13 Sep Friday Files by: BOYAC – Maison & Objet
This week on Friday Files we report back our findings from Europe’s largest trade fair Maison & Objet. Held at the Parc des expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte, Maison is somewhat intimidating for a first time visitor, seven halls packed to the rafters with the latest and greatest of everything for the home. Even considering the September Maison is smaller than the January fair
This year the theme of the fair is “Energies”. Maison explains, “The time has come to recharge our batteries. Where design is concerned, we shouldn’t save our energies. Quite the opposite. We are encouraging use when circulating good vibrations. Driving forces are revving up in order to foresee the bubbling changes underway and to stimulate the high-voltage dynamic of desire. Positive, optimism-inducing waves are electrifying the established order. This is a beneficent motion that is freeing our imaginations, reinvigorating unexpected aesthetics and activating alternative currents.”
Key Trends that we spotted in the halls included:
Dots.
The dotted trend was again key for furniture, textiles – in the way of micro patterns and decorative accessories. Dots and circles were also developed to become structures: from wooden stools at Bleu Nature to natural fibre wall art at Darono.
Stacked.
Whether it be lighting or accessories, stacked designs were a prominent trend throughout the Maison fair this September. This attention to detail transformed lamp bases and regular cords into sculptural and decorative pieces. Bright colours and asymmetry were played with to challenge the rule of repetition.
Gradation.
This was a “micro-trend” in January and has grown in popularity amongst designers in the months between giving it a dominance at the fair this September. Objects, fabrics and even furniture had been dip dyed to create a subtle ombre of colour in all tones from neon to pastels.