Top 5 Outdoor Kitchen Designs for Summer 2023
Outdoor kitchens have become a popular feature in modern homes over the years, providing a space for family and friends to spend time together (when the weather allows), breathe some fresh air, and reconnect with nature.
In 2023, we'll see some exciting new trends in outdoor kitchen design that are guaranteed to shape the summer. From smart appliances to eco-friendly materials, these trends are all about functionality, innovation, and caring for the planet. If you're planning on installing an outdoor kitchen or revamping your existing one, these outdoor design ideas are guaranteed to inspire you to create a space that's visually appealing and practical.
Taking place in the floating city of Venice from May 19 to June 18, 2023, the Venice Design Biennial showcases innovative and cutting-edge designs from around the world, and designers and manufacturers use this platform to showcase their latest products and ideas. This year’s theme is “Auto-Exotic”, which represents a call for creators to explore the theme of otherness in design.
Factors driving outdoor kitchen design trends in 2023
First of all, it’s important to understand what's driving these trends in outdoor kitchen design. One factor is the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces. In recent years, people have been spending more time outdoors for a variety of reasons, and outdoor kitchen and dining areas are a perfect way to extend your living space and create a stylish area where you can cook, entertain, and relax.
Another factor is the advancement of technology. Smart appliances have made their way into outdoor kitchens, allowing for more precise control over the cooking process and the ability to monitor your food remotely. These appliances not only add convenience to people’s lives but also provide a more enjoyable cooking experience and can help users to save on energy costs.
And of course, design events like the Venice Design Biennial also play a role in driving trends in outdoor international and Italian kitchen designs and other interior design spaces.
So, what are some of the top outdoor kitchen design trends to expect in 2023?
Mixed materials
Just like in Italian indoor design kitchens, this year we’ll see a trend toward mixing different materials in outdoor kitchen design. This creates a more visually intriguing and dynamic space filled with texture and contrast. For instance, a concrete countertop could be paired with a stone backsplash or a stainless steel grill can be combined with a wood-panelled cabinet. This outdoor kitchen design trend is a great way to add visual interest to your space and make it pop.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential in an outdoor kitchen, and in 2023, we'll see a trend toward innovative and stylish lighting solutions that mix with natural outdoor elements.
LED lights are a more energy-efficient option and can be used to highlight the different areas of the outdoor kitchen design to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Task lighting is essential in outdoor kitchens for safety and functionality, which includes under-cabinet lighting, pendant lighting, and recessed lighting to illuminate key areas.
Another trend is solar lighting, which is a great eco-friendly option for outdoor kitchen design. Solar-powered lights use renewable energy from the sun, making them cost-effective and energy-efficient. Finally, smart lighting technology is increasing in popularity as it allows you to control your outdoor kitchen lighting with your smartphone or voice-activated assistant. You can set schedules, change colours, and adjust brightness levels all with a few taps on your phone or voice commands.
Eco-friendly design
As with indoor kitchens and other interior design spaces, eco-friendly materials will be a big thing moving forward. Sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, and recycled glass will be used for countertops and cabinets and energy-efficient appliances will be used to conserve energy and water.
As people become increasingly concerned with their impact on the planet and the rising cost of energy, choosing eco-friendly materials enables you to create an outdoor kitchen design that’s better for the planet. Designers are becoming more focused on incorporating eco-friendly design concepts and techniques into their creations, which resonates with modern, environmentally-conscious consumers.
Integrated appliances
Another 2023 outdoor kitchen design trend we'll see is the use of integrated appliances. This means that appliances such as grills, refrigerators, and sinks will be seamlessly built into the design of the outdoor kitchen, creating a streamlined and cohesive look that enhances the functionality and maximises space.
Outdoor living rooms
We'll see an increase in outdoor living rooms that seamlessly blend with the outdoor kitchen. This means that the outdoor kitchen will be designed to complement the seating and lounging areas, creating a cohesive and inviting outdoor living space for everyone to enjoy. Comfortable seating, weather-resistant fabrics, and outdoor rugs will be used to create a comfortable and stylish outdoor living space.
