Furniture Archivi - Page 3 of 9 - Salbini

Bespoke Joinery: From Idea to Your Dream Environment

Bespoke joinery: from the idea to your dream environment

Here it is the art of customised joinery systems, where each modular element comes to life to meet individual needs.

Welcome to the exciting world of custom joinery, where incredible opportunities for customisation open up to you. We thought of involving our fantastic Expert of Joinery Modularity, Roberta Apuleo, in order to make this journey even more interesting and instructive. She has 39 years of experience in the furniture industry and specialises in designing modular systems.

Bespoke Joinery in practice

Bespoke joinery is a customised approach to designing and creating interior furnishings to meet specific needs and individual preferences. It’s known for its customisation, quality, adaptability, exclusivity and design flexibility. It can cover a wide range of interior design elements, including kitchens, bathroom vanties, bookcases, wardrobes and more.

Customisation is the Answer

The main features of bespoke joinery include customisation. Thanks to it, every element of the joinery, from the size to the materials, from the finishes to the arrangement of components, can be customised to perfectly suit the space and taste of the customer. This adaptability allows detailed design to solve specific space, functionality and style requirements in a wide range of situations, from private residences to commercial spaces.

The joinery is therefore ideal if you’re looking for exclusivity and flexibility, as each piece is unique and you’ll enjoy an environment that stands out for its originality, attention to detail and aesthetic vision.

Example of Industrial Joinery: Crossing

Crossing by MisuraEmme, designed by Mauro Lipparini, is a cutting-edge joinery solution that seamlessly combines form and function. Its modular panels allow for flexible wall-mounted shelving, offering complete adjustability along three axes for endless configuration possibilities. Crossing offers various module types and sizes, including units with different door styles and drawers. It comes in two versions: Fusion for a modern look and Listellare for a warmer ambiance. Its integrated LED lighting system adds elegance, making it a versatile and stylish storage solution.

Artisan and Industrial Quality

Both craft and industry can be used to make customised furniture, offering unique and functional solutions for living space. The choice depends on individual needs, but in both cases, the goal remains to create a unique and functional space that reflects one’s personality and style.

However, when we talk about bespoke joinery, you’re often led to think only about a handcrafted product and you might find it difficult to associate the process with an industry. Instead, there are now furniture companies capable of creating extraordinary tailor-made designs, adapted to the customer’s specific needs, with the added technology and perfection of industry.

Manufacturing Processes

The individual craftsman and industry only have in common their first approach to work, which is the design of the product you want to make. From now on, the craftsman will work on the single piece by hand, while industry can move on to the study of the most suitable materials for the manufacture and use of the specific product, focusing on the various possibilities of composing the individual elements to best realise the project. Finally, the industry will offer you a wide choice of finishes to choose from, including timber veneer or laquer, both glossy and matt, or HPL, high pressure laminate, which are now endless. Not least, you can even think about customising the hardware.

Once approval is obtained, the project goes to the production engineers who determine the feasibility and delivery time.

If you rely on an industry for customised work, you’ll first of all have the guarantee of programmable and well-defined delivery times. In addition, the company itself will have world-class designers and advanced production technologies at its disposal.

The Crucial Importance of Material Selection

In the industrial context, the precise selection of materials plays a pivotal role. Alongside the wide array of available finishes, the industry carefully adopts chipboard or plywood depending on specific design and structural needs.
Conversely, master craftsmen in carpentry, for similar projects, mainly uses MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) for its ease of manual work, despite being aware of the resulting compromises in terms of quality, added weight, and increased vulnerability to moisture, with the consequent risk of deformation.

Another notable distinction lies in the industry’s capability to masterfully combine different materials, as exemplified, for instance, in the acclaimed “Palo Alto” project by MisuraEmme. This system skillfully integrates and alternates glass and metal to create a fully customizable system, successfully challenging the boundaries of the artisanal context.

Undertaking projects with specific dimensions and complexity would prove exceedingly challenging, if not nearly impossible, for an artisan to achieve the same quality standards while simultaneously maintaining competitiveness in terms of the quality-price ratio. Consequently, the industry unquestionably represents the most advantageous choice for those whose priorities center around customization paired with maximum quality and the best possible price.

Ultimately, you’ll be able to benefit from a much broader and more professional view of your finished product, resulting from the collaboration of several professionals specialised in the field.

