The nonchalance of contemporary French Design is alluring. From ornate to chic, styles in the region are ever-evolving. After all, its capital, Paris, is the epicentre of avant-garde design (be it fashion or interiors). There is an undeniable spunk in the lifestyle, too. Here, new design ideas are always brewing and unprecedented visuals are encouraged. Last month, Love That Design visited Maison & Objet and witnessed this infectious energy. Blended with local exhibitors were international participants putting their best (sometimes, most eccentric) foot forward.
“Maison & Objet highlights international designers to create a vibrant and inclusive platform that promotes diversity, fosters collaboration and expands markets”, divulged Caroline Biros, Marketing & Communication Director, SAFI. “Each semester, we identify emerging talents, established designers and young innovative brands to offer them a dedicated space for expression that also provides valuable insights into the ever-evolving design world. Maison & Objet detects shifts and explores the trends to give the keys to understanding them. Tomorrow starts today!”
Top Image: Muller van Severen with their Collection
Bottom Images (left to right): Faye Toogood; Masquespacio; Dirk van der Kooij; Sebastian Cox
This year, famed designers Muller van Severen were crowned ‘Designers of the Year’. In addition, talents such as Faye Toogood, Masquespacio, Sebastian Cox and Dirk van der Kooij were also spotlighted under the Designers’ Studio. Each had a booth where they displayed their designs and discussed their philosophies with visitors.
The fair’s theme, ‘Enjoy! In the Quest of Pleasures’ conspired for an almost utopian atmosphere. “The inspiration behind the theme ‘Enjoy’ is a representation of the shift towards a more optimist and exalted approach to life and design, characterised by a desire to find pleasure and well-being in daily living”, Caroline offered. “This is an enchantment freed from the austerity to which the company and the brands have submitted to tailor their conduct to the crisis context: there is a need to ease off. Without losing sight of these issues, individuals reveal a desire to re-enchant their environment.”
In light of the thoughtful theme, we saw some unique trends – ones that we have yet to see coming up anywhere else. Let’s discuss some in detail:
The Rise of the Impressionable and Exquisite
Glass, Ceramics and More
Perhaps one could attribute this to the overarching theme, but Maison & Objet 2023 was replete with products made of glass, ceramics and other delicate materials. Luxury brand an&angel presented a variety of sublime vases and glass blows. Pop sculptures from Leblon Delienne were another awe-inspiring exhibit. Embodying similar playfulness were lighting products from Swedish Ninja. The lighting fixtures primarily used metal, but the lit glass orbs on each offering were the highlight. Reflections Copenhagen’s decor pieces played with textures in glass more than they did with colours.
From top, clockwise: an&angel; Leblon Delienne; Reflections Copenhagen; Swedish Ninja
Let the Wildlife in
Abstract and Direct Inspirations
The jungle life might be more cut-throat than urbane living, yet most humans hesitate to experience unadulterated joy like critters. At Maison & Objet 2023, we were privy to a plethora of products inspired by wildlife. The most memorable showcase came from the AP Collection. They presented furniture that incorporated many miniature replicas of specific species on their body. Others, like the Doing Goods stall, were buoyant. Outlines of animals’ faces and bodies inspired carpets, wall decor and more. What made the visual appealing was the details on the products. Artist Pauline Faure’s exhibit wowed with paper-thin, densely layered sculptures. Brands like Kare and Seletti also flaunted nooks with ‘wild’ inspirations.
Top Image: AP Collection
Bottom Images (left to right): Kare; Pauline Faure’s exhibit; Doing Goods
Colours were Yesterday, Patterns are Today and Textures are Tomorrow
More is More
An immersive experience at Maison & Objet 2023 convinced us of the power of patterns. The Pattern Factory exhibit by Elizabeth Leriche was curated with different products from different brands. Altogether, the experience proved that there can never be too much pattern (if done right). The Pulpo Products’ stall was seemingly simple but did a commendable job highlighting the nuances of different textures. Home decor from Atmosphère d’Ailleurs went on to prove how unphased onlookers would be by rustic styles if it weren’t for the rich textures.
From top, clockwise: Atmosphère d’Ailleurs; Pulpo Products; The Pattern Factory by Elizabeth Leriche
If Hospitality is coming to Corporate and Residential Spaces, Where is Hospitality heading?
New! Hospitality Lab: Hybrid spaces
Corporate interior design is undergoing a seismic shift world over. Workspaces are now taking lessons from hospitality projects to urge employees to return to the office. At the same time, the pandemic brought homeowners’ attention to their private spaces, and now, they are motivated to curate better living spaces, too.
This raises a poignant question: If offices and homes are to take the ‘hospitality’ route, how can hotels and restaurants be a step ahead? The “Hospitality Lab,” located at the heart of Hall 6 at Maison & Objet 2023, showcased the future of new hospitality venues, designed and staged by four key players in the sector: Fabien Roque (Roque Intérieurs), Friedman & Versace, The Socialite Family, and the Accor hotel group (who was also introducing the winners of its design competition, Accor Design Awards).
In this context, Maison & Objet 2023 proved its capacity to craft distinctive and well-designed reception spaces through its diverse range of exceptional design and lifestyle products across various categories.
“Hopefully, visitors of the September edition came away with inspiration – and new suppliers – for their projects or their shops”, mentioned Caroline. “The fair is designed to be a valuable resource for professionals in the design and lifestyle sectors.” Overall, Maison&Objet 2023 opened avenues and brought to the fore channels of innovation and scintillating. The next edition in January will focus similarly on luxury in hospitality and residences. Until then…
Buyers can use a digital platform called MOM (Maison&Objet and More) to connect with thousands of selected brands and discover new products year-round.
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Date added:
3 October, 2023
