Key Trends from Autumn 2024’s Maison & Objet Design Fair
Whether looking to a stylish past, an intriguing future or far-flung places, designs on show offered comfort and escape
There was an element of escapism at this year’s Maison & Objet design fair, the biannual, Paris-based show for interior decoration, design and lifestyle that ran from 5-9 September. Key themes looked at how interiors can take us away from our stressful everyday lives by leaping into the future, returning to the past, or transporting us to lands far away. Here are the focal points of the show, which aimed to make our interiors personalised and peaceful havens.
The What’s New? In Decor exhibit. Photo by Anne-Emmanuelle Thion.
This notion was reflected in the watchword “Terra Cosmos”, the central theme of this edition of Maison & Objet, according to trend forecasting agency Peclers.
Tracing a bridge between here and this intriguing faraway land, the fair brought together a wave of new products created by AI, digital design and 3D printing.
This dive into the future was reflected in a cosmic industrial style – inflated, curved or twisted shapes – and a search for new and ethical materials, evoking this dreamlike land a long way away.
This notion was reflected in the watchword “Terra Cosmos”, the central theme of this edition of Maison & Objet, according to trend forecasting agency Peclers.
Tracing a bridge between here and this intriguing faraway land, the fair brought together a wave of new products created by AI, digital design and 3D printing.
This dive into the future was reflected in a cosmic industrial style – inflated, curved or twisted shapes – and a search for new and ethical materials, evoking this dreamlike land a long way away.
Ceramics by Oustao.
Earthy hues In evidence at the show was a palette of earthy colours, from terracotta to chestnut, as well as wine red and khaki. The alluring tones could be seen on red stoneware, earthenware made using a neriage (marbled) technique, and other ceramic objects with volcanic glazes.
Earthy hues In evidence at the show was a palette of earthy colours, from terracotta to chestnut, as well as wine red and khaki. The alluring tones could be seen on red stoneware, earthenware made using a neriage (marbled) technique, and other ceramic objects with volcanic glazes.
Furniture created with brewer’s spent grain by Nantes-based company, Instead.
Ethical materials Imagining a new world also means wanting a more ethical world. We’re experimenting with new materials en masse, with roughened finishes that mimic the ground on this newly envisaged planet.
Some finished products included seats made from grain remnants from the brewing process by Nantes-based Instead; Compo’Plume’s worktops made from ground badminton shuttlecocks, and reinvented stones by talented designer Seta Zandi for Phydia Stone.
Ethical materials Imagining a new world also means wanting a more ethical world. We’re experimenting with new materials en masse, with roughened finishes that mimic the ground on this newly envisaged planet.
Some finished products included seats made from grain remnants from the brewing process by Nantes-based Instead; Compo’Plume’s worktops made from ground badminton shuttlecocks, and reinvented stones by talented designer Seta Zandi for Phydia Stone.
Boyk vase by Sheyn, made from iridescent, 3D-printed PLA. PLA is an eco-friendly, corn-based plastic compound that’s completely recyclable and kind to the environment.
Futuristic objects This journey through space and time resulted in more futuristic interpretations, which appeared to have come straight out of the metaverse.
Sconces and pouffes resembling faraway light sources were dressed in a metallic and iridescent shimmer. Furnishings had gone digital, and accessories had been redesigned with AI and 3D printing, including the Quasar lamp by Alucyne and the twisted vases by Aura 3D and Vienna-based studio, Sheyn.
Futuristic objects This journey through space and time resulted in more futuristic interpretations, which appeared to have come straight out of the metaverse.
Sconces and pouffes resembling faraway light sources were dressed in a metallic and iridescent shimmer. Furnishings had gone digital, and accessories had been redesigned with AI and 3D printing, including the Quasar lamp by Alucyne and the twisted vases by Aura 3D and Vienna-based studio, Sheyn.
V&V Macramé exhibit. Photo by Agnès Carpentier.
2. 1970s revival: Retreating to a liberating past
While some explored the cosmos, others found refuge in joyous, tried-and-tested solutions that leave the stresses of the modern world behind. The noticeable appeal of the 1970s had us setting out to research this era of liberty, creativity and breaking away from convention.