Smart appliances
Smart technology has made its way into outdoor kitchens in 2023. We can expect to see more smart appliances that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or voice commands. Some key appliances and devices that are becoming popular in outdoor kitchen design include smart grills, smart refrigerators, smart lighting solutions, smart thermometers, and smart speakers.
This means you can preheat your grill, monitor the temperature of the meat, and adjust the music without having to leave your seat. Smart appliances also provide more precise control over the cooking process, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time - which will certainly make an impression on your guests!
Colourful and statement design elements
While neutral earth tones have long-been been a popular choice for minimalist and outdoor kitchen design, in 2023, we'll see a trend toward more colourful elements that make a statement.
Bold shades of blue, green, and even pink are making a comeback in outdoor kitchen design. These vibrant hues add personality and flair to your outdoor space and create a bright and lively atmosphere that makes a difference - particularly on grey days.
If you're not ready to commit to a full set of colourful cabinets or other equipment, you can start small by adding bright hardware or painting an accent wall.
Outdoor fire features
Fire features such as fire pits, fireplaces, and fire tables have been a popular addition to outdoor kitchens in recent years, and in 2023, we'll see even more creative-looking design fire features.
From custom-built fire pits to modern fire tables, these features add warmth, ambience, and a focal point to your outdoor living area. Fire features also provide a natural gathering spot for guests and create an inviting and cosy atmosphere - even when the weather tries to prevent it.
Pizza ovens
Pizza ovens have become a key feature in outdoor kitchen design spaces over the years. These ovens are not only ideal for cooking the perfect, cheesy pizza but also for baking bread, roasting meat, grilling vegetables, and various other cooking tasks. They come in various sizes and styles, from wood-fired ovens to gas-fired ovens and can be different colours to suit the needs of your kitchen design.
Find out everything about the latest design and architecture events with DDN.
Opera, the bioclimatic pergola by Pratic
In a farmstead in Lonato del Garda, Opera, the bioclimatic pergola by Pratic, becomes a comfortable poolside living area
In the renovation project of an old farmstead in Lonato del Garda (near Brescia), the garden takes on great importance as the perfect meeting place for the family and its guests, thanks to a cozy outdoor living area, nestled between two modules of Opera, the bioclimatic pergola by Pratic.
Opera, the bioclimatic pergola by Pratic
Overlooking the pool, Pratic’s coffee-colored bioclimatic pergola stands out against the green field thanks to the light-colored raised floor, designed by dealer Tonoli Tende to house the pergola. The floor, supported by an iron substructure, frames Opera’s self-supporting profiles, allowing for a firm hooking.
This is a well-finished space, hosting an open-air kitchen as well as a living room and a dining room, covering over 50 square meters under the sunshade blades of the pergola. Thanks to their rotation from zero up to 140 degrees, the blades take advantage of air recirculation and the natural lighting to offer the benefit of a customized and sustainable comfort. A simple touch of the multichannel remote control allows you to adjust the pergola automation, including the slope of the covering, which can be closed completely to protect you from rain and convey it along the uprights, or to create a cozy shelter against heat and sunrays.
Innovative and customizable
The sun protection is even improved by the Raso drop-down awnings: an accessory conceived to meet the need of perimeter shading as well as privacy. The fabrics, which can be customized in terms of texture and color, once closed, are hidden and shielded inside Opera’s horizontal profiles, which are only 22 cm thick.
Optional, but revolutionary, is the lighting, made of spotlights integrated into the blades, matching the Led Line perimeter strips, adjustable in intensity and colors.
Photo: Flavio Graffi Fotograffia
Discover Connect, the bioclimatic pergola by Pratic
Design Shanghai 2023
Design Shanghai 2023 celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new exhibition layout
Design Shanghai, Asia's leading design fair, returns June 8-11, 2023. Now in its 10th year, Design Shanghai will feature a completely revamped layout and a new pavilion dedicated to accessories and lifestyle. The fair will host 600 local and international brands from more than 40 countries as well as numerous designers, architects and leading representatives from the local and international scene.
