Milan Design Week was, as always, a whirlwind of immersive exhibitions and international energy, centered around the legendary Salone del Mobile. Among the highlights of our trip was visiting the showrooms of some of Italy’s finest lighting brands, names we proudly carry here in Australia. From contemporary masterpieces to timeless icons, these spaces didn’t just show us products, they told us stories.
Nemo Lighting
Okay, we might be a little biased… but this was one of the most immersive showroom experiences we've ever had. Nemo’s art direction was nothing short of extraordinary. Their team transformed the entire space into an underwater fantasy, blurring the lines between lighting, art, and storytelling.
Imagine walking in and seeing a crowd gathered not around a celebrity or influencer but around a floor lamp. But not just any floor lamp. One that casts a glow mimicking the aura of a circling shark fin. Yes, really.
As we continued through the space, we were transported into an oceanic dream. Custom Parliament floor lamps mimicked a school of fish. Light fixtures floated like sea creatures suspended mid-sway. Every detail above, below, left, and right was curated to create a world below the surface. It wasn’t just a showroom. It was a journey. A play. A fantasy. We could have spent hours looping through the space, discovering new moments of magic with each pass.
From Nemo’s own words:
“Muse Factory of Projects captured the essence of Alon Rotman’s exhibition, where lamps were transformed into elements of a deeper narrative... It moved beyond a physical interpretation of light to reveal its profound evocative power.”
Discover the Nemo Lighting range available at Nook Collection.
Fontana Arte
You enter behind heavy curtains—not quite sure what to expect. Fontana Arte has always been timeless and approachable in our eyes, but what we saw went far beyond that. The showroom exploded with oversized screens, graphic motion, and dancing light. It was theatrical and bold, but also undeniably elegant.
Then came the spiral staircase—a rich, captivating blue cocoon that led us into the heart of the Fontana Arte universe. Down there, surrounded by their most iconic and newest creations, we felt the legacy of a brand that honors its roots while continuing to evolve in beautiful, innovative ways.
From Fontana Arte’s own release:
“Sempre Blu,” bears the signature of Franco Raggi and Daniela Puppa... reaffirming the brand's central role in the international design scene and celebrating the marriage of innovation and tradition.
Discover the Fontana Arte range available at Nook Collection.
Artemide
We visited Artemide on the night of their launch party—chaos, in the best possible way. You could barely move through the crowd on Corso Monforte, but once inside, we were surrounded by decades of brilliance.
The showroom was curated like a time capsule: architectural, decorative, sustainable, and bold. From iconic classics to cutting-edge new releases, Artemide didn’t just present lighting—they made you feel what great lighting design is.
Monica (our resident Artemide devotee) has loved the brand for years. But even for me, a newcomer to their world, it was eye-opening. Their commitment to conscious design and the emotional resonance of light stood out in every corner.
As Artemide explains:
“Presented are new products born from collaboration with international architects... sharing values such as sustainability, central to Artemide’s future.”
Discover the Artemide range available at Nook Collection.
Panzeri
This one took us by surprise. While we've always admired the Murano Murane chandelier (it’s proudly on display in our showroom), many of Panzeri’s other pieces hadn't yet spoken to us, until now.
This showroom was a maze, literally. Staircases and doorways led you from one space to the next, each room showcasing a fresh perspective on the brand. From product quality to craftsmanship, Panzeri presented the beauty of Italian-made lighting with quiet confidence. Every detail was considered, every placement purposeful.
And let us say it: we're officially converted.
Discover the Panzeri Lighting range available at Nook Collection.
In the Heart of Milan’s Lighting Scene
Within just 50 meters of each other, we experienced some of the best lighting design Italy has to offer. These weren’t just showroom visits, they were journeys. Installations that merged storytelling with light. Spaces that showed us not only where these brands have been, but where they’re boldly going.
It was undoubtedly a highlight of our trip.
(Oh, and the dinner we had that night? Unreal. But that’s another blog.)
