f it's true that hemlines rise when the economy is rosy, then consider this year's Salone Internazionale del Mobile a knee-length skirt. Still couture, to be sure, but hovering in relatively conservative territory.

The annual furniture fair, among the world's largest trade events, again brought scores of visitors to Milan, Italy, to ogle the latest in high-end home furnishings from a slew of global designers and manufacturers. But unlike years past, this year's Salone Internazionale del Mobile was a model of artistic restraint.

Most exhibits offered quiet elegance, not the bold strokes, humor, or multi-layered statements of recent years. Instead, single-note themes defined many exhibits, telling clear stories at a glance. Natural materials dominated, bringing a restful sensibility to the still-crowded, yet quieter, halls. Edgy deconstruction was gone in favor of finishing touches that showed quality and thoughtfulness.

While the exhibit designs definitely embodied the expected European hallmarks - prominent hospitality areas, raised flooring, and defined ceilings - exhibitors broke with their traditional trappings. This year, walls and ceilings were softened, often partial, and sometimes only clever illusions. The overall message? It's time to get back to basics: a single strong story, well executed.

These subtle effects added up to an overall sense of reassuring moderation. But one distinct change raised at least this writer's eyebrows: In lieu of the typical English translations from the manufacturers' predominant Italian and German, a noticeable quantity of graphics were translated into Russian this year. An economic indicator, indeed!

Below you'll see some of the show's most eye-catching exhibit designs ­- from a ceiling structure made of napkins to an entire exhibit fashioned out of stools. Keeping it simple never looked so rich. e