New Design, Materials and Colour Trends From Maison & Objet 2020
Everything you need to know about the latest edition of Maison & Objet, one of Europe's largest interiors trade fairs
The Maison & Objet trade show, one of the most important European meetings for professionals in lifestyle, interior decoration and design, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Houzz’s editorial staff was on the scene to give you a glimpse of the key events, new up-and-coming talent and, of course, the major trends of the coming year.
At this edition, held from 17 to 21 January 2020 in Paris, France, we saw soft tones and natural colours, raw materials and organic forms. In short, nature will reappear throughout our interiors this year.
At this edition, held from 17 to 21 January 2020 in Paris, France, we saw soft tones and natural colours, raw materials and organic forms. In short, nature will reappear throughout our interiors this year.
Style and innovation consultancy NellyRodi analyses the new lifestyles of millennials who are revolutionising design and consumption to bring about a more ethical future.
“Our ‘home sweet home’ is increasingly part of our professional activities and, above all, the place where we let go, surrounded by our friends. Decorating, cooking, gardening and DIY are popular with millennials. The home is the place where this generation, which does not think about tomorrow, can take refuge and live fully in the moment,” trend hunter Vincent Grégoire told Houzz.
“Our ‘home sweet home’ is increasingly part of our professional activities and, above all, the place where we let go, surrounded by our friends. Decorating, cooking, gardening and DIY are popular with millennials. The home is the place where this generation, which does not think about tomorrow, can take refuge and live fully in the moment,” trend hunter Vincent Grégoire told Houzz.
Michael Anastassiades at Maison & Objet; image by Aethion
Designer of the Year: Michael Anastassiades
A graduate of the Royal College of Art, this London-based, Cypriot designer founded his design studio in the British capital in 1994 before creating his eponymous brand in 2007. Famous for clean-lined geometric light fixtures, Michael Anastassiades showcases a minimalist, timeless aesthetic, exploring the relationship between the piece and its user.
Designer of the Year: Michael Anastassiades
A graduate of the Royal College of Art, this London-based, Cypriot designer founded his design studio in the British capital in 1994 before creating his eponymous brand in 2007. Famous for clean-lined geometric light fixtures, Michael Anastassiades showcases a minimalist, timeless aesthetic, exploring the relationship between the piece and its user.
Tube Chandelier by Michael Anastassiades; image by Hélène Binet
“It is always a real challenge to try to reduce the amount of visual information, to purify by removing any superfluous elements to retain only the essence of the object,” Anastassiades says in an interview with Houzz.
“It is always a real challenge to try to reduce the amount of visual information, to purify by removing any superfluous elements to retain only the essence of the object,” Anastassiades says in an interview with Houzz.
Mobile Chandeliers by Michael Anastassiades; image by Aethion
As Maison & Objet’s 2020 Designer of the Year, Anastassiades came up with an installation that highlights his Mobile Chandeliers collection, which he started to develop 10 years ago. Moved by motors, the 16 sculptural pieces dance a poetic ballet.
Read about Laura Gonzalez, Maison & Objet’s previous Designer of the Year
As Maison & Objet’s 2020 Designer of the Year, Anastassiades came up with an installation that highlights his Mobile Chandeliers collection, which he started to develop 10 years ago. Moved by motors, the 16 sculptural pieces dance a poetic ballet.
Read about Laura Gonzalez, Maison & Objet’s previous Designer of the Year
Isla vase (left), Oreilles vase (right), Binaire carpet and Cicala chair at Julie Richoz’ display for the Rising Talent Awards; image by Aethion.
Time to rise
At each edition, Maison & Objet recognises young designers from a specific country in its Rising Talent Awards. Following Lebanon, China and the United States, this year it is France’s turn in the spotlight.
Five emerging designers – Adrien Garcia, Wendy Andreu, Julie Richoz, Laureline Galliot and Mathieu Peyroulet Ghilini – as well as a young French duo, Natacha & Sacha, were this season’s recipients.
Catch up on Maison & Objet’s previous Rising Talent Awards
Time to rise
At each edition, Maison & Objet recognises young designers from a specific country in its Rising Talent Awards. Following Lebanon, China and the United States, this year it is France’s turn in the spotlight.
Five emerging designers – Adrien Garcia, Wendy Andreu, Julie Richoz, Laureline Galliot and Mathieu Peyroulet Ghilini – as well as a young French duo, Natacha & Sacha, were this season’s recipients.
Catch up on Maison & Objet’s previous Rising Talent Awards
Piggy Bank; image by Laureline Galliot
These young, emerging French designers are doubling up on ingenuity to create decor and furniture that is useful and functional in the home, while giving pride of place to traditional skills as well as digital creation.
These young, emerging French designers are doubling up on ingenuity to create decor and furniture that is useful and functional in the home, while giving pride of place to traditional skills as well as digital creation.
Ceramic data server; image by Natacha & Sacha
Natacha & Sacha, for example, presented a new take on technology and small appliances. “It’s about transforming the way the user looks at these devices, making them more desirable so that they will be kept and used longer. So, we designed an air humidifier made of glass, a vitrified porcelain kettle, an embroidered heating mat, a radiator out of refractory bricks and a ceramic data server. Each item highlights a unique facet of manufacturing know-how.”