New features and participants
To celebrate its 10th anniversary years, Design Shanghai will have a completely new exhibition layout. Therefore, alongside Hall 1 (Furniture & Lighting) and 2 (Kitchen & Bathroom Design and New Materials & Applications), the event will see the debut of Hall 3, Living & Lifestyle Design Hall, a new area dedicated to homeware and accessories by Chinese and international brands.
Moreover, also this year the event will see the participation of leading representatives from the design and architecture industry, as in the past it hosted Zaha Hadid, Tom Dixon, Kelly Hoppen, Jaime Hayon, Marcel Wanders, Patricia Urquiola and André Fu. Participant brands will include Ligne Roset, Carl Hansen & Søn, Scavolini, Humanscale, Cappellini, AXOR, Davide Groppi, Louis Poulsen, Paola Lenti, Flos, Mattiazzi, Zanotta, Taiga Concept, OKAMURA, Porcelanosa, Bontempi Casa, Christofle, LALIQUE, &Tradition, Verpan, NUDE. We can also mention Zinilife, CHENDARUI, 2-LA Design, Jianze, U+, ZSPACEPLUS, Frank Chou Design Studio, and Kun Design,
Kohler Exquisite x Design Shanghai Design Forum
Kohler Exquisite x Design Shanghai Design Forum is the most important and the best attended seminar program in Asia. Over the years, it has seen the participation of world-renowned designers, such as Patricia Urquiola, Paola Navone, Tom Dixon, Chi Wing Lo and Philippe Starck. The theme of this edition, “Beyond Sustainability lies Re-Creative Design”, is an invitation to reflect on the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. Topics will include Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse and how new technologies have set out whole new parameters and design visions. This edition of Kohler Exquisite x Design Shanghai Design Forum will feature Ross Lovegrove, Adam Brinkworth, Frank Chou, Aldo Cibic, Michael Young, Ben Wu, Chi Wing Lo, Chris Lefteri, Stefano Piontini and Satoshi Ohashi, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects.
Chinese talents, exhibitions, awards
Chinese talents, exhibitions, awardsDesign Shanghai is not only a fair dedicated to international brands. In fact, the number of Chinese brands and designers exhibiting there continues to increase with each new edition. The Feature, Talents and Rong sections are dedicated to the works and collections of established or emerging Chinese studios and designers.
Must-see events include “Disappearing Borders”, the immersive exhibition curated by famous industrial designer Jamy Yang. New Product Launch will feature new products from over 100 brands, while Design Shanghai Picks Awards will recognize the best products of this year’s Design Shanghai.
Lastly, Audi will again join Design Shanghai as the exclusive headline partner. The company will present the Chinese premiere of Audi activesphere, the latest in the family of concepts shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
Arrex celebrates its 50th anniversary
"If you can dream it, you can do it." Arrex Le cucine celebrates 50 years of business and success
"If you can dream it, you can do it." The maxim attributed to Walt Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse, is well suited to conceptually summarizing the story of Arrex Le cucine. The Veneto-based kitchen company celebrated its 50th anniversary last Friday, May 12, in Mansuè, in the province of Treviso, with 500 guests including suppliers, employees, partners, former employees and collaborators.
Arrex Le cucine: The history
Arrex Le Cucine has been designing and manufacturing kitchen and living room furniture since 1973. Being the result of continuous technological research and a great passion for design, Arrex's catalog is long and varied. In fact, the company has a wide range of linear kitchens, corner kitchens, with central island or peninsula, stonework kitchens or with living elements complementing the walls and the living room. Therefore, many models and customization options allow the company to meet different tastes and needs, creating the kitchen of your dreams.
Flavio Polesello founded Arrex Le cucine and made it thrive as a volcanic and tireless leader until his untimely death in 2015. His passion and dedication to the company and its 150 employees were remembered during the celebration by his daughter Elisa Polesello, Arrex's current Managing Director. Also Sergio Bini, Councilor for Productive Activities of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Claudio De Nadai, Piccola Industria delegate of Confindustria Veneto Est, made their speech. Both of them confirmed the value of the company's milestone and the foresight of enlightened men like Flavio Polesello, which has characterized entrepreneurship in northeastern Italy.