A relaxed atmosphere This laid-back or even bohemian environment could be seen in plush, informal sofas, warm colours such as orange, brown and camel (and even touches of psychedelic purple) and the unabashed return of macramé.
Key materials from the decade, including corduroy, pleated velvet, marl wool and, of course, chrome metal and printed and smoked glass, are set to be favourites over the coming months.
2. 1970s revival: Retreating to a liberating past
While some explored the cosmos, others found refuge in joyous, tried-and-tested solutions that leave the stresses of the modern world behind. The noticeable appeal of the 1970s had us setting out to research this era of liberty, creativity and breaking away from convention.
A relaxed atmosphere This laid-back or even bohemian environment could be seen in plush, informal sofas, warm colours such as orange, brown and camel (and even touches of psychedelic purple) and the unabashed return of macramé.
Key materials from the decade, including corduroy, pleated velvet, marl wool and, of course, chrome metal and printed and smoked glass, are set to be favourites over the coming months.
Chubby sofa by Pop Corn.
Sofas from the 1970s are a hit with thirtysomethings. The legendary Togo, designed in 1972 and famously comfortable, seems to have greatly inspired our times, both in fuzzy and Shar Pei-like pleated shapes and modular designs. Chubby, the sofa of the year by Pop Corn, seen here, is a case in point.
Sofas from the 1970s are a hit with thirtysomethings. The legendary Togo, designed in 1972 and famously comfortable, seems to have greatly inspired our times, both in fuzzy and Shar Pei-like pleated shapes and modular designs. Chubby, the sofa of the year by Pop Corn, seen here, is a case in point.
Colourful storage by Mustard Made.
Combining metal and glass A major new feature at the fair was the prominence of metal and glass, stars from the 1970s that were on display all over the show floor. We spotted geometric light fixtures with mirrors; low tables; chairs with round, chrome legs; copper sheet armchairs, and storage units that reimagine school lockers.
Our top pick: colourful lacquered metal and ribbed glass cabinets by Mustard Made, as well as their lockers, which come in different sizes and six colours.
Combining metal and glass A major new feature at the fair was the prominence of metal and glass, stars from the 1970s that were on display all over the show floor. We spotted geometric light fixtures with mirrors; low tables; chairs with round, chrome legs; copper sheet armchairs, and storage units that reimagine school lockers.
Our top pick: colourful lacquered metal and ribbed glass cabinets by Mustard Made, as well as their lockers, which come in different sizes and six colours.
Seating by Les Gambettes.
Vintage revisited Besides the 1970s, general interest in vintage items remains a current trend. Les Gambettes took us back to the 1950s with its memory-triggering furniture that revisits the pieces many of us remember from school, while Qué Rico’s accessories adopted a Memphis Group design style (see below).
Vintage revisited Besides the 1970s, general interest in vintage items remains a current trend. Les Gambettes took us back to the 1950s with its memory-triggering furniture that revisits the pieces many of us remember from school, while Qué Rico’s accessories adopted a Memphis Group design style (see below).
Ceramics by Qué Rico.
Industrial architecture and Bauhaus design were also evident in the use of brushed aluminium and chrome metal to create bold, contemporary pieces, such as the mirrors by Gabrielle Paris.
A partnership with Paris’s Saint-Ouen flea market put more traditional pieces back into the spotlight – a reminder that secondhand items offer more sustainable consumption and the chance to find unique objects steeped in history.
Also take a look at what to expect at 2024’s Decorex design fair.
Industrial architecture and Bauhaus design were also evident in the use of brushed aluminium and chrome metal to create bold, contemporary pieces, such as the mirrors by Gabrielle Paris.
A partnership with Paris’s Saint-Ouen flea market put more traditional pieces back into the spotlight – a reminder that secondhand items offer more sustainable consumption and the chance to find unique objects steeped in history.
Also take a look at what to expect at 2024’s Decorex design fair.
Furniture by Bazar Bizar.
