Roberto Palomba’s visit to Australia has been action-packed, with numerous events, activities and stops. The co-founder of Milan-based Palomba Serafini Studio with Ludovica Serafini has visited multiple cities as part of a broader program of industry engagements focused on contemporary Italian design and outdoor living. The tour tied in with new outdoor furniture releases by Italian brand Talenti, as well as showroom presentations with Space Furniture and a podcast with our very own STORIESINDESIGN.
In Sydney, Palomba joined Editor, Timothy Alouani-Roby, for a podcast recording in person at The Commons (pictured below). The conversation was a broad reflection on Palomba’s design philosophy, heritage and inspiration, as he discussed connection to nature and growing up in Sardinia. He explained how the wild landscapes there inform the studio’s work, alongside the influence of Italian architecture and heritage from Rome and Milan.
Palomba then emphasised a design philosophy focused on curiosity, experimentation and the end user, rather than adhering to a fixed style. What comes through in all his talks and interviews – as well, of course, as products – is a valuing of simplicity, emotion and harmony. The podcast conversation also touched on the balance between architecture and product design, working with both international brands and residential or heritage projects in Italy, and respecting the ‘genius loci’ of historic sites.
Milan Design Week, as well as wider comparisons between Italy and Australia, were consistent touchpoints across the various events. At Fanuli’s showroom in Sydney, Palomba and Alouani-Roby were again in conversation in a public event celebrating the collections available in Australia with Talenti. The renowned Italian designer delved into detail on considerations for designing outdoor furniture, with a consistent emphasis falling on the need to value outdoor spaces no less than indoor. Palomba highlighted differences in lifestyle, lighting and public spaces from Europe to Australia, noting the energy, positivity and potential for design innovation in our part of the world.
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Another key event took place in Perth on 19th February, where design retailer Ultimo Interiors hosted the second iteration of its Design Minds series to mark its 25th anniversary and the addition of Talenti to its portfolio. Held at the Osborne Park flagship showroom, the event also marked the opening of a dedicated Talenti outdoor studio. Attendees included representatives from the Italian consulate, with a presentation and Q&A between Palomba and architect Neil Cownie examining current challenges and creative approaches within the profession.
The Perth event coincided with the Australian launch of the ARGO collection for Talenti, an outdoor system characterised by aluminium structures and modular elements. Drawing inspiration from the mythological vessel Argo, the collection extends the brand’s range through adaptable seating and dining components designed for residential and contract settings.
In parallel with the tour, Talenti also highlighted Flow, a new collection designed by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba as part of the company’s Icon 2026 catalogue. Comprising modular sofas, armchairs, sunbeds and tables, the range combines powder-coated aluminium frames with teak detailing and striped textile upholstery in warm tones. The designers describe the project as an exploration of balance between material durability and a softer domestic aesthetic, with an emphasis on fluid forms and coordinated outdoor environments.
Across the Australian visit, Palomba’s presentations addressed the studio’s holistic design philosophy and its cross-disciplinary practice spanning architecture, interiors and product design.