Thanks also came from Luca Zaia, President of the Veneto Region, and Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Autonomous Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
The extraordinary relaunch of CIFF GUANGZHOU 2023
The mind-blowing numbers of CIFF Guangzhou 2023 records and the all-time attendance record with +27.88% visitors
CIFF Guangzhou 2023, the most important home and office furniture exhibition in China and Asia, closed on March 31 after a total of eight days (four for the first phase and four for the second phase). Its 700,000 square meters of exhibition space welcomed 4,000 exhibitors and 380,763 trade and qualified visitors from 166 regions and countries across the world. These are the numbers of the latest edition of CIFF Guangzhou, with a 27.88% increase in visitors compared to the previous edition.
Home Furniture & Outdoor
CIFF Guangzhou 2023 took place in two phases, reorganized by product sector in the new exhibition concept and layout. The first phase, March 18–21, was dedicated to the home. In particular, the Home Furniture sector showcased original solutions for the customization of domestic indoor and outdoor spaces, increasingly understood as multifunctional and fluid environments. Many products were characterized by sustainability and technological innovation.
Office and Commercial Space, the world's largest trade fair dedicated to the office
On the other hand, the second phase of CIFF Guangzhou, March 28-31, was dedicated to furniture for offices and public spaces. On show there were workplace systems and seating, trends and solutions for the smart office as well as public, school, and commercial environments, furniture for healthcare and the needs of older people. This year’s Office and Commercial Space expanded to occupy six pavilions in the D Area.
At the same time, CIFM/interzum Guangzhou 2023 hosted leading Chinese and international brands presenting new technologies, machinery, materials, surfaces, and components for the furniture industry.
The next edition of CIFF Guangzhou will take place March 18-21 (first phase) and March 28-31, 2024 (second phase) at the Canton Fair Complex and PWTC in Guangzhou Pazhou.
Top 5 Italian Designers to Watch at the Venice Design Biennial 2023
The Venice Design Biennial 2023 is just around the corner and the event is set to showcase the brilliance of Italian design, bringing together the nation's top designers in a celebration of art, architecture, innovation and craftsmanship. Italy's profound influence on design, spanning centuries of creativity, will be on full display as these visionary makers take the stage.
Italy's design legacy, encompassing architecture, fashion, furniture, and industrial design, sets the stage for the Venice Design Biennial. The event serves as a platform for international designers to push boundaries and set new standards, blending tradition with innovation, and drawing on relevant themes in the design world. With a lineup of rising stars and established icons, the Biennial promises a showcase of their distinctive styles, groundbreaking concepts, and commitment to shaping the future of design.
In this article, we delve into the must-see Italian designers participating in the Venice Design Biennial 2023. From their fusion of tradition and technology to their focus on sustainability, these visionaries offer a glimpse into the limitless possibilities of design.
Leo De Carlo for Vetralia Collectible
Leo De Carlo is a featured designer at the Venice Design Biennial 2023. Born in Venice in 1972, Leo graduated in Industrial Design from Milan Polytechnic. After working in goldsmith design, he returned to Italy and has since collaborated with companies emphasizing manual craftsmanship.
Coming from a family of antique dealers specializing in Venetian glass art, he reinterpreted various craft traditions in his own creative style - a fusion of high and pop culture, offering a playful and often unsettling vision of the contemporary world.
He will exhibit his work at the show for Vetralia Collectible, which combines contemporary art forms with Venetian craftsmanship to create functional works of art. The project showcases how artistic interpretation and traditional skills can merge, producing unique artefacts that express an innovative worldview rooted in tradition. These objects appeal to discerning clients who appreciate profound design concepts and unparalleled manual craftsmanship.
Sara Ricciardi Studio
Sara Ricciardi Studio, renowned for its exceptional work, focuses on creative direction and multidisciplinary design.
Headed by Sara Ricciardi, the studio’s expertise spans various fields including interior and retail projects, public installations, exhibition design, and product design for both Italian and international companies and art galleries.