Craftsmanship at the Core

Thanks to the big brands that have kept craftsmanship at the core of their production processes, you can rely on the custom joinery industry without losing anything, but rather gaining in terms of quality standards. So forget the mass-produced stuff and get ready to receive a customised product with all the industry guarantees.

October 2, 2023

Focus

Longhi: Fifty Years Of Elegance in Italian Design

A family business between tradition and innovation

Reliability, uniqueness and elegance are the pillars on which the great history of Longhi rests. A story that spans more than half a century in the world of contemporary design furniture, entirely “Made in Italy”, and which holds firm to its family identity, which it sees as an immeasurable value.

A Made in Italy tradition

Founded in Meda, in the province of Monza Brianza, Lombardy – Italy, Longhi has long produced exclusive furnishing accessories for the domestic market. Each of its pieces is a handmade work of art, often costumized, proudly respecting traditional craftsmanship. Customisation, taken to a very high level, guarantees maximum Made in Italy quality through rigorous in-house controls.

The heart of Longhi are its professionals, masters in their field, loyal to the company for over twenty years, who work with passion and professionalism to turn your every dream into reality.

A pioneering beginning

The first step was a bold leap into the world of interior doors and woodwork of the highest standard, in which Longhi was unrivalled. Pioneers in this field, they’ve continued to grow, increasingly meeting the needs of their customers.

The turning point, however, came with the second generation, who perceived the growing demand for luxury across the border. Then came the time when a customer asked to furnish his entire house in the company’s unmistakable style: this gave a further push to expansion, covering the furnishing of every nook and cranny of the home, except the kitchen.

From external stimulus to project: “Breath Collection”

The watchword in every accessory and design is “elegance”. Whether it is a hotel lobby, a lake house or a penthouse in New York, this aspect is always central.

When you turn to Longhi, you’re looking for a sober, chic atmosphere that reflects your essence and authentic values, to be shared with those you love. But Longhi has a talent for capturing external stimuli and translating them into new collections with unique and distinctive designs: the “Breath Collection”, born at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a tangible example.

This collection, with its soothing and welcoming style, celebrates the end of a difficult period, full of stress and uncertainty.

Ready to light up the world with timeless design

Longhi’s future is rich in projects. Next December, a flagship store will open in Vienna (Austria), followed by openings in 2024 in Ha Noi (Vietnam), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and London (UK).

In addition, shop-in-shops will see the light in Beirut (Lebanon), Doha (Quatar) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), following in the footsteps of those in the prestigious locations of Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Dakar (Senegal), Miami (Florida), New York (USA), Oslo (Norway) and Amsterdam (Netherlands).

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

Credits: Photographs courtesy of Longhi Spa.

September 26, 2023

Focus

Maurizio Riva: “I am a carpenter who wants to improve the world”

Discovering the soul of Riva 1920

He isn’t a life mentor, but he daily spreads important messages through his work.

Passionate and meticulous, Maurizio Riva takes care of his products from the first to the last stage of manufacture. Born in 1954, the president of the Riva 1920, puts his soul into every inch of his company, where he himself makes sure that everything works and is in place.

We meet him at Riva Center in Cantù, in the province of Como, surrounded by the scent of wood and “order”, which is a key word for him.

The Riva Center

Showroom

The showroom covers 1,200 smq Among the most striking pieces is the “Draft Horse: Peace and Hope,” more than three meters tall and made for Expo in 2015.

In addition to solid wood pieces from the Riva 1920 collections, you can admire the so-called “Workers’ Bicycles”, a private collection, purchased by Maurizio Riva himself, dating back to the early 1900s.

Pangea Lab

The Pangea Lab is located on the top floor of the Riva Center. Designed as a multifunctional space, this is where the Company organizes his training events and conferences.

Inside, you can see the Pangea Table designed by Michele de Lucchi for Expo 2015.

The table is inspired by the continent Pangea, which originally included all the land surface.

Also located along the walls is a xylotheque, which contains about 900 different woods from around the world.

Wood Museum

The Wood Museum houses a collection of machines and tools that is unique in Europe. The pieces on display are, in fact, more than 5,000.

Standing out above them all, is the Antico table with an iron base designed by Renzo Piano.

This table is 12 m long and is made of 48000-year-old Kauri wood from New Zealand.

Leaving his building, we feel that this special carpenter and his story left a mark on us too. We come back home, after visiting the entire Showroom, the Production Units, the exclusive Wood Museum and sitting at the Pangea Table, created for Expo 2015.

