Il Salone del Mobile, the world’s biggest furniture fair, is a bellwether of the industry and a showcase for new ideas. As brands gear up for this year’s show, Monocle finds out that the immediate future looks promising.

Inviting interiors, inspiring inventories and artisanal appeal: we’ve picked out three stores that are truly dedicated to design.

‘Playing house’ is one of the more fun adult games. But furnishing a home from scratch is a gradual process and after you’ve bought a property your budget might not stretch to your dream collection. But it is important to…

The objects that fill our homes may not define us but they do have a subtle effect on mood and creativity – so be nice to your subconscious and let the natural, simple and handcrafted surround you.

Monocle presents a list of our favourite shops, the most attentive services, the best store designs and the most innovative concepts in the retail sector.

You don’t need to sample everything we’ve listed. But then again maybe you do — we’re quite sure these deliver the goods.