With its headquarters in Milan and additional offices worldwide, the studio embraces a vibrant and sophisticated approach to design and excels in producing innovative and empathetic concepts. This year, Sara Ricciardi Studio will feature at the Venice Design Biennial and is guaranteed to turn heads.
Lucia Massari
Italian product designer and illustrator Lucia Massari will feature at this year’s Venice Design Biennial. Born in Venice in 1983, she studied product design at the Higher Institute of Architecture in Venice (IUAV) and obtained her Master's degree in product design from the Royal College of Art in London.
In 2010, Massari established her eponymous studio, splitting her time between Venice and London. In 2012, she permanently relocated her studio to Venice and began incorporating collaborations with local artisans in her practice.
Her work is a nod to the world of contemporary art, with her designs featuring bold colours and fascinating constructions that make each piece unique in its own right. Her latest collection features lighting, mirrors, furniture pieces, and much more. Massari's exceptional work has also been exhibited at prestigious international events such as the Ljubljana Design Biennale, the London Design Festival, and the Salone del Mobile.
Arianna de Luca
Arianna De Luca has been working as an interior designer across the world, in countries such as the UK, South America, and Italy. She studied Design in Rome and in London, where she completed an MA at Central Saint Martins. In 2017, she started to work with ceramics in order to create bespoke pieces to complement her interior projects and was soon inspired to develop her first ceramic design collection.
Her works have been exhibited at various design events, including Salone del Mobile in Milan and Maison et Objet in France. This year, her work will feature at the Venice Design Biennial, bringing a splash of vibrancy to the forefront.
Her collections are inspired by her passion for Mediterranean landscapes and traditions and are characterised by their authenticity and originality. Beyond their apparent simplicity, Arianna's pieces are the result of a complex process that mixes personal narratives and emotional approaches to create a unique aesthetic characterised by cheerful designs, bold shapes, and vibrant Mediterranean colours.
Elisa Ossino Studio
Elisa Ossino Studio comprises a team of creatives with varied backgrounds, united under the visionary leadership of Elisa Ossino, a native Italian architect and interior designer. This year, it will exhibit works at the Venice Design Biennial.
With expertise spanning residential and retail interiors, product design, set design, and art direction, its focus is on blending geometrical abstraction, monochromes, and elements of metaphysical and surrealist aesthetics to create unique spaces. The goal of these spaces? To explore the relationship between light, objects, and the surrounding environment.
The studio’s projects balance lightness and intensity, merging contradictory concepts with a meticulous focus on composition and the spatial relationship between objects to create meaning. Elisa Ossino studio collaborates with renowned brands to artfully convey their unique identities and weave captivating narratives through visual interior design spaces that resonate with their audiences.
Find out everything about the latest design and architecture events with DDN.
Clerkenwell Design Week 2023
Clerkenwell Design Week is the independent design festival held in London, May 23-25, 2023
The twelfth edition of Clerkenwell Design Week is set to celebrate design in London's most creative neighborhood, May 23-25, 2023. This year, the UK's leading independent design festival, one of the world's leading design hubs, will merge with Design London.
CDW will take place in the heart of Clerkenwell, the neighborhood hosting some of the world's most creative design and architecture firms. The three-day event will offer a program full of not-to-be-missed events, installations, exhibitions and talks. It will showcase more than 300 design brands and product innovations including upholstery, furnishings, lighting, textiles, materials and surfaces.
The exhibition venues at Clerkenwell Design Week
Design Fields is home to international furniture and interiors brands; British Collection hosts the best of British interiors brands; Detail is dedicated to luxury interiors; Ceramics of Italy houses Italian tile brands. Other exhibition venues are Contract, Light, Project, Elements. Lastly, Platform is the venue devoted to emerging design talent and Old Sessions House is the space for brand pop-ups and activations.
This year’s festival will also feature two additions: The Garden, home to outdoor furniture, and Catapult, home to contemporary design for office, hospitality and retail.
