Unveiling Wallpaper* July 2026: The Annual Design Directory and Milan Design Week Highlights

The Wallpaper* July 2026 edition has launched, presenting its yearly Design Directory. This issue features a special limited-edition cover for subscribers, showcasing custom furniture pieces crafted by NM3. These unique designs were part of a larger presence at Milan Design Week (MDW) this year, where NM3 also engaged in collaborations with Visionnaire and Magniberg, and designed a listening room for Stone Island. Additionally, the studio contributed to the debut of Wallpaper*'s new Travel Guides series with a bench and a magazine display, all fabricated from their signature galvanized steel and modular construction, highlighting their adaptable design philosophy honed during the pandemic to focus on domestic applications.

This year's Design Directory captures a prevailing spirit of ingenuity and practical solutions, mirroring observations from Milan Design Week and beyond. It covers the newest developments in furniture, kitchen and bathroom designs, and lighting, among other categories. Rosa Bertoli, the global design director, notes in her accompanying commentary on MDW that design has become a central theme, transcending locations and blurring the lines between collectible and industrial design within the city's vibrant atmosphere. The issue also includes a feature by photojournalist Nipun Prabhakar on Carl Pruscha's architectural work in Sri Lanka and Nepal, an exploration of Poliform's new Milanese headquarters, a celebration of Hervé Sabin's salvaged-wood sculptures, and an interview with visual artist Anne Imhof.

Furthermore, Daven Wu reflects on the ubiquitous 'queue' in this month's End Paper, particularly in the context of design weeks, where anticipation often outweighs other considerations. This patience, he suggests, ultimately yields its own unique rewards. The publication not only serves as a guide to current design trends but also offers insightful perspectives on the creative process and its broader cultural impact.

This issue exemplifies the dynamic and evolving nature of global design, showcasing innovative solutions and artistic expressions that enhance our daily lives and cultural experiences. It encourages readers to embrace creativity and appreciate the thoughtful problem-solving inherent in contemporary design.