Curating Design Trends: Highlights from Maison&Objet in Paris and Retail Inspiration in Amsterdam
Recently, I embarked on an exciting journey to explore the world of design and innovation at Maison&Objet in Paris, followed by a retail inspiration tour in the charming city of Amsterdam. As a design enthusiast, I was on a quest to discover the latest trends and remarkable products that stood out amidst the creative showcase at Maison&Objet. After much scouting and exploration, I'm thrilled to share the four awards I've curated, along with some intriguing insights into the design landscape.
Coolest Product Award: Fabric Wrapped Vase
Location: Prinsengracht 645, 1016 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store: Found in "Frozen Fountain," one of my all-time favorite upscale artisan stores.
The Fabric Wrapped Vase caught my eye immediately with its ingenious use of woven pinched fabric as a vase cover. This product seamlessly blends form and function, transforming a simple vase into a captivating decorative piece. It's a brilliant example of how artistry and functionality can work harmoniously to elevate everyday objects. You can find this gem in the enchanting city of Amsterdam, tucked away in the renowned "Frozen Fountain" store.
Photo taken by Nancy Fire Designs
Kids Corner: "Coolest Kids" Award
The children's items at Maison&Objet left a lasting impression with its collection of trend-right children's products. These items earned the "Coolest Kids" award for their impeccable color choices, playful shapes, and delightful patterns. Notably, these toys embrace gender-neutral color combinations, appealing to a broad audience. The plush toys, while sophisticated, maintain simplicity, making them perfect companions for children. The careful curation of this section proves that children's products can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Board created by Nancy Fire Designs
Sustainable Award: Lorena Canals Green Toys, The Eco-City Collection
One of the most delightful discoveries at Maison&Objet was the Lorena Canals Green Toys - The Eco-City Collection. These toys not only bring joy and education to children but also introduce them to the principles of sustainability, health, and solidarity. Crafted with natural fibers and featuring intricate details, these toys ignite the imagination of both kids and grown-ups. The standout item in this collection is the Ride & Roll play-set, which includes a 4-meter-long cotton canvas and a soft toy bus. This innovative product encourages children to explore their creativity by designing routes, destinations, and adventures for their toy bus. The sustainable materials used in these toys align perfectly with the growing global focus on eco-consciousness.
Photos taken by Nancy Fire Designs
“Great Graphics” Award: Pattern Factory by Elizabeth Leriche
At Maison&Objet, I was captivated by the "Pattern Factory" display by Elizabeth Leriche, showcasing a stunning array of "graphic great" prints, patterns, and products from various manufacturers and designers. This vibrant exhibit celebrated the resurgence of patterns in interior design, highlighting their limitless potential in home spaces. The patterns on display featured a kaleidoscope of shapes, colors, and inspirations, blending together to create a lively tapestry of life. Manufacturers such as CC-Tapis, Bien Fait, Pierre Frey, Ligne Roset, and USM showcased their creations in the "Arty Seventies Vignette," while other vignettes explored themes like Ethnic, Urban, Garden-Inspired, and Pop. It was exciting to witness the revival of pattern mixing and its contagious influence on the design landscape.
Find out more here: https://www.maison-objet.com/en/paris/programme/s23-what-s-new
Photos taken by Nancy Fire Designs
My journey through Maison&Objet in Paris and the retail havens of Amsterdam was nothing short of exhilarating. These experiences reaffirmed the boundless creativity and innovation within the world of design. The awards I've presented reflect the exceptional products and trends that are shaping the future of design, from sustainable and imaginative children's toys to the resurgence of captivating patterns in interior decor. As design enthusiasts, we can draw inspiration from these trends and infuse them into our own spaces, creating environments that are not only functional but also visually stunning. Paris and Amsterdam have once again proven themselves as epicenters of design, offering a treasure trove of inspiration for designers like me.