Click here for the updated exhibitor list
Exhibitions, talks, themed events
Another significant aspect of CDW is the increasing number of showrooms that participate in the initiative each year (click here for the full list), offering a vast lineup of thematic events and must-visit exhibitions. Installations, exhibitions, workshops, and panel discussions will feature well-known brands in the industry, both from the UK and international, including Standard, Kohler, Vitra, Cosentino, Gessi, Iris Ceramica; Arper, Solid Nature, Marazzi, Bolon, Parkside. Moreover, places such as The Goldsmiths' Centre, Paxton Locher House, Cowcross Yards and the Museum of the Order of St John will host several exhibitions, making the atmosphere even more magical.
Some must-see works and installations
Steve Messam, the British designer and artist known for his inflatable installations around the world, presents Gateway, a 6-meter-tall and 15-meter-long blue fabric work featuring 27 giant hand-sewn spikes, at the entrance to the Museum of the Order of St John. Also by Messam is the K2 box installation, a tribute to the original K6, the iconic red telephone booth designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935.
Mycelium Building Block is an installation made of mycelium blocks and 3D printed timber aimed at promoting organic architecture. Heiter X, a food design studio founded by Estonia-based Helis Heiter, is launching its first sculptural tableware collection in collaboration with Krohwin. The Mound tableware collection is made of raw clay, natural carnauba wax and food industry waste. Recork, on the other hand, is a company specializing in the production of flooring made from 85% natural cork, which is launching its latest rug collection made from cork, wool and cotton in partnership with Portuguese brand Sugo Cork Rugs.
Graphenstone will present its Ambient Pro+ and Grafclean paint ranges made from natural mineral ingredients and graphene fibres; AllSfär will present Fika, the new acoustic panel made with 60% recycled PET. Lastly, Parkside is launching a new tile consisting of over 91% recycled content from the ceramic and glass industry.
Outdoor furniture at Clerkenwell Design Week
Jennifer Newman Studio will have an installation in St John’s Square focusing on outdoor terrace products such as the Alfresco bench and Huddle table. In the meanwhile, successful Italian company Ethimo will present its 2023 collection including the in-house designed Bold table, as well as a series of vases by Studiopepe. On the other hand, British company Case Furniture will display its Eos outdoor collection by Matthew Hilton, while Norr11 will launch the new editions of its popular Studio sofa and Hippo lounge chair.
It's time to... Conversations at Clerkenwell
Also returning to CDW is Conversations at Clerkenwell, an exciting program of daily talks and meetings featuring designers, architects, and business executives from well-known brands in the industry. The meetings will be held in a theater at Spa Fields specially designed for the event and sponsored by RAK Ceramics. Conversation topics include sound design, color trends for 2024, Scandinavian design, circularity, and the future of wellness in the hospitality industry.
MOODE, the chameleonic collection from Rexa, gets a makeover
In line with the changing needs and contemporary lifestyles, Rexa renovates some of its permanent collections, including the rigorous and refined Moode
Rexa, a constantly evolving company, reinterprets some of its collections by enriching them with new finishes and features. And Moode is one of these collections.
Rexa presents the new look of the Moode collection
Moode by Rexa allows you to customize your bathroom to suit your tastes and needs. With its linear look, it lends itself to expansive compositions designed to enhance big spaces in a light and balanced way.
This is a chameleon-like collection that can be “dressed up” and complemented with many different materials – for sides, cabinet doors and tops – and finishes including wood, stoneware, fenix, clay, glass, eco.mortar, matte or glossy lacquer, or with a metallic effect. Moreover, the washbasins, be them built-in or countertop, are available in Corian®, Korakril™, Shark, Marble, Murano Glass, Cocciopesto, ceramic and sheet metal, as well as in multiple shapes and sizes.
Moode consists of base units with drawers and hinged doors 46 or 53 cm deep and 40 to 120 cm wide. Wall units, tall units, display cabinets and new, fully customizable wood paneling have joined the system; elements that celebrate water as well as beauty, sensory experience and functionality.
