Edit Szilvasy of Kartonartdesign responds to our Salone del Mobile questions and reveals their green and beautiful cardboard interventions which will be on show at this year's Milan Furniture Fair...
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?
Our products are made in the spirit of sustainability. We make cardboard furniture using a patented technology that makes our furniture strong as wood, yet as light as paper, with a 10 year life span. These are the most eco-friendly furniture on the market world-wide.
We will show a newly developed line of cardboard furniture. It also involves a new method of furniture restoration, new patent pending. We breathe new life into old furniture using cardboard based on the patented technology. This furniture evokes the atmosphere of good old times, yet gives the feel of contemporary eco-design to make you comfortable in the passage between past and future.
What does exhibiting at the Salone del Mobile mean for you? How would you describe the positives (and maybe negatives?) of the experience?
It is certainly the most prestigious design fair in the world. Exciting, intense, colourful, thought-provoking, inspiring. The negatives are the same, because it is sooooo much... :-)
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?
The shift in thinking towards more environment-conscious goods is a welcome knock-on effect.
Do you have any predictions for trends in design this year?
I believe the economic situation will force companies and clients to search for alternative solutions. They will also pay more attention to sustainable design. I see this as a positive possible outcome, that people turn from the throw-away consumer goods to recognizing the values of the crafts surrounding us.
Certainly the "green design" will prevail.
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?
I will be looking out for eco-friendly design, and all exhibitors at the That's Design exhibition seem to offer just that.
And of course, its not all work! Where do you think this year's best Salone party will be?
Where me and my husband will be dancing!