We bring with us the honor of having walked among millennial woods and the awareness that, whatever happens, we’ll get up just like the spinning top.

Thanks to Cinzia Porro, Marketing and Communication Manager at Riva 1920.

May 25, 2023

Events

Salone del Mobile.Milano – Design Week 2023

Salone del Mobile.Milano and Design Week 2023

Once again we have combined the passion for our work with friendship, as we like to do… as we like to be! The 61st edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano and Milan Design Week 2023 were amazing!

Thanks to our clients, partners and managers for having lived these intense and exclusive days together.

Thanks to our suppliers for welcoming us with kindness and professionalism.

Visits to the exhibitors, definition of the projects, details of the orders and the splendid conclusion at Lake Como… what a beautiful experience!

People

Our Italian team consisted of managers Filippo Salbini, Maria Giordano and Antonio Pepe.

With them also our Expert in Joinery Modularity Roberta Apuleo.

Our manager Scott Wilson has joined us from Australia.

Our Malaysian partner Steven Leong was in Italy with his collaborators.

Our American partner Tom Landry II joined us from the USA with his trusted collaborator Miriam Padberg Owens.

Joining our team were also some leading international interior designers and architects with whom we collaborate with enthusiasm and also some Australian clients who have chosen the last details for some ongoing residential projects.

Projects

We worked on some projects closely with our clients and direct suppliers, while our partners and collaborators took care of the selection and details for some supplies in Asia, Australia and North America.

Brands

At Salone del Mobile.Milano we experienced first-hand the latest news from the best furniture manufacturers. At Euroluce area we have dedicated ourselves to lighting.

We have further strengthened relationships with some manufacturers and established new relationships with some important Italian and European brands.

In the evening, however, we took part in exclusive events organized by our trusted suppliers in Milan.

We met Amura, Barovier & Toso, Baxter, Boca Do Lobo, Bover, Cini&Nils, Emmemobili, Extremis, Impatia, Kare, Koket, Longhi, Luceplan, Malerba, miniforms, MisuraEmme, Nomon, Paolo Castelli, Preciosa, Rosa Splendiani, Scolaro, Teckell, Tonon, Wall Decò.

Lake Como

We decided to conclude our Exclusive Design Week 2023 in a splendid location, hosting our friends for lunch at Lake Como. No work here… just chatting and having fun with friends!

Our job is beautiful, because it allows us to have relationships based on sincere esteem, mutual trust and solid friendships.

We are really lucky!

April 24, 2023

Focus

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

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.

April 21, 2023

Guides

How to buy high quality Italian furniture: ten useful tips

Buying high quality Italian furniture can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a complex undertaking if you don’t have an interior designer who takes care of your project and a trusted supplier that helps you to select.

Here are some useful tips to help you choose and buy high-end Italian furniture.

1. List of needs

Amura: Palmo

Before shopping, make a list of the furniture you want. This way you can focus on priorities and select the furniture that best meets your needs. The list helps you a lot during the selection phase, so don’t underestimate it!

2. Design that fits your style

Sovet: Arkos

When choosing furniture, make sure it fits your style. Italian decor is known for its elegant and sophisticated design, so choose furniture that fits your personal preferences. There are many different styles to choose from, you will surely find the right one for you.

3. Space

MisuraEmme: Palo Alto

Before buying a piece of furniture, measure the space where it is to be placed and make sure you have adequate space to be able to use it.

For example, if you have to buy a wardrobe, you need to leave a free area in front of it, to allow the doors and drawers to open without problems. For chairs, sofas, and armchairs, make sure the furniture you choose fits the size of your space and that people can sit comfortably.

4. Functionality

Roberti: Atollo Day Bed

When choosing furniture, consider its functionality and usefulness. You can select products with a refined design that offer a perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics. This is a good way to enjoy your home and surprise your guests at the same time.

5. Materials

Riva 1920: Craftsmanship

High-end Italian furniture is known for the very high quality of the materials used. To choose products that will last a long time, also make sure that the furniture is well made and well assembled.

6. Colors and fabrics

Giorgetti: Production

Choose colors and fabrics that suit your environment. The best Italian manufacturers use high quality padding and the skilful use of materials such as leather and velvet have made Italian furniture famous all over the world. So, in addition to the colors you like, also choose upholstery that fits your lifestyle.

