Paris again the place to be to discover new deco trends

'TECH EDEN' is the main theme of the upcoming edition of Maison&Objet. The meeting place for professionals active in interior design and design will take place from 18 to 22 January 2024 at the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte in Paris. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of this high mass of decoration and design, the organisers want to take visitors on a trip to a revitalised future that combines technology and nature, on the way to a reclaimed paradise. 

Industry barometer

Maison&Objet has been leading and uniting the international scene of decoration, design and lifestyle since 1994. This trade fair creates visibility for the participating brands and the digital platform, but is also a showcase for the trends dominating the world of decoration. It aims to discover talent, open up opportunities for exchange and inspiration, online and offline, and encourage business development. It is a true barometer for the industry. Moreover, the online platform MOM (Maison&Objet and More) allows buyers and brands to exchange views, make contacts and launch new collections on an ongoing basis, but without the physical contact.

Rethinking design and furnishing

To come up with the theme for this edition, the organisers worked with Peclers Paris, a specialist in creative strategy. They see 'TECH EDEN' as an opportunity to "highlight the profound evolution in the relationship between science and nature, and project it towards a sustainable and desirable future." The concept is progressive and enriched by scenographic interpretations, which are sometimes soothing, sometimes stimulating, but always inspiring. Reconciling a futuristic utopia with new realities, the story is part of the whole of a fair that encompasses all segments of decoration and design, art and craft, retail, décor and hospitality. Professionals are challenged to rethink spatial design and layout, enhanced by technological innovation and using innovative, aesthetic and environmental approaches.

Three more zones in the spotlight

The central theme will recur in various places on the exhibition floor, in showcases around town and at MOM. Thus, it will emphasise futuristic aesthetics and technological advances, but also the desire to make people love life back. Locations are being hybridised, their uses becoming more versatile. We highlight three zones in this report.

Three trends in one shop

The What's New in Retail?area is a true think tank for the omnichannel sector of distribution. It will feature a selection of new products, a programme of workshops and conferences, a café and a wealth of ideas around merchandising. François Delclaux, in collaboration with the international design agency BETC, will present a zone where sourcing, inspiration and exchange take centre stage. The venue's scenography consists of the softest designs, where 'tech' is discreetly present through enveloping materials, natural shapes and soft colours. Three main trends will be featured: sustainable minimalism, responsible brutalism (reusing and recycling materials) and organic suppleness. 

The home as a restful cocoon

Aspects such as remote working, open source technology and e-commerce have changed our lives. The private home is considered a haven, a restful cocoon with a modular design: the living room becomes an office, while the bathroom evolves into a living room dedicated to well-being. What's New in Decor? - the trend space by Elisabeth Leriche during Maison&Objet - offers a fresh approach to interior decoration, inspired by 'TECH EDEN' and translated into patterns, textiles, installations and decors.

Flights to hospitality

In the Trends Forum, central to the Hospitality Lab, Peclers Paris integrates three biophilic, immersive and future-oriented 'escape pods': awakening, active and regenerative. Each of these pods embodies one of the facets of the hospitality sector that is constantly evolving: the café turns into a wellness space, luxury spas pop up in hotel rooms and airports or train stations, where people often have to wait a long time, are transformed into sports facilities by the latest technologies.

The place to be

"The anniversary edition of Maison&Objet will once again be the place to spot all the new trends in decoration, design and lifestyle. This edition focuses more than ever on customers and their needs. The fair positions itself at the heart of important challenges of today and tomorrow by combining creativity, innovation and eco-responsibility. We aim to illustrate all the possibilities available in the fields of decoration, design and lifestyle, and to support the development of those sectors," says managing director Mélanie Leroy. "This is reflected in the quality of the programme, which includes the innovative 'Designer of the Year' project, the development of a What's New?area, where visitors will find concrete answers to the challenges facing retail, and the Hospitality Lab, which outlines a unique future vision for the 'hybridisation' of public spaces. Discover all the details via www.maison-objet.com."■