Maison & Objet: Look for Art Deco and French Design in 2019
Art deco makes a loud statement for something different, and small French manufacturers step onto the scene in a big way
At this January’s Maison & Objet trade fair in Paris, France, a sense of disenchantment with bright, white Nordic-style interiors was palpable. Art Deco has been coming to the fore lately as a new style inspiration, and this edition of the fair brought it into full effect. Meanwhile, utilitarianism gave way to a greater focus on French elegance. With the theme “Excuse my French,” this year’s fair showcased the innovation – and good humour – of the French design scene. Let’s take a look at some of the exciting new trends coming our way from France.
2. Art Deco Revival
In the process of its creative rebirth, design has recently latched onto Art Deco for a touch of something different. This style, which succeeded the Art Nouveau movement and was consecrated at the 1925 Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs [hence, Art Deco] et Industriels Modernes (“International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts”) in Paris, fuses influences such as surrealism, traditional and modern styles, orientalism and exoticism. Elegant and sophisticated, Art Deco favours geometric shapes like fish scales and fans, honeycombs, chevrons, stripes and checkered patterns.
In the process of its creative rebirth, design has recently latched onto Art Deco for a touch of something different. This style, which succeeded the Art Nouveau movement and was consecrated at the 1925 Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs [hence, Art Deco] et Industriels Modernes (“International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts”) in Paris, fuses influences such as surrealism, traditional and modern styles, orientalism and exoticism. Elegant and sophisticated, Art Deco favours geometric shapes like fish scales and fans, honeycombs, chevrons, stripes and checkered patterns.
One of the biggest art deco features to hit design this year is a new fondness for dark colours. After a long love affair with the distinctive whites, pastels and light-coloured woods of Scandinavian style, we have now plunged into a dark, saturated universe. In a return to the past, the most popular colours are earthy and matte. Bordeaux debuted on the scene, joined by coral, dusty rose, burnt orange, rust, honey, mustard, gold, moss green, peacock blue, anthracite and black.
What’s Your Style: Art Deco for Interiors
What’s Your Style: Art Deco for Interiors
3. “Classic with a twist”
In the same spirit of renewal, furniture has given up its raw and functional look to become bourgeois and function like sophisticated jewellery for interior decor. “It’s a return to interiors containing a centrepiece: a large table, a large couch, or a large bed,” Grégoire says. “We focus on the statuary fundamentals in the context of the revival of the bourgeois house. And all around there is a blossoming of jewel-like pieces such as guéridons, dressing tables, mirrors, pouffes, screens, closets and other accessories.”
Beautiful materials and hand-crafted forms are stepping into the limelight this year. Light-coloured oak, walnut and cane rattan star as furniture centrepieces, while decorative objects, especially lighting, mirrors, pouffes and coffee tables, were adorned with noble-looking materials such as brass, marble, lacquer and coloured glass.
In the same spirit of renewal, furniture has given up its raw and functional look to become bourgeois and function like sophisticated jewellery for interior decor. “It’s a return to interiors containing a centrepiece: a large table, a large couch, or a large bed,” Grégoire says. “We focus on the statuary fundamentals in the context of the revival of the bourgeois house. And all around there is a blossoming of jewel-like pieces such as guéridons, dressing tables, mirrors, pouffes, screens, closets and other accessories.”
Beautiful materials and hand-crafted forms are stepping into the limelight this year. Light-coloured oak, walnut and cane rattan star as furniture centrepieces, while decorative objects, especially lighting, mirrors, pouffes and coffee tables, were adorned with noble-looking materials such as brass, marble, lacquer and coloured glass.
Pictured: Urban Oak, designed by Hervé Langlais and modified by Drugeot Manufacture
Small businesses have been leading this design rebirth in France, as they offer an alternative to the more widely distributed wares of larger companies. Innovative smaller manufacturers like Eno Studio, La Chance, Ardamez, Home Spirit, Maison Drucker, Objet de Curiosité, Les iResistub, Alki, Hartô, Galea, Red Edition, Plumbum, Duvivier Canapés, Moissonnier, Reine Mère and Drugeot Manufacture are reinterpreting traditional know-how to come up with exclusive products.
In some ways this return to traditional craftsmanship echoes what we see in fairs around the world, but French designers are certainly putting their own stamp on the trend. “[The French design industry] is packed with talent who [tend towards] a style that could be described as ‘classic with a twist,’ bringing in a certain eccentricity and extravagance, a note of irreverence and typically French audacity,” Grégoire says. One example of the latter is Inga Sempé’s Madeleine door handle, which is inspired by the madeleine biscuits from Marcel Proust’s novel In Search of Lost Time.
Small businesses have been leading this design rebirth in France, as they offer an alternative to the more widely distributed wares of larger companies. Innovative smaller manufacturers like Eno Studio, La Chance, Ardamez, Home Spirit, Maison Drucker, Objet de Curiosité, Les iResistub, Alki, Hartô, Galea, Red Edition, Plumbum, Duvivier Canapés, Moissonnier, Reine Mère and Drugeot Manufacture are reinterpreting traditional know-how to come up with exclusive products.
