The other week I went to MAISON&OBJET for the first time – it’s a huge trade event dedicated to all things design and decoration that takes place in Paris twice every year. Much like Salone del Mobile in Milan, it’s a vast operation, spread across eight, football-pitch-sized halls at the Parc des Expositions to the north of the city. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for new ideas, new inspiration and new furniture launches.
I only managed one hall – and that took me the best part of a day! While much of the focus and attention is on the January edition at the start of the year, when most of the big brands launch key designs, the September event, which I attended, is good for spotting smaller pieces, home accessories and lighting. Here are six designs that caught my eye and that I think you’ll love too:
1. Tray Shelf by Hanne Willmann for Woud
Woud is a relatively young Danish brand that I’ve featured before. For Autumn/Winter 2018, they’ve curated a collection of designs with ‘simple functionalities and straight lines – designs that can be applied in various settings, designs that are able to be combined and customised’.
I fell for the Tray shelf by Berlin-based Hanne Willmann, a simple design with a slender frame and small wooden trays in black or oak that can be moved into various positions. Woud has styled the shelving system with taller pieces, such as vases, that can poke through the gaps between the trays. It has a Japanese meets Scandinavian feel – the design is all about balance and refinement.
2. Case pendant by Vitamin x someday designs
British brand Vitamin has collaborated with interiors store and design collective someday designs (read my interview with founder Emily Mayne here) to create a tactile new pendant light. Handcrafted in Stoke on Trent, the Case pendant is slip cast in earthenware ceramic and produced in small batches. The subtly lined pendant has a beautiful matte glaze and comes in charcoal, natural or nude. Prices start from £65 for a clear bulb.
3. Grid sideboard and Curved Pouf by Kristina Dam Studio
It was hard just to pick one design from Kristina Dam Studio’s AW/18 collection, so I’m going to talk about a number of her new pieces. Expanding on the theme of Sculptural Minimalism, the company has added a selection of new designs that have a distinct Scandinavian and architectural expression. I really think Kristina Dam does simplicity, clean lines and bold shapes so well.
Top of my list was the Grid sideboard, a smart storage unit made from black powder coated steel and perforated panels. The magnet-shaped Curved Pouf has a lovely, graphic quality, finished in soft aniline leather. Turning those curves upside down is the Curved Side Table (last picture below) that can be used to store magazines in its slick black steel folds.
4. Plateau side table by FEST Amsterdam
The Netherlands-based brand FEST Amsterdam was a new one for me at MAISON&OBJET and I enjoyed their pieces so much I think I will have to dedicate a whole other post to them!
Founded in 2013 by Femke Fernee, FEST is an interior brand that offers well-designed furniture without the high-end prices. They work with designers such as Mae Engelgeer, Martin Hirth and Studio Truly Truly, and everything is completely made in Europe.
My favourite piece was the Plateau side table by Berlin-based design duo Terhedebrügge. Made of a bended sheet metal base with a wooden top, it’s sculptural and slightly playful. The colour palette feels joyful too; it comes in light blue, orange, sand, black and a peachy tone.
Images: Kasia Gatkowska
5. Elephant dining chair by NORR11
The other month I was trying to find a stylish upholstered dining chair for a client that had a beautiful shape and wasn’t too heavy; I wish I had seen this design by Danish brand NORR11. The Elephant Dining Chair, available from this month, is a new version of their Elephant Lounge Chair. The back of the chair is gently moulded into a curved shape (hence the name) and comes with solid oak legs. It can be upholstered in leather or fabric. NORR11 describe the design as ‘elegant, simple but sturdy without being clumsy’.
6. New from Ferm Living
Another brand that might need a blog post of its own is Ferm Living, who launched around 150 new pieces at MAISON&OBJET! Autumn/Winter 2018 for them is all about seeking meaning and comfort in the home, from calm moments of reflection to times of joy. ‘A place where we can be ourselves, realise the true value of things and feel at home,’ they explain.
They’ve collaborated with Chinese designer Mario Tsai to introduce the new Insert Side Table. Made of solid ash and available in black or a natural finish, it’s a sculptural piece, seemingly balancing a table top on a cylindrical base.
Marble was a strong recurring theme in the new collection, with the introduction of various different shaped vessels, bowls, book ends and candleholders. Each has a unique function but they make beautiful pieces of art in the home too.
All images from respective brands
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