5 lessons from Maison et Objet 2018

What we've learned from the world’s most influential interiors show

The renowned design fair Maison et Objet 2018 is taking place at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre this week in Paris. It is widely regarded by those in the interior design industry as the most influential and inspiring showcase in the world and if you’re eagle eyed enough you can spot huge trends before they hit the mainstream.

Here’s how it will influence our design choices in the coming months…

1. Move over Philippe Starck, Cecilie Manz is the one to watch now

Cecilie Manz has been given the ultimate accolade by Maison et Objet and been named its designer of 2018. The Danish designer is very much in demand at the moment. She recently designed a collection of portable speakers for the Chanel of stereos, Bang and Olufsen, dining tables and chairs for sleek Danish furniture house Fritz Hansen and basins and baths for sanitaryware producer Duravit.

Trust us when we say it won’t be long before the name Cecilie Manz will be a household name - as recognisable as fellow designer Philippe Starck’s is outside of the design world. Manz has created an installation of new designs at the show inspired by her recent projects.

2. It’s all happening in Italy

Italy has been tipped by Maison et Objet to be the hub of emerging design talent this year and a number of its designers have been pin-pointed as future stars. Twenty-six-year-old Antonio Facco is one of these, having designed a selection of products and interior schemes for the exhibition.

 Anemos table and chairs, designed by Antonio Facco for Cappellini

On show are vases that interlink with each other and chairs that are born out of a coffee table. His influence on space-saving furniture design will likely soon be seen in urban homes across the world.

3. Furniture is multitasking

Furniture that multitasks also dominates the show. This is a design response to the growing number of people crowding into the world’s cities, and the increase in small homes to meet this demand in a restricted space.

BIBLIOTECA ITINERANTE by Federico Peri is a reading nook, bookshelf and task lighting all in one

Another Italian man of the moment, Marco Lavit Nicora, is developing a product that gives storage more than one purpose: it’s a chest of drawers that incorporates a table and chair. Multifunctional furniture is already taking up more shelf space in international mass market interior stores such as IKEA and this trend is only going to grow.

4. Everything can be art

Cushions designed by Bianka Leone

So many rugs, cushions and plates at the show wouldn’t look out of place framed on a gallery wall. French textile producer Bianca Leone is exhibiting some particularly wonderful cushions.

Are they trays or is it art? Translucent Collection by Notre Monde

Trend forecasters predict a big return for traditional plate hooks for an eclectic, 3D take on the gallery wall. Rugs, chairs, tables and trays will also be wall mounted, in fact, anything you like can be turned into a piece of art, freeing up floor space and allowing us to see the beauty in everyday objects.

5. Get a feel for everything

Shaggy rug by Ian Snow

Whether it’s a rug crafted from a mix of piles, a throw patched together from a combination of materials and fringed with tassels or an animal hide cushion, texture is huge at the show. Touch is a big take away from Maison et Objet and the big name brands are likely to have pieces inspired by this trend on the shelves within weeks.