My Edit of Maison&Objet Paris 2016
At the beginning of September I was invited to attend the Maison&Objet trade show in Paris, one of my favourite cities. Maison&Objet is a major lifestyle event for professionals working in all fields of interiors where exhibitors offer a huge range of decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles, fragrances, children’s interiors, tableware and more. It’s an amazing platform, and a great place to source unique products and up-and-coming trends.
It was my first visit to Maison&Objet, and it is HUGE. I was totally blown away by the size of the show, eight halls in total. I even saw some people on scooters – motorised scooters!
Panoramic of Parc des Expositions, Paris where Maison&Objet is held.
The focus of the show this year was ‘House of Games’, Maison&Objet choose a theme each year to inspire and surprise guests. The House of Games stand was designed in a playful, off-beat, yet refined aesthetic. The lighting was kept low, but the pieces were playful, bright and cheerful.
Inside The House of Games. Image: M&O website.
Inside The House of Games. Image: M&O website.
This year, the M&O PARIS designer of the year, September 2016 was Ilse Crawford, her work is a testament to her ability to reconcile the experience of luxury with wellbeing. As designer of the year, Ilse was in charge of designing the Designers’ Studio, a work and networking space at M&O.
The Designers’ Studio by Iilse Crawford, a work and networking space at M&O.
M&O was an awesome experience and I had the opportunity to see some excellent examples of design from across Europe, and the rest of the world, so I’ve decided to put together this post to share my edit with you. Considering the size of the event, and the sheer volume of incredible design, editing my top finds was not an easy task! I’ve already written about the incredible Zaha Hadid Collection, but here are just some of my other favourites.
One. Team Lab
First up was the Forest of Resonating Lamps - One Stroke, an installation by team-lab.net.
A huge mirrored room housed hundreds of Murano glass lamps hanging from the ceiling. Sensors determined the position of viewers within the room, and when standing close to one of the lamps for a period of time, it would change colour and become the starting point for the other lamps around it to start changing colour too, a magical experience. I spent way too long wandering around in this room when there was so much else to see!
Forest of Resonating Lamps
Forest of Resonating Lamps - changing colours
Two. ibride
The French company, ibride, immediately grabbed my attention, the pieces were interesting and unique - the brand bases it’s collection on surrealism. I loved how playful, quirky and unusual the pieces were. This year ibride released its’ first series of outdoor furniture – inspired by ethereal lines and aquatic curves.
Some pieces from the ibride range
ibride outdoor chair.
Three. Corita Rose
Next up was Corita Rose a textile design company with the most stunning and vivid designs printed onto velvet, linen and silk. Based in Dorset, the company was founded by artist and designer Caroline Ritchie and her husband Joshua. Caroline’s inspiration comes from different cultures and eras, from tribal and folk art, to heraldry and medieval designs. I was lucky to speak with Caroline at the show, and she told me about how, when she couldn’t find anything like she now produces in the shops, she just went out and made it herself – an amazingly talented lady!
Vibrant Corita Rose cushions.
Corita Rose textile design.
4. Nook London
Nook London is based in East London and was founded by Hattie Hollins in 2011. They offer vintage factory style lighting - Nostalgia Lights and Nostalgia Lights Reserve. Nook has recently expanded from lighting into more generalised homeware. The brand stands strong as a formidable pioneer of the vintage industrial style that I love to use when styling urban or loft living spaces.
Nook London - great turquoise colour on the flex!
Nook London: a unique take on a bedside lamp.
Five. Frederik Roijé
Clean, classy and innovative, Frederik Roijé’s collection of furniture, lighting and accessories ticked many of my boxes, especially as the inspiration for some of the pieces are city skylines.
I adored the simplicity of their pieces, and their attention to detail. The Storylines shelf and the Seatshell chair were particular favourites.
Frederik Roijé’s Storylines Bookshelf.
Frederik Roijé’s Seatshell chair.
Six. Woud
Based in Denmark, Woud work with a mix of young upcoming talents, as well as experienced designers to produce a stunning collection of products. Their range of beautiful pieces adds a touch of innovation to the simplicity anchored in their Nordic design heritage.
Stone Pendant, Split Dining Table and Pause Dining Chair by Woud.
Input Shelf by Woud.
Seven. Drugeot Labo
Drugeot Labo (France) create stunningly unique pieces from solid oak with 100% French origin. Their pieces are expertly made with the greatest care, and I could tell form speaking to them at the show, that they are so proud of the heritage and craftsmanship of their pieces. I loved their simple, but very clever designs.
Drugeot Labo Compass Desk Leans against the wall, and is ideal for small city spaces.
The Créneau side table can be used as a side table or as a bedside table.
Eight. Rina Menardi
Rina Menardi’s tactile ceramics stood out to me because of their organic shapes and beautiful colours. Based in Italy, Rina's work is always characterised by simple lines and inspired by nature.
Rina Menardi Ceramics
Nine. Les Gambettes
French company Les Gambettes introduced a fun collection of 50’s inspired retro designed furniture with bright colours and eye-catching prints: chairs, tables, desk and design accessories mixing metal, wood and of course, the most popular surface from the 50’s, Formica.
Les Gambettes' fun take on 50s Retro. Love the geometric wallpaper in this image.
Les Gambettes' Chaise Susie
Ten. Avenida Home
Avenida Home was founded by Isabel Saiz in Bath, England - they create highly individual pieces and are dedicated to supporting traditional craftsmanship throughout Europe. The collection is eclectic and surprising and I fell in love with their Jungle Collection wallpaper, which is based on a painting by the fabulous artist, Nathalie Lété.
The Avenida Home Jungle range.
Eleven. Elements Optimal
Element Optimal’s philosophy is creating great designs in line with the strong traditions of Danish craftsmanship, whilst promoting talented individuals from around the world. Each creation is made with outmost integrity and are original, simple, functional and timeless. Their adorable range for children was on display at the show.
Elements Optimal Elephant chair and table and balloon mirror.
Elements Optimal Bambi chair
Twelve. Nobodinoz
Barcelona based kid's brand, Nobodinoz offers a fun range of furniture, décor, toys and teepees. The colour palette sets the pace and allows for a wide range of playful combinations for a smart, modern kids’ spaces.
Nobodinoz bed in horizon thalassa blue.
Nobodinoz Teepees in Arizona black scales, Arizona zig zag and Arizona black honey sparks
M&O takes place in Paris in January and September and I really hope to return in 2017, but until then I look forward to using my finds in upcoming projects - including my own house when it's built!