Deep research and material culture
Rexa designs solutions that are highly customizable and versatile in terms of size, shape, and materials. Materials are, in fact, part of a rich system of finishes and colors that are constantly being updated and are the result of the commitment, research and experimentation that the company has undertaken over the years.
Discover the Vision collection by Rexa
Venice Design Biennial 2023: Previews for Design Events and Exhibits to Visit
The Venice Design Biennial is a major international event that celebrates the world of design and its impact on society. It’s held in Venice, Italy, and features exhibitions, installations, workshops, and talks by some of the most innovative and influential designers from around the globe.
The first edition of the Venice Design Biennial took place in 2016, and it’s planned to be a recurring event that will happen every two years. This year’s theme is “Auto-Exotic”, which explores design at the intersection of the East and West and brings to the forefront new ways in which culture is represented in the design world.
The event aims to create a platform for designers, architects, artists, and other creative professionals to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and engage with the wider public.
If you’re visiting the city of Venice for this incredible event, you certainly won’t be at a loss for things to do outside of the show. One of the most magical places in the world, Venice is a maze of canals and tiny winding streets that feature shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars around every corner.
When you’re not slurping a gelato or sipping an aperitivo in a sunny square, consider visiting some of the other cultural events the city plays host to. Some of the events are in the field of design and art, whereas others will provide the chance to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and traditions of the floating city.
The Venice Architecture Biennale
Date: May 20th 2023 until November 26th 2023
Perhaps the most significant event taking place at the same time as the Venice Design Biennial is the Venice Architecture Biennale which takes place every two years.
Since its inception in 1980, the exhibition has been hugely popular among the international architecture and design community and each iteration features a different theme. This year’s, it’s titled "The Laboratory of the Future" and is curated by Lesley Lokko.
Taking place at the historic Giardini and Arsenale venues in Venice, as well as at Forte Marghera, the event promises an extensive range of exhibitions, installations, performances, and events, showcasing the latest ideas, trends, and innovations in the field of architecture.
What makes this year's exhibition particularly noteworthy is the strong focus on diversity and inclusivity. More than half of the 89 participants are from Africa or the African Diaspora, and the gender balance is 50/50. These statistics reflect a growing trend in the architecture world towards more diverse and collaborative practices.
The Venice Architecture Biennale isn't merely an exhibition that highlights the latest developments in architecture. It is also a platform that promotes discussion and exchange of ideas among architects, designers, artists, academics, students, and enthusiasts from across the globe.
Photos from Venice onward: Inge Morath at Palazzo Grimani
Date: 18th January 2023 until June 4th 2023
To mark 100 years since Inge Morath's birth, the Palazzo Grimani Museum is showcasing over 200 photographs by the esteemed photographer, including previously unseen stunning shots of Venice, in its exhibition spaces.
Morath was the first female photographer to be welcomed into the Magnum Photos agency. The exhibition includes a range of subjects and themes, from portraits of artists and writers to snapshots of daily life and landscapes that celebrate her exceptional legacy, unique vision, and contribution to the world of photography.
Even if you’re not a photography fan, the stunning Palazzo Grimani is well worth a visit if you’re in town for the Venice Design Biennial.
Edmondo Bacci: Energy and Light at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Date: April 1st 2023 until September 18th 2023
This year the noteworthy Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice will host a major retrospective of the work of Venetian artist Edmondo Bacci, entitled "Energy and Light”.
Organised by Chiara Bertola, Curator and Manager of Contemporary Art Projects at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia, the event will showcase around eighty works, many of which have never been displayed before, including paintings, unpublished drawings on loan from the Archivio Edmondo Bacci, as well as other pieces from private collections and international museums.
It will be the first and most extensive exhibition dedicated to the artist and will make a great afternoon trip if you’re in the city.
Tutankhamun: Mysteries and Treasures at Palazzo Zaguri
Date: Until October 31 2023
The Tutankhamun Exhibition is an impressive collection of over 1000 original artefacts, some of which have never been seen before by the public, that are being exhibited at Palazzo Zaguri in Venice.
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the history of ancient Egypt, showcasing both well-known artefacts as well as lesser-known curiosities and anecdotes that characterise the period.
