MAISON & OBJET 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

A few days ago I returned from Paris. And I cam back with a head full of inspiration and ideas. Why? Well, it was time to visit this autumn’s Maison & Objet show. The Maison & Objet fair in Paris is one of the most important fall fairs when it comes to interiors, furniture design and home accessories. Those who have never been, I just can say: go!! See for yourself at least once. The fairground is huge and yes there is lots to take in and see. But if you prepare yourself in advance, you’ll be able to visit your highlights efficently. And you won’t regret it! I spent only one afternoon at the Maison & Objet fair and came back with quite some highlights. Shall we roll?

Living by Francois Bernard
This space was one of many in an area called “What’s New?”. Various trend experts and interior specialists presented condensed trends in a dedicated area with pieces from different brands. The space called “Living” by French interior decorator and trend expert Francois Bernard was a personal highlight for me. His booth design was an ode to our uniqueness and to personal spaces. His idea was presented in three spaces that featured modern living inspired by notable recent exhibitions on abstract art, through Mondrian, Cubism, etc. In certain objects – paper goods, textiles, occasional furniture, rugs – I saw a desire for a rather simple geometry and tactile experiences. His interior vision was strongly pointing to a sculptural approach encompassing handmade pieces that are sculpted, shaped, unique, and different. This vision was combined with the idea of soft living defined by gentle colors, natural materials, a certain concept of comfort, and highly technological objects with rounded shapes. It’s a follow-up to Scandinavian style tinged with a Japanese spirit. The gist of his interior design and the trend essence was as follows: Spaces that are reflecting three major shape repertoires: geometrics, round and soft, and random with references to sculptural and abstract art, a Mondrian color palette enriched by deep reds and mustard yellows. Moody, earthy, tactile, natural – I loved the entire concept!

Ethnicraft
Ethnicraft is yet another furniture brand that I admire for its beautiful wooden pieces. I visited their showroom in Antwerp a few years ago and loved their solid wood pieces. I was particularly happy to see that some of their pieces, namely those made of oak, were actually produced in Serbia. This year I noticed the beautiful carved wooden details, moody colors and a subtle, earthy color palette. Yup, everything that speaks to me!

Petite Friture
French furniture label Petite Friture is always a nice stop at the Maison & Objet fair. Their playful yet puristic designs are a refreshment to the eye and I liked their new pieces as outdoor furniture. I could see these on a spacious, concrete style terrace. Don’t you agree?

Molo Design
The Canadian design label Molo presented amazing paper lamps at this year’s fair. I loved their soft cloud pendant lights made of paper. They nod to the Japanese tradition of paper lamps and emit a warm and soft glow while being like suspended in mid-air. So dreamy!

Ferm Living
My traditional go-to brand when it comes to beautiful home accessories is the Danish label Ferm Living. I really love their new collection and was excited to see their pieces upfront at the Maison & Objet. My faves? The new series of plates in tribute to womanhood – beautiful pieces to hang on the wall!! Not to mention that I also love their new Orb watering can in the color ‘Cashmere’ as well as the sculptural Hourglass plant pots! I think I need those pieces in my life, ha!

Ay Illuminate
Dutch label Ay Illuminate showed a new range of pendant lights and woven tray baskets in the shape of various tropical leaves. I loved the overall natural and tactile vibe as it was pretty much in tune with this season’s ongoing trend about natural materials and tactile surfaces.

Brokis Lighting
The Czech label Brokis is a fantastic new discovery. I love their glass lights in various shapes and sizes. They have a very contemporary look and highlight the craftsmanship of glass blowing in a fantastic way. I am a bit in love with their lamps, I admit!

Stoff Nagel
A design classic from the 1960s, the Stoff Nagel candleholders have been revived by the Danish label Stoff. Known in their classical chrome version, Stoff Nagel presented new varieties with black mat finishing and an antique look all along with matching candles in a subtle and soft range of colors. I also loved the idea of getting playful and displaying dried flowers and grasses in the candleholders (actually they have small vases in the same design to be attached to the candleholders).

Ames
The German label that celebrates Colombian artisans, Ames, was present too. I always enjoy seeing their beautiful products, particularly the wonderful pots, vases and planters. I love the handmade look and finishing and I think the combination of German design with Colombian traditional cratsmanship is quite exciting. Also that woven stool/sidetable in black, white and orange – uhmm, come to my life please!

101 Copenhagen
This Danish label I knew from their beautiful vase. But little did I know about the wide range of furniture and lighting they have in their portfolio. Oh that Drop chandelier was a charmer, I must admit!

Zuiver
Dutch design label Zuiver had a big booth but my attention was totally consumed by their Grow floor lamps. These panel lights feature houseplants that look like behind a milky glass. It looks super realistic yet there is no real plant involved! I immediately saw the potential for those super dark corners of your home where you can’t really grow a real plant and where you need extra light. Here comes the solution for both issues!

DCW Editions
Yet another lighting brand, the French DCW Editions showcased their new lighting solutions for a modern home. I am a fan of their Mantis scones range designed by Bernard Schottlander. So stylish and sleek! Also the fun pendant lights that look like a open book from the side are an eye-catcher! Why not above a large desk in a studio or home office?

Jade Design
The French label Jade Design caught my eye from an Urban Jungle Bloggers perspective. They are specialized in open top terrariums and aquariums. They also have a very artistic way of creating mini landscapes in terrariums as well as featuring flowers. The terrariums are all made of high quality glass and they even offer a special glass dropper or pipet to water your terrariums – not only in style, but to also avoid water drops on the inside of the glass vessel.  Beautiful and smart!

Paola Paronetto Ceramics
As a ceramics lover I couldn’t help but notice also an interesting ceramics brand – this time from Italy. Paola Paronetto is a talented ceramicist who uses cardboard to create unexpected designs with ceramics and porcelain. Cardboard shapes are covered in clay and when fired the cardboard is consumed and disappeares leaving a unique, wavy shape of whatever was intended. Did I notice the cactus looking vases in green hues? Oui, I did!

Enough for today! You see that all these amazing discoveries I made within half a day. Even more, I met two friends at the fair and spent some time chit chatting and working on another little project. What I want to say is that a huge fair like the Maison & Objet does not necessarily mean full exhaustion and a fair marathon. You can take your time, pre select what you want to see and which hall you want to focus on. And then just take in the inspiration, discover, talk and network. For that, I will always gladly return to the Maison & Objet fair in Paris!

This blog post has been brought to you in collaboration with Maison & Objet. As always all opinions and photos are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands who support this blog!

Photography by Igor Josifovic