In some ways this return to traditional craftsmanship echoes what we see in fairs around the world, but French designers are certainly putting their own stamp on the trend. “[The French design industry] is packed with talent who [tend towards] a style that could be described as ‘classic with a twist,’ bringing in a certain eccentricity and extravagance, a note of irreverence and typically French audacity,” Grégoire says. One example of the latter is Inga Sempé’s Madeleine door handle, which is inspired by the madeleine biscuits from Marcel Proust’s novel In Search of Lost Time.
4. Tech brings new life to old trends
French tech firms are also on the scene in a big way. New technologies are revitalising more standard or even retro inspirations. “I’m thinking, for example, of connected devices such as a Bluetooth device you can hang on your belongings so you won’t lose them, designed by Philippe Starck for the French company Wistiki; the smart bed by André Renault; or the Dreem band, which can help those who have trouble sleeping. I’m also thinking about French talent in the field of sound, Cabasse, Triangle, Elipson and Devialet, who have sold their high-quality speakers around the world and have established a top-rate, French-style sound,” Grégoire says.
French tech firms are also on the scene in a big way. New technologies are revitalising more standard or even retro inspirations. “I’m thinking, for example, of connected devices such as a Bluetooth device you can hang on your belongings so you won’t lose them, designed by Philippe Starck for the French company Wistiki; the smart bed by André Renault; or the Dreem band, which can help those who have trouble sleeping. I’m also thinking about French talent in the field of sound, Cabasse, Triangle, Elipson and Devialet, who have sold their high-quality speakers around the world and have established a top-rate, French-style sound,” Grégoire says.
Another element that comes straight out of Art Deco is smooth velvet, the “it” material for the year. Technological advancements in the creation of polyester velvets have allowed velvet to have very short piles while maintaining its characteristic soft feel. Polyester is also more wear-resistant than traditional velvets made of wool or cotton. Embellished with shimmering colours, velvet stands out on the most prominent pieces of furniture, like enveloping chairs and armchairs, refined daybeds, pouffes, benches and sofas.
These polyester creations tend to be mixed with thin, powder-coated steel legs, memory-foam seats covered with high-tech fabrics and grids with laser-cut patterns, all of which stood out at the event.
These polyester creations tend to be mixed with thin, powder-coated steel legs, memory-foam seats covered with high-tech fabrics and grids with laser-cut patterns, all of which stood out at the event.
Photo by Aethion
5. The “minimal brutalist”
The “What’s New – Decor” section of the fair offered many insights on decor, furniture fashions and matching items within the home. Presenting three major trends, the space was curated by Elizabeth Leriche, who has been a trendspotter for about twenty years, founded her eponymous style agency and serves a member of the Observatoire M&O.
The first trend she identified, pictured here, was objects with raw and rudimentary forms and materials providing food for thought on sleek, contemporary design while hinting at minimalism and an ascetic feel. We noticed the presence of raw concrete, pâte de verre and antiqued mirrors especially.
5. The “minimal brutalist”
The “What’s New – Decor” section of the fair offered many insights on decor, furniture fashions and matching items within the home. Presenting three major trends, the space was curated by Elizabeth Leriche, who has been a trendspotter for about twenty years, founded her eponymous style agency and serves a member of the Observatoire M&O.
The first trend she identified, pictured here, was objects with raw and rudimentary forms and materials providing food for thought on sleek, contemporary design while hinting at minimalism and an ascetic feel. We noticed the presence of raw concrete, pâte de verre and antiqued mirrors especially.
Photo by Aethion
6. Graphic luxury
The second theme Leriche identified is inspired by the decor of the ’30s to the ’70s, which incorporates luxurious objects and materials such as marble, brass and velvet. Her display on the theme is pictured here. We saw many objects and motifs that will likely become favourites this year: lighting that resembles jewelry with its brass structures, polyester fringes, sculpted mirrors, semicircles, geometric and peacock-feather patterns, black metal, folding screens, and many others.
6. Graphic luxury
The second theme Leriche identified is inspired by the decor of the ’30s to the ’70s, which incorporates luxurious objects and materials such as marble, brass and velvet. Her display on the theme is pictured here. We saw many objects and motifs that will likely become favourites this year: lighting that resembles jewelry with its brass structures, polyester fringes, sculpted mirrors, semicircles, geometric and peacock-feather patterns, black metal, folding screens, and many others.
Photo by Aethion
7. Cultural crossovers
The final theme Leriche identified are cultural crossovers: The interbreeding of traditional know-how revisited by contemporary designers, who often draw on both the French decorative past and the traditional forms and techniques of their own cultural backgrounds. It highlights the spirit of fusion that was already in the spotlight in the Art Deco era and emphasises natural fibres and raw materials.
7. Cultural crossovers
The final theme Leriche identified are cultural crossovers: The interbreeding of traditional know-how revisited by contemporary designers, who often draw on both the French decorative past and the traditional forms and techniques of their own cultural backgrounds. It highlights the spirit of fusion that was already in the spotlight in the Art Deco era and emphasises natural fibres and raw materials.
