International Furniture Expo 2023 Verano
As Mexico becomes one of the largest exporters for furniture in the world, it sets the stage at the International Furniture Expo for what to expect in design trends on a global scale.
Twice a year, the vibrant city of Guadalajara becomes a mecca for the world of furniture and design at the Expo Mueble Internacional. The 2023 Summer edition of the Expo, held from August 16-19, attracted 22,000 attendees and over 900 exhibitors. All of this led to a projected profits of an outstanding 800 million pesos.
In addition to the incredible exhibits that covered every square meter of the expo center, each day hosted different forums. Specialists across the design and architecture spectrum spoke about sustainability in architecture and design, social responsibility in an ever-growing industry, women in creative leadership roles, and building community through architecture and design. There was also a competition held to award the best amateur and student furniture designs.
In other words, it wasn’t just showcasing furniture—it was a revolution in the way we are shaping the spaces we live in.
Here were some of our favorite trends brought to us by some of our favorite exhibits:
Return of Rattan
Perhaps it has never truly gone out of style, but these are not your grandma’s kitchen chairs. The more vintage-looking cane rattan has made a modern comeback, highlighted in the backs of sleeker, more modern chairs, or adorned on the front of contemporary cabinet doors.
Cane Rattan Details on Dining Chair
Woven
It felt like every other chair at the Expo had a woven back or seat, or both. Whether rattan, pvc, nylon, polyurethane or otherwise, there was a Lot of woven furniture, especially for exterior furniture. But our favorite was Terracu’s super thick and soft rope used to weave the backs of chairs and headboards alike, to create a soft, cushy look that feels like pure luxury.
Woven Headboard by Terracu
Extra-Deep Sofas
We wanted to curl up in every extra-deep, oversized sofas we saw at the Expo, and there were more than a few. Whether for interior or exterior, this trend lends credence to our ever-evolving desire to feel comfortable and relaxed in our spaces.
Extra-deep Boucle Sofa by Azotea
Leather
We were surprised to see so much leather at the expo with ongoing themes of sustainability and eco-friendly materials, but leather as upholstery is ever-present and oh so pretty. Zarkin had an almost completely leather-clad exhibit, but my favorites came from Claudia Gleason Atelier, and STOWN, for a more “relaxed luxury” vibe.
Leather Chair by STOWN