7. Variants

Secolo: Pingu X Side Table

You must follow this advice very carefully, because it’s really important!

Many furnishing products are available in different variants, so carefully evaluate the different solutions, dimensions and finishes. These characteristics are very often decisive, not only for the aesthetics, but also for the price.

When making comparisons between different variations of the same product or between different suppliers, always be sure to dig into the product details.

8. Brands

Choose only Italian furniture manufacturers and suppliers you can trust.

At Salbini we select the best furniture brands that guarantee high quality materials, workmanship and construction. We also ensure that the company choices of the producers respect the best environmental sustainability procedures. Natural resources are not infinite and it is our duty to take care of the earth.

9. Get ahead of the times

Salbini: Shipping warehouse

Decide precisely when you need the furniture and start the selection right away. In this way you will not have to settle for the availability of the local retailer’s warehouse, and you will be able to have a wider choice, as happens with us at Salbini. You can even have a bespoke product made just for you!

Furthermore, if you decide to import the furniture directly from Italy, consider the time required for shipping, delivery and assembly.

10. Budget

miniforms: Botera Sofa

Before buying, plan your budget and keep in mind the price of high quality Italian furniture. There are many options available, so choose furniture that fits your budget and meets your needs.

In summary

Purchasing high-quality Italian furniture takes research and planning. Make sure you choose reliable manufacturers, invest in quality, consider functionality, respect the environment and plan your budget.

By following these tips, you will be able to buy high-end Italian design furniture that perfectly suits your needs and style.

Cover image: Longhi Cohen

April 17, 2023

Guides

Floating Kitchen: between lightness and design

The kitchen is where your day begins.

Where you meet your family and talk about each other. It’s the place where you host friends for dinner; sometimes it’s where anniversaries are celebrated.

A contemporary way to furnish it is the floating kitchen.

A floating kitchen is highly advisable if you wish to create a light and coordinated setting in your open space.

If you want to install a floating kitchen, you should consider the services running through the walls and the solidity of the weight-bearing wall, since you’ll need L-shaped steel support profiles. On the other hand, if you aren’t working on a bearing wall, some kitchen models will require extra feet, as additional weight support.

A kitchen can be wholly or just partially floating, ‘cause it’s possible to mix suspended base and columns: that means that all or just some bases do not touch the floor, guaranteeing maximum customization.

In any way, take note that designing your floating kitchen will be much easier during a renovation.

A floating kitchen is not for everyone yet. So let’s go and see the main pros and cons of this choice.

Among the disadvantages is a small storage space, so if you are looking for practicality and capacity, we suggest a traditional kitchen.

The floating kitchen is for you, if you don’t require too much storage and love innovative design.

As for the cons, we must also say that a floating kitchen is more difficult to assemble, so rely on professionals in the industry for this service.

The appliances will have to be suspended and everything must be designed in detail. The fixing must be very careful and functional, having to support different weights.

Last but not least, the choice of dishwashers for floating kitchens is at the moment limited to few models.

*Bosch: Series 6 compact built-in dishwasher*

But a great advantage in choosing a floating kitchen is that it’s very easy to clean, as the bases do not touch the floor. Another pro is that any underfloor heating will be exploited to its full potential.

In summary, the main feature of floating kitchens is the sense of lightness.

So, if you are tired of the classic floor-standing kitchens and want to stand out, this could easily be the right choice for you.

Special tips

Beautiful to live in and to show off, we suggest installing LEDs under the cabinets.

Furthermore, many of our Partners allow for the personalization of their collections. This means that even if a model is not represented as a floating kitchen, it is possible to make it bespoke for you.

Cover image: Twenty Resina Kitchen by Modulnova

March 20, 2023

Focus

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.

February 16, 2023

Events

Visit to Porada in January 2023

Our visit to the Porada company which has been producing furnishings designed to last over time since 1948.

Porada makes quality and professionalism its foundations, creating elegant and excellent products for homes all over the world.

February 8, 2023

Events

Visit to Porro in January 2023

Our visit to the Porro company in January 2023 to touch the clean lines, the geometric shapes and the functionality of the furnishings.

A clear and simple project, standing out for its essential and immediately identifiable language, with minimal signs, geometries, shapes, without forgetting its unique company philosophy: simplicity above all.

All Porro products are the result of a subtraction and derive from a progressive simplification process.