The exhibition also delves into the mysteries of this ancient civilization, revealing fascinating insights into the way of life, culture, and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. Even after all these years, the secrets and treasures of Tutankhamun continue to captivate and fascinate people from all over the world.
If you’re heading to the Venice Design Biennial, particularly if you’re travelling with kids, this is a great way to stay entertained and learn about an incredible time in history.
Venice Boat Show 2023 at Arsenale di Venezia
Date: May 31st 2023 to June 4th 2023
The Venice Boat Show is a major international boating event that showcases the best of modern shipbuilding in the historic Arsenale of Venice.
Once the symbol of the Venetian Republic's military power, the Arsenale provides a stunning backdrop for this annual event. The event features not only yachts and maxi yachts, but also highlights environmental sustainability, educational and sporting activities related to the sea and the lagoon, and the area’s traditional shipbuilding craft.
Featuring themed meetings, presentations, exhibitions, art installations, guided tours, educational activities for children, water trials, competitions, and much more. If you’re interested in learning about Venice’s unique history and culture, be sure to spend a day exploring all this event has to offer.
Icônes at Punta della Dogana
April 2nd to November 26th, 2023
Punta della Dogana will play host to a thematic exhibition titled "Icônes" until the end of the year. If you’re planning to visit Venice for the Venice Design Biennial event and you’re a fan of the art world, be sure to pay it a visit.
Curated by Emma Lavigne, CEO of the Pinault Collection, and Bruno Racine, CEO and Director of Palazzo Grassi - Punta della Dogana, the exhibition will primarily showcase iconic works from the Pinault Collection, inviting viewers to reflect on the theme of the icon and the status of the image in the contemporary world. The exhibition aims to explore the status of the image and its ability to embody a presence, evoke emotions, and transcend space through light and shadow.
Find out everything about the latest design and architecture events with DDN.
Puglia Paradise: villas and trulli for luxury vacations
Puglia Paradise is a professional management company of luxury villas and trulli offering premium hospitality services in the most prestigious and fascinating areas in Puglia
Founded by Massimo Valentini, Puglia Paradise stands out in the Italian non-hotel market for its thorough and professional management of Puglia’s luxury villas and trulli, guaranteeing high standards and the typical services of a five-star facility.
Puglia Paradise: luxury, comfort and exclusive services
Puglia Paradise is an expanding collection of 21 luxury villas and trulli, with spaces ranging from 80 to 300 square meters, located in the Itria Valley, one of the fastest growing areas in Puglia over the past 10 years. With their unique, sophisticated and detail-oriented design, the villas feature large outdoor spaces with spectacular gardens and offer premium services.
Puglia offers its guests the possibility of booking for short or medium-long term stays. What really distinguishes Puglia Paradise is the figure of the Guest Angel, "the guardian angel," – a personal lifestyle concierge service that assists and guides guests throughout their stay. The Guest Angel is therefore an authentic tailor of hospitality, who provides a premium service and full assistance.
The good experience starts from home
During the booking phase, you can start organizing your trip by selecting all the services you need and identifying the experiences you would like to have. Chefs at home, excursions in the region by sea or inland, food and wine experiences, wellness options, etc.
A successful project
Puglia Paradise’s approach allows the owners of the villas and trulli who collaborate with the brand to benefit from the best rental performance without having to take care of anything. In fact, Puglia Paradise provides its clients with qualified staff for any need, from centralized maintenance, be it ordinary or extraordinary, preventive and predictive, to the control of villas, from the quality of all amenities to the management of all regular and on-demand services.
With over 2,000 guests welcomed per year – 90% of international provenance and 10% from Italy – personally assisted by Guest Angels, 1,500 5-star reviews with a 4.99 out of 5 guest satisfaction rating, over 20 million euros of professionally managed real estate, and over 70 % of direct bookings on the website, Puglia Paradise is the #1 company in Puglia in the rental of villas according to Trustpilot and Google Reviews. The brand philosophy places the guest at the center of every phase and bases its value on the reviews of its customers as witnesses of the experience and guarantors of quality.
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