Vivid hues reminiscent of citrus- and grape-flavoured sports drinks have become the breakout design colour trend of 2026, moving beyond the area of sports beverages and into the living room. This trend was evident at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, where Gatorade-inspired colours were on full display.
Milan, a city traditionally associated with espresso, saw a plethora of supersaturated hues at its showrooms and exhibitions this spring.
The use of such colours is a departure from the beige and brown tones that dominated last year’s design scene.
Electrolyte-Enhanced Design
Leveraging Dooor’s glossy partitions, Objects of Common Interest created a calm refuge for visitors at Alcova, providing a much-needed respite from the overwhelming stimuli.
Simone Bonanni’s bed for Zanotta features a frame made of solid wood and comes in a freshly squeezed colourway, which is said to boost sleep quality due to its Vitamin C-inspired hue.
A two-toned shell establishes a dynamic palette in Piero Lissoni’s Kartell lounger, with the colours continuing across the cushions.
Designers’ Inspirations
Júlia Esqué’s armchair for Sancal was designed to resemble dressing up for a special occasion, with a version sans skirt, called Formal Twin, also available.
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Patricia Urquiola’s Cassina sofa pairs soft, duvet-like cushioning with hard lacquered concrete side tables featuring a ceramic finish.
Zanellato/Bortotto’s sofa system for Moroso resembles lemon wedges when viewed from above, with each module backed by a small ceramic button.
In the midst of this colour trend, Philippe Malouin and Meritalia’s armchair, modelled after the curved imprint left behind by an ice cream scoop, provides a fun and playful touch.
More Designs
Roman studio Næssi’s solid wood shelving modules for Bosnian brand Woak can be configured in various ways, including horizontally or vertically, and come in a range of colours, including a zesty yellow.
Konstantin Grcic’s solid wood bistro chair for Mattiazzi takes its name and horseshoe-shaped backrest from the domed semi-circular apse found in historic churches.
Hlynur Atlason’s inaugural collection for Glas Italia, named after the Icelandic word for “field,” was inspired by aerial views of farmland observed through an airplane window.
The eight-piece collection from Italy’s Extra Ordinario, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, includes a suede chair with a fashionably cinched backrest, shown in a grape flavour colour.
