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ForestOne’s EuroCucina Grand Prize Winner Tara Wallington
ForestOne’s EuroCucina Trade Competition grand prize winner Tara Wallington from Studio Collective reflects on her reward: a life-changing design tour of Italy and Austria.
After showing exemplary use of EGGER wood decor products in the rejuvenation of a retirement village, Tara Wallington of Studio Collective won the December 2023 draw of ForestOne’s EuroCucina Trade Competition before being announced as the overall grand prize winner in April 2024. “Getting the opportunity to attend Salone del Mobile and EuroCucina in Milan was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’m still coming terms with,” Wallington says. “The sheer magnitude and excellence of the experience far exceeded my expectations.”
From the vibrant atmosphere of Milan Design Week to an immersive tour of the EGGER mill in Austria, Wallington was able to experience the best in European design and innovation. “The insights and inspiration I gathered along the way have already begun to shape my approach to interior design in profound ways,” she says. “Witnessing the cutting-edge designs firsthand left me feeling energetic and excited about the future of design.” Aside from providing a platform where she could discover the latest trends from around the world, Milan Design Week also gave Wallington the chance to interact with industry professionals.
Joining Wallington was her ForestOne speculative representative, Kellie Cross, who was making the trip for the second year in a row. “To see the attention to detail for the entire Salone del Mobile experience was delightful,” says Cross. “Everything was so thoughtfully collated and the city came alive to celebrate design trends.” During their trip, Wallington and Cross also got to visit EGGER’s headquarters in St Johann, Austria. “Seeing the intricate manufacturing processes firsthand and understanding the depth of EGGER’s sustainable practices left a lasting impression,” says the designer. Another significant highlight was getting a close-up look at the new EGGER colours set to be released later this year. “Seeing these upcoming palettes was not only exhilarating but also offered invaluable insights into future design trends. This has inspired us to embrace innovative schemes in our projects, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve and resonate with contemporary aesthetics.”
Reflecting on her time, Wallington recalls that many of the themes and elements showcased at the design fair centred around sustainability, biophilic design and integrated technologies. “This was evident in the utilisation of eco-friendly materials and the introduction of AI-powered appliances, signifying a significant movement towards more environmentally conscious practices within the industry, spanning from material choices to manufacturing processes.” For Cross, the focus on colour was a stand-out feature. “Warm apricot tones were a particular highlight,” she says. “Mixing timber and colours together in a single joinery item such as a vanity was also a highlight of the bathroom hall exhibition. Coloured basins and tapware were also trending.”
From the vibrant energy of Milan Design Week to the sustainable practices showcased at EGGER headquarters, each experience left a lasting impression on both women. “The trip was profoundly enriching, offering valuable insights and knowledge that will undoubtedly inform my future projects,” says Wallington.