Natacha & Sacha, for example, presented a new take on technology and small appliances. “It’s about transforming the way the user looks at these devices, making them more desirable so that they will be kept and used longer. So, we designed an air humidifier made of glass, a vitrified porcelain kettle, an embroidered heating mat, a radiator out of refractory bricks and a ceramic data server. Each item highlights a unique facet of manufacturing know-how.”
Colour trends
Make way for a soft ambiance with the ubiquity of light colours, in particular pinks, as well as earthy blush and neutral tones that are used to create a Zen look that encourages rest, tranquillity and wellbeing.
Where Do Colour Trends Come From?
Make way for a soft ambiance with the ubiquity of light colours, in particular pinks, as well as earthy blush and neutral tones that are used to create a Zen look that encourages rest, tranquillity and wellbeing.
Where Do Colour Trends Come From?
Nature is still inspiring the world of decor. Vegetal hues have been in the spotlight for several seasons already, and this year we saw a lot of them, ranging from tender green to intense mint-green to peacock blue. Sky blue is a welcome addition to the pastel palette.
Trend Alert: Softer Colour Palettes on Kitchen Cabinets
Trend Alert: Softer Colour Palettes on Kitchen Cabinets
Terracotta has also remained popular. It subtly warms up interiors; matches with browns, tans and raw timbers; or contrasts against cool colours.
Other colours made a big entrance, like the very chic burgundy, especially in combination with Classic Blue, which was named 2020 Colour of the Year by the Pantone Color Institute last December.
Jati WL dining table by Dareels
Material trends
Echoing the need for authenticity, durability and a connection to nature, which is particularly strong among younger generations, raw and natural materials are bigger than ever.
Spotted: 4 Nature-Led Trends at Canada’s Interior Design Show
Material trends
Echoing the need for authenticity, durability and a connection to nature, which is particularly strong among younger generations, raw and natural materials are bigger than ever.
Spotted: 4 Nature-Led Trends at Canada’s Interior Design Show
What’s New exhibit, Care display; image by Aethion
Timber is the flagship material for all rooms of the house, and we saw a clear preference for oak, birch and maple.
This trend was illustrated perfectly in the fair’s What’s New exhibit, particularly the Share space, curated by Elizabeth Leriche, which presents the world of cooking and tableware; and the Care space, curated by François Bernard, which is dedicated to the bedroom and the bathroom.
Timber is the flagship material for all rooms of the house, and we saw a clear preference for oak, birch and maple.
This trend was illustrated perfectly in the fair’s What’s New exhibit, particularly the Share space, curated by Elizabeth Leriche, which presents the world of cooking and tableware; and the Care space, curated by François Bernard, which is dedicated to the bedroom and the bathroom.
Halo High side table from Handed By
Traditional skilled craftwork in caning, weaving and braiding are still in the spotlight, this time with a colourful new look and applied to new materials, especially for outdoor use.
Traditional skilled craftwork in caning, weaving and braiding are still in the spotlight, this time with a colourful new look and applied to new materials, especially for outdoor use.
Metal, glass and natural mineral materials including marble and terrazzo are still essential to decor. Concrete is experiencing a rise in popularity, most notably on small decorative items.
11 Marble Features for Sophisticated Spaces
11 Marble Features for Sophisticated Spaces
As for textiles the focus is, above all, on comfort. Velvet, piled weaves and wool in all their forms were seen dressing up cosy armchairs and sofas.
What’s New exhibit, Living display; image by Aethion
This year’s pattern trends are also inspired by the riches of nature. Floral and plant motifs are still very much present, and we also saw patterns recalling wood, water and even stone, such as this marble-effect wallpaper. Raw and irregular natural shapes dress interiors nicely, and their imperfections are considered beautiful.
Furniture trends
Displaying curves with generous, comforting shapes, the latest sofas, armchairs, accent chairs and poufs are an invitation to relax. Curves and circles are definitely in this year.
These soft lines are found on all kinds of furnishings: tables, lights, cupboards and even mirrors. Arches, in particular, are everywhere.
Displaying curves with generous, comforting shapes, the latest sofas, armchairs, accent chairs and poufs are an invitation to relax. Curves and circles are definitely in this year.
These soft lines are found on all kinds of furnishings: tables, lights, cupboards and even mirrors. Arches, in particular, are everywhere.
In the same spirit, the daybed is gaining in popularity. This multi-functional element integrates easily into a variety of spaces to serve as a sofa, reading corner or bed.
Image by Aethion
Your turn
Which of these trends would you like to embrace at home? In the Comments below, tell us what you look forward to seeing, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Keen to read up on other European design fairs? We have you covered with this 2020 Fair Report: Timber, Craftsmanship and Fun With LEDs
Your turn
Which of these trends would you like to embrace at home? In the Comments below, tell us what you look forward to seeing, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Keen to read up on other European design fairs? We have you covered with this 2020 Fair Report: Timber, Craftsmanship and Fun With LEDs
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Maison & Objet looked to the future by honouring the youngest generations with its theme (Re) Generation!
Having grown up in a period of major change and technological disruption, Generations X and Y are resolutely engaged and have shaken up lifestyle and decor traditions.
Want to welcome some new trends into your home? Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz for help introducing trends in a timeless way