Photo by Aethion
8. Designers to watch: young Chinese talent in the spotlight
t’s not only French design that was on fire at this year’s fair. Every year, Maison & Objet celebrates young designers from a particular country with its Rising Talent Awards. Earlier editions focused on designers from the UK, Italy and Lebanon. This year, China – where the design scene is booming – was in the spotlight. Five young Chinese designers were selected by the jury.
Luca Nichetto, a member of the jury for the Rising Talent Awards China, says, “The most interesting thing is this quest for identity by the Chinese designer, this refusal to be a carbon copy of Western design and the desire to integrate the ancient legacies and rich traditions of Chinese craftsmanship. So far, everything shows us that they are going in the right direction. I am very curious to see how that will evolve.”
Among them, Ximi Li, who has a degree in industrial design from the China Academy of Art in Shanghai and a master’s in furniture design from the Polytechnic University of Milan, founded the Ximi Li Design Studio and the Urbancraft furniture brand. Their By 3 unit is pictured here. “I grew up in northern China, near Russia. Having lived in Beijing and Milan for my studies, where I also worked for four years, I moved to Shanghai. My work is heavily inspired by my experiences in these countries, my feelings about these different cultures, and my imagination,” he tells Elen Pouhaer of Houzz.
8. Designers to watch: young Chinese talent in the spotlight
t’s not only French design that was on fire at this year’s fair. Every year, Maison & Objet celebrates young designers from a particular country with its Rising Talent Awards. Earlier editions focused on designers from the UK, Italy and Lebanon. This year, China – where the design scene is booming – was in the spotlight. Five young Chinese designers were selected by the jury.
Luca Nichetto, a member of the jury for the Rising Talent Awards China, says, “The most interesting thing is this quest for identity by the Chinese designer, this refusal to be a carbon copy of Western design and the desire to integrate the ancient legacies and rich traditions of Chinese craftsmanship. So far, everything shows us that they are going in the right direction. I am very curious to see how that will evolve.”
Among them, Ximi Li, who has a degree in industrial design from the China Academy of Art in Shanghai and a master’s in furniture design from the Polytechnic University of Milan, founded the Ximi Li Design Studio and the Urbancraft furniture brand. Their By 3 unit is pictured here. “I grew up in northern China, near Russia. Having lived in Beijing and Milan for my studies, where I also worked for four years, I moved to Shanghai. My work is heavily inspired by my experiences in these countries, my feelings about these different cultures, and my imagination,” he tells Elen Pouhaer of Houzz.
9. Designers to watch: Designer of the Year Sebastian Herkner
The 37-year-old German designer Sebastian Herkner, who is a constant presence at Maison & Objet, was named this year’s designer of the year.
“Over the past ten years, he has been awarded thirty or so prizes for his designs, which incorporate innovation and tradition. Because of his remarkable career, Maison & Objet … decided to highlight this rising star of the design scene,” says Stéphanie Morlat of September 14, the agency in charge of communication for the event.
The 37-year-old German designer Sebastian Herkner, who is a constant presence at Maison & Objet, was named this year’s designer of the year.
“Over the past ten years, he has been awarded thirty or so prizes for his designs, which incorporate innovation and tradition. Because of his remarkable career, Maison & Objet … decided to highlight this rising star of the design scene,” says Stéphanie Morlat of September 14, the agency in charge of communication for the event.
Photo by Agnes Carpentier. Grace serving trolly by Sebastian Herkner for Shoenbuch.
Since the establishment of his studio in 2006 in Offenbach-on-Main, near Frankfurt, Germany, Herkner has never stopped thinking of design which blends tradition and creativity, new technology and craftsmanship. And he applies the same innovative approach to his design process, for example in prioritising colour: “Designers often only think of colour at the end. Personally, I always put it upstream in the creative process,” he says.
TELL US
What trend stands out to you? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Since the establishment of his studio in 2006 in Offenbach-on-Main, near Frankfurt, Germany, Herkner has never stopped thinking of design which blends tradition and creativity, new technology and craftsmanship. And he applies the same innovative approach to his design process, for example in prioritising colour: “Designers often only think of colour at the end. Personally, I always put it upstream in the creative process,” he says.
TELL US
What trend stands out to you? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
1. French design is making a comeback
The theme of this year’s Maison & Objet was “Excuse my French!,” a humorous take on a more serious analysis of France’s return to the forefront of international design.
Trendspotter Vincent Grégoire, creative director and director of the lifestyle department at forecasting firm NellyRodi, talks about the reasoning behind the theme: “There is a new curiosity abroad about the French, a kind of fascination with their je ne sais quoi, that indefinable attribute which rings with natural charm, effortless chic and a sense of beauty.” He cites first lady Brigitte Macron, choreographer Benjamin Millepied and singer-songwriter Christine and the Queens as cultural figures who have recently gripped international imaginations.
Grégoire suggests that globalisation has played a role in the shifted spotlight: France now offers a departure from the standard of the last few years. “In a universe that is becoming standardised, we now focus on exceptions and differences,” he says.