Maison&Objet Inspires Using Tech Blended with Natural Settings

January’s Maison&Objet show, an eagerly awaited event for all design enthusiasts, sets the tone for the year with its latest trends and inspirations. The prominent biannual trade show, held just outside Paris in Villepinte, stands out in the design and lifestyle sector. Its September edition drew over 2,500 brands and 67,000 professionals, offering a platform for the latest in design, architectural trends, and lifestyle, and the event is celebrated for its high standards in booth design, transforming spaces into elaborate mini-setups. 

This was evident at the January 2024 edition, which revolved around the “TECH EDEN” theme, developed with the Peclers Paris trend agency. This theme represents a utopian vision blending futuristic biophilia and a sustainable future, reflecting the evolving relationship between science and nature. “TECH EDEN” challenged attendees to reimagine spatial design by integrating technology, aesthetic innovation, and environmental consciousness. The theme is a response to the current technological and ecological challenges, promoting sustainable and balanced design approaches. 

The 2024 edition will spotlight various aspects, including the Designer of the Year’s project, a retail-centric “What’s New?” space, and the Hospitality Lab envisioning the future of hybrid venues. 

The show’s Designer of the year was Mathieu Lehanneur who presented his “Outonomy” installation, an ecosystem blending life’s essentials, reflecting on civilization and architecture, in addition to merging design, technology, art, and craftsmanship. Lehanneur is known for creating objects and installations that merge technology with sustainability, making him ideal to be this year’s choice for Designer of the Year. 

The Tech Eden theme was showcased in an installation by trend forecaster Elisabeth Leriche, whose main idea is that we have to connect nature with new narratives for the home and work that are inspiring and future-focused. The “Deep Sea” trend was one example that was prevalent throughout the halls where designed objects are inspired by ocean life. This underwater world evokes soft, wavelike shapes, transparency, and reflective effects, and textures inspired by shellfish and coral. Sea coral, here, are turned into lamps, vases, and decorative elements. FOS Ceramiche’s “Beneath the Ocean Floor” collection of sea fossils pots, bowls, vases and bottles, made in biscuit porcelain. 

Another trend we spotted is what Leriche calls “Meta Vegetal,” and that is inspired by an oversized version of an enchanted jungle, where nature has retaken control and is running wild. This translated into products that created a world made of luxurious materials, “where an abundance of shapes, patterns, and shimmering colors reminds us how essential these spaces are to keeping the world in balance,” said Leriche in a statement. “Botanical and floral motifs rub shoulders with geometric rhythms, creating a hypnotic universe on a ground of intense, deep green. The presence of nature here inspires the emerging trend in biophilic design, which highlights designs inspired by living beings.” lain with a refined design perfectly embodied this growing trend. The green glass-blown Elements Lighting wall lamp is a perfect example of this trend. 

A third prevalent trend, entitled “Mineral Desert” was also popular throughout the halls, and drew inspiration from the vast open spaces in mineral and solar-tinted shades of color. This was evident in many stone and ceramic objects, created in earth tones and raw materials which were transformed into sculptural, totemic designs. Leriche said to think of shifting sands and light on the dunes which in turn inspire braiding and weaving patterns. Pulpo’s console, designed by Silvain Willenz, and a Wall Sculpture by Sandy Pouget for Atelier S-Kif are two good examples of this microtrend. 

When it comes to research in design and materials, Maison never disappoints. It was great to see research by young designers who are addressing climate change with promising, new proposals. The French manufacturer Ostrea, for example, is a French company, makes low-carbon reconstituted stone, similar to marble, and they are made from oysters, mussels, and scallop shells. With a low-carbon mineral dye that uses no resin or fossil-free fuel-sourced elements. They are shaped by marble masons and can be used to make furniture or worktops, and is 100% recyclable.  

Another promising material is a seaweed prototype panel, designed by Thomas Tomatis. The designer found that mass beachings of seaweed caused by intensive farming practices,, and climate change, have disastrous environment consequences, so his research project undertaken with a team of scientists are figuring new ways of transforming  seaweed  biomass from the Brittany coastline in France into new materials and everyday objects, like this seaweed panel. Finally, Maison & Objet awarded  Portuguese designer Joana Esteves of Tosca Studio for her experiments with concrete, where she creates one-of-a-kind furniture pieces that are adorned with mineral or pop-inspired motifs in natural pigments. 

