Cradenzas at Mercanteinfiera

Spending the week at the renowned Mercanteinfiera in Parma is inspiration at its best.

The sheer scale of the show is impressive — several pavilions filled with extraordinary pieces spanning centuries, styles, and stories. We’re fortunate to arrive before the public each morning, wandering through the stillness before the rush begins. It’s a rare chance to absorb the beauty around us in quiet, to let the craftsmanship and creativity on display nourish our design instincts.

This morning, it was the consoles and credenzas that stopped me in my tracks. Here are a few of my favourites — pieces that stirred something and sparked inspiration.

Elegant Rhythm: The Lightness and Luxury of 1970s Italian Design

There’s a quiet power in great design — the kind that doesn’t beg for attention, but earns it with every detail. This 1970s Italian sideboard is a perfect example: bold in concept, yet refined in execution. It doesn’t shout; it draws you in. From the rhythmic repetition of jewel-like brass inlays to the unexpected lift of gleaming orb feet, every element is perfectly balanced, elegant, and thoughtful. The brass itself doesn’t shout — it catches the light like fine jewelry, refined and exacting.

Then, there’s the unexpected: a small gap in the brass pattern, deliberate and intriguing, creating pause and interest — a reminder that perfection can be found in thoughtful deviation.

And just when you expect a piece of this stature to be grounded by heavy feet, it instead rests lightly on brass spheres — almost whimsical, yet entirely right. They lift the form just enough to let it float visually, making this sideboard feel balanced, buoyant, and deeply considered.

This is Italian design at its best: bold yet elegant, sculptural yet subtle — a piece that doesn’t just furnish a room, but elevates it.

Linear Classicism in Wood & Brass

This is another exceptional example of Italian design — elegant, but in a different register than the previous piece. If the earlier credenza was jewel-like and refined, this one feels more handsome — strong, angular, and beautifully proportioned.

I’m always drawn to ribbing, and here it’s used to great effect. The geometric repetition on the doors creates a sense of rhythm and precision, while the ribbing along the top edge is a particularly satisfying detail — just enough to frame the piece without overwhelming it. It's deliberate that it’s not echoed at the bottom; the visual weight stays exactly where it should.

And then, the legs — fine, sculptural, and slightly surprising. The brass orbs offer a subtle contrast to the sharp lines above, softening the silhouette and adding a quiet touch of luxury. They lift the whole piece, literally and visually.

Gio Ponti-Inspired Glass Front Credenza

This striking Italian credenza is a masterclass in contrast and proportion. Its sleek silhouette is fronted with smoky pale sage coloured glass. Each drawer is adorned with bold brass pulls that read like pieces of sculptural jewelry. The repetition of the brass rectangles across the glass surface creates a rhythmic elegance — a visual tempo that is both refined and modern.

But look closer: it’s not just the materials that elevate this piece — it’s the composition. The legs are deliberately staggered. This quiet asymmetry gives the piece an unexpected architectural energy, preventing it from feeling static and adding dimensional interest.

The high-gloss glass reflects light and amplifies space, while the brass elements bring warmth and glamour. Set on slender brass legs, the whole credenza seems to float — grounded by geometry but made dynamic by thoughtful design choices.

A perfect balance of form and function, this piece would anchor a space while sparking conversation.

Mid-Century Burled Wood Credenza with Brushed Metal Accents

This extraordinary credenza is a celebration of craftsmanship and symmetry. Clad in rich, burled wood — even on the back — it’s a piece that was clearly designed to impress from every angle. The deep, organic patterns in the grain form mesmerizing, mirrored shapes across the surface, drawing the eye to the natural artistry of the veneer.

The center drawers, in warm brushed metal, create a sleek contrast and add a touch of contemporary elegance. The metal isn't cold — it has a soft, almost golden warmth that complements the wood’s depth and sheen. The repetition of the metal pulls, perfectly spaced, amplifies the sense of harmony.

What makes this piece especially impressive is its luminous finish — polished to a soft glow, it reflects light in a way that enhances both materials. The entire credenza exudes balance, precision, and quiet luxury. It's a rare find: strikingly modern and richly organic at once.

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