A the Milan Furniture Fair there were a lot of inspiring ideas that came not only from the products on display but also from the booths they were in. Here are some of my favorite reception desk designs from the show.

Alf Da Fre glass and wood reception desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

Glass Reception desks seem to be very popular. Many are beautiful glass boxes with a solid form floating within. This one above at the Alfa Da Fre booth had a beautiful medium tone wood to complement the delicate glass box.

Glass and Lacquer Reception Desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

Office furnishings company Lafano had a stunning Glass and Wood reception desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

Beautiful white contemporary reception showroom name unknown. Image: Laura Bielecki

Another trend seemed to be playing with natural and rough woods to showcase the grain, knots and roughness.

Tre-P & Tre-Piu wood reception desk Image: Laura Bielecki

Knotty wood reception desk - booth name unknown. photo: Laura Bielecki

Smania had 2 great reception desks one was for press and the other for showing off what the company does best- pulling the whole package (walls, texture, signage, lighting and furniture) together. Check out how the table lamp hold up the table! what a beautiful detail. The only thing I would do to perfect this piece for the function of a reception desk would be to add a modesty panel, nothing is racier than seeing a receptionists legs under the table. Also, that padded reception desk is yummy… makes you reach out to pet it. I wish they had designed it with a concealed work surface however so you didn’t see all the staffs junk all over it!

Smania reception desk photo: Laura Bielecki

Smania fabric and marble padded reception desk

Some of the desks were very simple but make bold statements.

Ligne Roset reception desk image: Laura Bielecki

White and black reception desk booth name unknown. image: Laura Bielecki

Simple forms in LED booth name unknown. photo: Laura Bielecki

Incanto metal reception desk. image: Laura Bielecki

Metal Reception Desk booth name unknown. image: Laura Bielecki

Logica reception desk. image: Laura Bielecki

Sometimes its not about whats going on with the desk but more about the wall behind it. Here are some great examples to showcase a brand.

Presotto reception desk image: Laura Bielecki

Jesse reception desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

Giorgetti Showroom reception desk. Image: Laura Bielecki

And one more great detail on a fabulous reception desk to keep you inspired and bursting with design ideas…..

Moltoluce Reception desk detail. Image: Laura Bielecki