Elena Salmistraro is a name that has forcefully entered the history of design, a young representative of a generation that is rewriting the aesthetic, design, and conceptual canons of style. She lives and works in Milan, her city, and in 2009, she founded her studio with architect Angelo Stoli, immediately starting to work on projects ranging from architecture to design, including art, fashion, illustration, and visual arts.

Her creations are the manifesto of a volcanic creativity, colorful transpositions of an almost endless inventiveness, which has led her to work with the most important international companies - to name a few: Cappellini, Bosa, De Castelli, Driade, Alcantara, Disney, Apple, Vitra, Nike, and many others - and to win numerous prestigious awards.

Her works have been exhibited at all major industry fairs and in some Italian and international museums, such as the Triennale Design Museum, Guggenheim Venice, ADI Design Museum, Pinacoteca di Brera, Mad Museum Singapore, Design Museum - Centro Cultural la Moneda-Santiago de Chile, and The Lookout - V&A Waterfront - Cape Town - South Africa.

In which direction is interior design going?

I believe that interior design is evolving, reflecting the idea that plurality is the true direction. Today, there is no single dominant line that defines a style or trend, but rather a wide range of approaches that relate to the needs and individual tastes of clients. This diversity is the result of an increasing awareness of quality and functional requirements. This diversity leads to a constant effort to push boundaries, experimenting with materials, colors, and, most importantly, concepts, foregoing a specific direction in favor of embracing various approaches. Additionally, there is also a growing focus on sustainable material use, demonstrating how design is acquiring environmental responsibility and social awareness that have been slow to assert themselves.

Are people's tastes and demands changing?

Yes, it's evident that people's tastes and demands are undergoing significant changes. Today, people are significantly more educated, open, and aware than in the past. This transformation is the result of various factors, including broader and more immediate access to information through the internet, the evolution of cultural and social trends, as well as increased attention to sustainability and ethics. People are increasingly interested in products that reflect their values and lifestyle. This trend is extremely positive, as it promotes enriching exchanges. However, it can also be misleading or even negative when excessively influenced by speculative images and communications.

At a fair like Milan Home, what are the strengths for industry professionals, and what attracts the public's attention?

Fairs of this kind attract both industry professionals and the general public thanks to the diversity and quality of the offerings, which constitute the core of these events.

For industry professionals, the wide range of options is a fundamental element that provides the opportunity to explore different solutions and ideas. Furthermore, the fair serves as fertile ground for networking. On the other hand, the general public finds the variety of exhibitions equally fascinating because it stimulates creativity and helps define their own tastes. This aspect is particularly attractive to those who want to stay updated on the latest trends and seek to apply these trends in their daily lives.

If you could choose freely, what would you like to design for the home (perhaps even for your own home)?

Perhaps I would design a lamp because it's a type that I find very fascinating and would like to explore further.