Miguel Milá Essential: A Design Guide for Life

Essential: A Design Guide for Life brings together the thinking of Spanish designer Miguel Milá (1931–2024) in his own words. Part memoir, part reflection, the book moves fluidly between personal history, design philosophy and observations on how to live thoughtfully. Originally published in Spanish as Lo esencial in 2019, and translated into English by Valerie Miles, this volume offers rare insight into Milá’s approach to work, restraint and everyday life.

Rather than surveying his well-known objects, Essential focuses on the ideas behind them. It is the first book dedicated entirely to Milá’s design philosophy, presented as a quiet, considered guide shaped by decades of making. This title also marks the first release in a new reading series devoted to the reflections of influential creatives.

About Miguel Milá

Miguel Milá began designing furniture and lighting out of necessity, long before industrial design was formally defined in Spain. His work emerged from a practical, human-centred mindset — creating what was missing, rather than what was fashionable. Over his lifetime, Milá received numerous honours, including Spain’s National Design Award, the Compasso d’Oro International Award and six ADI-FAD awards. He was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal of the City of Barcelona in recognition of his lasting contribution to design.

Details

• Published by Apartamento Publishing S.L.
• Release date: November 20, 2025
• Dimensions: W: 21 × H: 14 cm / W: 8.3 × H: 5.5 in
• Pages: 160
• Binding: Hardcover