3. The quest for elsewhere: From white wonderlands to delicate objects
While avid trendsetters may be reaching for the moon, and others more conservatively revisit the past, a number of designers opted to explore elsewhere.
The dazzling whiteness of Greece, soothing earth tones in Morocco, blood orange lakes across Asia, vibrant African colours, elaborate patterns from India or Eastern Europe… There were plenty of travel memories to emulate at home for a year-round holiday feel.
3. The quest for elsewhere: From white wonderlands to delicate objects
While avid trendsetters may be reaching for the moon, and others more conservatively revisit the past, a number of designers opted to explore elsewhere.
The dazzling whiteness of Greece, soothing earth tones in Morocco, blood orange lakes across Asia, vibrant African colours, elaborate patterns from India or Eastern Europe… There were plenty of travel memories to emulate at home for a year-round holiday feel.
Sofa by Zuiver.
Refinement The quest for one or multiple hideaways was exhibited in the creation of tonal spaces, often in soothing shades of white, cream or ochre, warmed by wood – a stripped-down aesthetic in keeping with essentialism aiming to create a welcome break from our overburdened lives.
Refinement The quest for one or multiple hideaways was exhibited in the creation of tonal spaces, often in soothing shades of white, cream or ochre, warmed by wood – a stripped-down aesthetic in keeping with essentialism aiming to create a welcome break from our overburdened lives.
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Stained glass workshop led by master glassmaker Lola Pradeilles (Millau, France).
Handicrafts to the fore This approach can also focus on interior touches in the form of a unique, striking piece, such as one of the beautiful, handcrafted objects on show in the Craft section in Hall 5.
Among them were a totem ceramic by Corinne Geffray; organic furniture from Cyrylz Design; a glass sculpture by Jonathan Ausseresse, and stained glass reinvented by the talented Lola Pradeilles.
Handicrafts to the fore This approach can also focus on interior touches in the form of a unique, striking piece, such as one of the beautiful, handcrafted objects on show in the Craft section in Hall 5.
Among them were a totem ceramic by Corinne Geffray; organic furniture from Cyrylz Design; a glass sculpture by Jonathan Ausseresse, and stained glass reinvented by the talented Lola Pradeilles.
What’s New? In Hospitality, a space for inspiration by Designer of the Year Lionel Jadot. Photo by Anne-Emmanuelle Thion.
Brutalism In this change of scenery, a real appetite for Brutalist style re-emerged, mirroring a fairytale cabin. Lionel Jadot, who was awarded Designer of the Year by the show, also presented incredibly inspiring hotel suite scenography in the same vein.
He used unique pieces that he made with skilfully upcycled local waste combined with items manufactured by various designers who work less than 50km from his workshop in Zaventem, Belgium.
Brutalism In this change of scenery, a real appetite for Brutalist style re-emerged, mirroring a fairytale cabin. Lionel Jadot, who was awarded Designer of the Year by the show, also presented incredibly inspiring hotel suite scenography in the same vein.
He used unique pieces that he made with skilfully upcycled local waste combined with items manufactured by various designers who work less than 50km from his workshop in Zaventem, Belgium.
Pols Potten side tables. Photo by Agnès Carpentier.
Lastly, if we had to choose one piece from this edition of Maison & Objet that embodied the spirit of escape and creativity, it would be the totem-style side table by Pols Potten (pictured).
Combining futuristic, 1970s and Brutalist influences, the pieces are available in ceramic, lacquered metal, composite material, wood, travertine, resin and lightweight concrete and are sure to find their place in our homes.
Tell us…
What are your thoughts on these decor trends? Let us know in the Comments.
Lastly, if we had to choose one piece from this edition of Maison & Objet that embodied the spirit of escape and creativity, it would be the totem-style side table by Pols Potten (pictured).
Combining futuristic, 1970s and Brutalist influences, the pieces are available in ceramic, lacquered metal, composite material, wood, travertine, resin and lightweight concrete and are sure to find their place in our homes.
Tell us…
What are your thoughts on these decor trends? Let us know in the Comments.
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