in printed materials, where ink and substrate interact with light differently than digital displays. Because the spectral reflectance of inks can vary, a printed color might match a sample under daylight but shift noticeably under fluorescent or incandescent light. Print metamerism presents challenges for color consistency, particularly in industries like interior design, fashion, and branding, where precise color matching is essential.

Sources:

  • Wikipedia: Metamerism (color)

  • Coltechcon: At least 12 Color Metamerism types

  • Metro Dyeing: Understanding Metamerism: A Key Phenomenon in Color Matching

  • GTI Graphic Technology Inc.: What Is Metamerism?

  • Carboline: Metamerism in Color Matching for Industrial Coatings

Sculpting with Bricks: Inside The Art of the Brick Exhibition

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit The Art of the Brick at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, a captivating exhibit by artist Nathan Sawaya, who transforms millions of LEGO® bricks into over 100 striking sculptures. The show features reimagined masterpieces like Starry Night and Mona Lisa, alongside originals such as the iconic Yellow and his largest piece to date, Decisions, made from over 112,000 bricks.

A standout moment for me was PERNiCiEM: The Endangered Species Connection, a powerful collaboration with photographer Dean West, pairing large-scale LEGO sculptures of endangered animals with compelling imagery to raise awareness about extinction.

The exhibit wraps with a massive interactive play zone, inviting visitors of all ages to get hands-on with thousands of LEGO bricks, a perfect finish to an inspiring experience.

KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature Exhibit

This remarkable exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden beautifully blended Yayoi Kusama’s iconic visual language with the serenity of the natural world. Spanning 250 acres, KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature showcased monumental sculptures, immersive installations, and interactive works like Narcissus Garden and the Infinity Mirrored Room. Kusama’s signature polka dots, bold florals, and whimsical forms transformed the landscape into a dreamlike, multisensory journey. Inspired by her childhood in a seed nursery, the exhibition explored themes of growth, transformation, and our deep connection to nature’s infinite rhythms.