The Wallpaper* Design Awards 2026 celebrate the forefront of domestic design, spotlighting both classic revivals and pioneering new creations that promise to shape future living spaces. This year's selections delve into innovative materials, sustainable practices, and artistic interpretations of everyday objects, showcasing a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Each featured piece, from iconic reissues to avant-garde experiments, reflects a commitment to aesthetic excellence and functional ingenuity, providing a compelling vision for contemporary interiors.
Reimagined Classics and Sustainable Innovations
This section explores two distinct yet equally impactful trends: the resurgence of a 1970s design icon and the pioneering use of recycled materials in furniture. The 'Magellano' vase, a masterpiece by Vico Magistretti, has been meticulously reissued by Editions Milano, demonstrating how timeless design can find new relevance. Its elegant spherical form, inspired by a pioneering explorer, offers a unique blend of artistry and practicality for floral arrangements. In contrast, Nicolas Zanoni's 'Freaky Puddle' stool pushes the boundaries of sustainability by transforming recycled polystyrene into objects that mimic the rich textures of wood and marble. This innovative approach not only redefines waste materials but also challenges conventional perceptions of luxury and craftsmanship.
The 'Magellano' vase, originally conceived by the acclaimed Italian architect Vico Magistretti, is a testament to his philosophy of purity and simplicity in design. Reissued by Editions Milano, this globe-shaped vessel, crafted from palladium-finished brass, features two hemispheres with a grid-like pattern that elegantly supports floral displays, allowing for "ikebana-like" arrangements. Its base bears Magistretti's signature, emphasizing its heritage and artisanal quality. Simultaneously, the article highlights the ingenious work of Nicolas Zanoni, who has dedicated three years to perfecting the transformation of expanded polystyrene into visually striking and robust furniture. His 'Chair Brûlée' collection, particularly the 'Freaky Puddle' stool, utilizes a heat-pressing technique to create marbled sheets that are then sculpted and treated to resemble burnished wood. This not only offers a sustainable alternative to traditional materials but also imbues each piece with a unique, "toasted-marshmallow" aesthetic, showcasing a fascinating fusion of industrial process and artistic expression.
Artistic Lighting and Sculptural Seating
This segment delves into innovative lighting solutions and imaginative seating designs, demonstrating how functionality can be infused with artistic flair. The reissued 'Sintesi' lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide celebrates five decades of revolutionary lighting design. Drawing on Gismondi's background in aerospace engineering, this modular lamp offers unparalleled adjustability and efficiency, proving that design from half a century ago can still be remarkably modern. Complementing this, Esto's 'Disguise' chairs introduce a whimsical and organic dimension to seating, with their "prickly" forms that evoke natural colonies. These pieces transform ordinary furniture into captivating art, encouraging a playful engagement with the living environment.
Ernesto Gismondi's 'Sintesi' lamp, a 1970s creation now re-released by Artemide, stands as a beacon of innovative lighting. Its design, influenced by Gismondi's aerospace expertise, presents a striking silhouette that blends robotic aesthetics with vintage charm. The lamp's modular components allow for exceptional flexibility in height and angle, making it a highly adaptable fixture for various settings. Meanwhile, the 'Disguise' series from Madrid-based studio Esto, led by Amalia Wakonigg and Guillermo Borreguero, redefines seating with its unique, sculptural qualities. These chairs, stools, and benches are constructed from tubular steel and wrapped in hand-sewn textile covers, featuring distinctive "prickly edges" that create an "organic and slightly unsettling" appearance. Resembling newly discovered biological forms or marine life, these pieces invite a sense of wonder and curiosity, turning functional items into focal points that enliven any room with their unconventional beauty.