The bi-annual Maison & Objet show is not to be missed for anyone dedicated to interior design (or new homeowners looking for inspiration). Each year, designers, editors and collectors of all kinds gather at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center to discover the latest offerings from more than 2,000 home and lifestyle brands. Coinciding with the Paris Deco-off (the adjacent fair which focuses on wallpapers, fabrics and wallcoverings), this year’s Maison & Objet sought to escape by exhibiting playful furniture, accessories for the home and other decorative items.
In a pendulum swing away from austere minimalism, the brands that participated in this year’s show embraced bold beauty with quirky home decor items, standout furniture and colorful wallpapers. More is more and there is not too much. At least for now.
The governing body of Maison & Objet crowns a designer of the year with past recipients including designer Cristina Celestino and architect Franklin Azzi. For 2023, this distinction was awarded to a multidisciplinary designer and long-time collaborator of Roche Bobois, Raphaël Navot. Navot recently partnered with the brand for a special showcase, “The Apothem Lounge”, which is an immersive installation designed to convey visual emotion and an open structure flooding people with light.
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Below are our favorite moments from Maison & L’Objet along with suggestions for incorporating the trends into your own home.
The art of setting a table
The new Tour Billion collection by Christofle is a collaboration between Christofle and Alya Tannous and presents six new pieces: a champagne flute, a red wine glass, a white wine glass, a water glass and two candle holders.
Setting a table is no small feat. At least, for those who like to receive. Whether it’s for afternoon tea or a multi-course dinner, a tablescape needs to be carefully put together. Why? Because who does not find his pleasure in the gastronomy presented in the middle of beautiful glassware, porcelain, etc.? ? The key then is to stick to a theme. For those with a taste for the classic, Christofle is obvious. But, they’ve just introduced Malmaison Impériale, a more playful and charismatic addition to their signature Malmaison collection filled with spiraling champagne flutes and Art Deco-inspired plates. Vista Alegre took a more colorful approach. Their signature chinaware is covered in red and yellow geometric shapes, while the plates are made up of painted floral designs.
Christofle Vertigo Rectangular Tray
Wedgwood Renaissance gold dinnerware set 5 pieces
Lucia Tulip Champagne Glass
Christofle Albi Caviar Server
sculptural glass
One of the centerpieces of the Invisible Collection and the Mobilier national is the sculptural floor lamp by Diane de Kergal.
Glass art is said to have existed since the 1st century BC, having been developed in Egypt and Assyria with traces found in the Roman Empire. Its decorative element has long been used to illustrate interiors, and it’s no surprise that this season’s Maison & Objet designers want to continue the tradition. At Vertrofuso, glassware is treated as an art with clear glass plates and bowls painted abstractly with dragonfly designs resting on their surface. Luxury design marketplace Invisible Collection and Mobilier national, France’s leading heritage institution dedicated to preserving decorative arts and contemporary French creations, also showcased a new line of interiors, including a sculptural floor lamp by Diane de Kergal.
LIULI Crystal Art
crate and barrel crate and barrel Bol Mila
Opalescent Art Deco Glass Shells Pendant by R.Lalique
Aria Dome Table Lamp with Small Straight Sided Gallery Shade, Bronze
animal patterns
Part of Lalique’s new collection includes animal glassware set on a table top with carved feather sides.
Perhaps the creations presented at Maison & Objet contrast with the cold and wet winter season. And, if there’s one natural setting that designers seem to have their eyes on, it’s the warmer days in the tropics. Lalique appealed to the rich diversity of animals in tropical regions, placing their glass sculptures of classic animals on a low table whose periphery was carved in large feathers like those of an ostrich.
Lillian August Luxe Haven Floral Vinyl Wallpaper Roll by Lillian August
Schumacher Iconic Leopard Animal Print Wallpaper
Sculpture Lovebird Lalique
French market collection
Statement chairs
The newly launched “Flock” chair and ottoman by NOOM is inspired by the idea that home is a place of comfort.
The chair is not just a design element in one’s home and should not be considered as such. At this year’s design week, the chairs were configured in architectural forms of all kinds, making them as much a work of art as those adorning the walls. If you are looking for something minimal but still playful, here is the chair proposed by the Ukrainian brand NOOM home. For Maison & Objet, they presented an oval-shaped pouf that functions as both a comfortable rest and a stand-alone piece. Dedar, a fabric and textile company, transformed a modern chair by covering its seat and back with a new jacquard fabric mended in a triangular pattern. For those who already have a chair they love, consider giving it a slight refresh with some bold upholstery.
Kateryna Sokolova Flock lounge chair
Monaco Upholstered Armchair by Statements by J
Mercury Row® Almodovar 91.95cm Wide Lounge Chair
Upholstery fabric Dedar Amuleto
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