Tech Eden, created in collaboration with Peclers Paris, aims to highlight the profound evolution of science and nature’s relationship, projecting it into a sustainable and desirable future. This narrative pervades the show’s activities across various sectors, offering a vision of progress enriched by scenographic interpretations while balancing a futuristic utopia with new realities. Digital technologies, 3D printing, AI, and intuitive objects emphasize this trend. The hospitality industry is also adapting, with restaurants and spas creating nature-inspired environments. 

As societal tensions increase our desire for comfort in our living spaces, cutting-edge technologies respond with services inspired by nature. Maison created a “Well-Being & Beauty” section last September and continued with the January edition which featured a selection of products which combine feel-good rituals with soft technological innovations to create a relaxing atmosphere at home and even at work. The Ciclotte Teckell Exercise Bicycle is the perfect example of an object that reflects the new wellness trend. The bike is design, not only to be transparent but also uses the elegance of crystals as inspiration.  

What makes Maison&Objet stand apart from other trade shows is that it is not afraid to embrace elements like luxury, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Take, for example, the high-end Italian Leather manufacturer, which works both on the commercial side, making products for hotels and restaurants, luxury yachts, and residences. They are typical of the kinds of exhibitors at Maison showing this season–that is elevated where luxury shows no bounds. The Pinetti Magenta Serving Trolley, for example, perfectly embodies this trend as a piece from real, unmistakable Italian design that perfectly synthesizes aesthetics and practicality. 

The over-scaled and huge booth sizes of many exhibitors were a testament to the confidence that manufacturers and brands who are showing at Maison&Object have with their product offerings, and being bullish on the future of the economy. German manufacturer Domani’s huge booth was typical of the positive vibes that manufacturers were feeling. Even American brands like Tuuci got in on the act with their Monster Umbrella which took up almost the entire size of their booth. 

When it comes to wallcoverings and wallpapers, many manufacturers chose to showcase mural-size wallcoverings. One stellar example, is the collaboration between London Art and the fashion brand Marni, which showed their Euphoria Wallcovering which showcased oversized flowers in a painterly fashion.  

What sets Maison apart from other trade shows is the innovation of the brands that are showcased at the fair. The Dutch acoustic brand Alphenberg is a good example wher they showcase acoustic panels that are both fashion forward in their design as well as technically proficient. Pedrali highlighted oversized tables, that were debuted in Milan last April. Danish brands like House of Finn Juhl not only showcased classic pieces by the mid-century modern master, they reintroduced new pieces like s small modular wooden shelf he designed. Belgian brand Serax’s booth was packed with buyers and designers seeing their dozens of launches, many echoing a 60s brutalist theme with their crafted lamps, especially by Marie Michielssen. French outdoor furniture brand Fermob not only expanded it’s offerings with more outdoor lamps, gardening accessories, and tables and chairs, they did so with several new colors of which Marshmallow–a soft purple seemed to be a hit with visitors.  

Another reason we love Maison is because it’s a show that focuses on quality and a place to find family-owned manufacturers who do one thing well. Witness Ex.t, an Italian bathroom manufacturer which creates contemporary and custom bathroom products that meet the needs of contemporary living. 

Maison&Objet also celebrates its 30th anniversary with a new format for the Rising Talent Awards, recognizing young designers who blend high technology and traditional techniques. The interior architect and designer Nelson Fossey of Index Office is a good example of a young designer who seamlessly blends high-tech innovations with traditional craftsmanship. His design philosophy revolves around creating bridges between industry and traditional craftsmanship, and he’s designed for strong brands like Lexon. The studio’s ambition is to use contemporary modeling and manufacturing tools to integrate them into industrial or craft processes. 

Felix Rasehorn and Robin Hoske of WINT Design Lab are another example of young designers who are pioneering a new wave of design research through their collaborative venture, WINT Design Lab, founded in 2019. The duo, Their studio-laboratory is a hub for interdisciplinary research, focusing on cutting-edge developments such as biomaterials, paperless interfaces, and the physical applications of algorithmic tools. 

What was also promising at Maison were the growing number of smaller maker producers–like Sheyn, Fornice Objects, and Miho Unexpected Things, just to name a few–who are now using digital technologies like 3D-printing and manufacturing to create everyday objects at affordable prices. What was only an idea just a few years ago, is now becoming a definite reality that is here to stay. 

Maison&Objet, coinciding with Paris hosting the Olympics, makes the city a hub for design inspiration, with the show being a key event for industry professionals. The next Maison&Objet is scheduled for September 5 to 9, 2024 in Paris. For more information, visit their official website: www.maison-objet.com