M.E. recently posted the new products design giants Porro will be exhibiting at this year's Milan Furniture Fair, but we thought it would be good to hear from them about the projects they've been developing, so we got in touch for a more in-depth insight into the Salone 2009. We spoke to Mauro Marelli from Porro about the event, the future of design and the ones to watch...

What have you been working on recently? Would you be able to give us any sneak previews of new projects you might be showing at Milan this year?

Natural woods, coloured metals, black and white decorations, contrasts of polished and opaque surfaces: the experimentation focuses on the materials, both at home and in Porro home office.

If in recent editions the reflection on forms and materials has concerned above all the collections, and it has borne fruits, contributing to projecting the company among the names most followed in the furnishing sector, it is now the systems, the company’s core production, that return to being its preferred object of study, to be analyzed from multiple perspectives.

Flexible structures capable of modulating the space, for 2009 are transformed into their essence, sometimes favouring a technical aspect, the experimentation with new, highly resistant materials that are more suited to working environments, sometimes a natural aspect, the use of wood in its material consistence, and finally, the decorative aspect, where the decoration is not understood as a Baroque superimposition, but as a conceptual approach closely associated with the object.

What does exhibiting at the Salone del Mobile mean for you? How would you describe the positives (and maybe negatives?) of the experience?

During the Milan Design Week, the city becomes the creative centre of the world.

The presence at the fair has become more and more important – essential - for Porro and all the Italian design companies in the last years. For our company, Salone del Mobile has always represented a positive experience and the perfect occasion to affirm our company worldwide: it’s just from this event that started the rising of the Italian furnishing sector in the design world.

We're sorry, it has to be asked - How do you think the current economic situation will affect the climate in the design world, and particularly this year's Milan Salone? Do you foresee any positive or negative knock on effects or adaptations that might happen as a result?

Of course, unluckily, this year Salone del Mobile takes place in a difficult economic context, but we are sure that the Italian companies which were able to affirm themselves as a strong brand and to organize a widespread distribution network, will face this crisis counting upon more strength and resources, and Porro is among them. Just during Salone del Mobile, we will be able to see how much positive or negative are the commercial operators, but we think positive.

Do you have any predictions for trends in design this year?

In 2009 our brand’s project research is pushing towards living spaces that are even more personal and eclectic, an elegant and refined blend of atmospheres where high-tech accents, décor mannerisms and a return to the roughest, most irregular consistency of solid wood coexist harmoniously even in the smallest environments, to satisfy the tastes of a clientele that is inquisitive and loves to cross-fertilise.

Especially in a critical situation, when people spend most of their time at home, the house has to become more and more elegant, natural, comfortable.

Is there anything you're especially looking forward to at this year's Salone? Can you let us in on the stands you'll be checking out for yourself/selves or new names to watch?

Salone del Mobile is a showcase where looking for novelties and inspirations. All stands are worth a visit, as even the smallest and unknown design companies can tantalize you with a pleasant surprise.

And of course, its not all work! Where do you think this year's best Salone party will be?

With more than 500 events across the city, it’s quite hard to choose the best event, but we are looking forward to seeing the amazing proposals to face critical situations by the students of the London Royal College of Art, at Seves showroom, via Lodovico il Moro 25/27. Young designers’ ideas can be an important source of inspiration in this period.