Five trends from Maison&Objet 2022 pushing the limits in contemporary design

From immersive spaces to decadent décor, the Maison&Objet 2022 in Paris, France, crafted an extravaganza for the design and lifestyle community, pulling people from all over the world to the mecca of creativity. Hosted from September 8 to September 12 at the Paris Nord Villepinte and coinciding with Paris Fashion Week, the design event showcased a spectrum of emerging brands and creatives who presented a range of fascinating everyday artefacts - from decorative pieces, furniture design, and fashion accessories, to textiles, fragrances and tableware.

Having walked down the halls and closely observed its eclectic presentations, here are five design trends for STIR from the design fair.

1. Colour Power

Colour Blocking, probably the most powerful trend in fashion has forayed, at supersonic speed, into the home decor industry. Done beautifully, this trend was a powerhouse at the September issue of Maison&Objet. Highlighted by Maison, a full space based on this theme was curated by Elizabeth Leriche. In her words, “Colour Power calls for shock therapy to counter the ambient doom. A rich, thoughtful palette energises and sets the tone for interiors, just as it provokes our senses and emotions.” Elizabeth Leriche proves it to us by emphasising both these shades and their saturation, their brightness, shine, or matte qualities. The scenography of these spaces go beyond our five senses. It’s a bit of the 70s, it’s a bit of modernism. It is the right collaboration of colours and material exploration to create a unique eccentric character.

2. Tropical Maximalism

Maximalism is a reaction to minimalism. Maximalism is a reaction to the mundane house chores during COVID-19. Now throw in a tropical forest and you get this trend which was vibrantly screaming at Maison. Wikipedia describes Maximalism, in the arts, as an aesthetic of excess. The philosophy can be summarised as 'more is more’, contrasting with the minimalist motto “less is more”. There is one basic rule of design, “Don’t be scared!!” Philipp Plein didn’t shy away from this rule. One could see nearly every inch of space filled if not all. There was an explosion of colours, textures, patterns, and styles. It was an eclectic combination of mismatched décor that turned out not only harmonious but also a visual treat. Be it an explosion of colour or be it a tonal tropical tone, Silk Ka flowers used both variations to their advantage done thoughtfully and with a lot of attention to detail.

Curation is what separates maximalism from chaos. Symmetry brings a sense of balance, while the colours and graphics connect the dots. Maximalism is here to stay and refuses to be ignored!

3. Power Opulence

When decadent bling meets powerful prints, you get what I call Power Opulence. Cheetah print being the connect, all brands had their own language. Some subtle, some bold, and some blingy. You take what suits you! Known for what he does best – Philipp Plein displayed a high voltage, extravagant set-up in decadent proportions with his signature fashion attitude. A Rolls Royce wrapped in Cheetah print was like caviar on a charcuterie board.

Roberto Cavalli didn’t shy away from adding animal prints to dinnerware. The term silverware could be changed to goldware in this case.

4. Tonal Tranquility

A villa in Bali or a glass penthouse in Copenhagen, this monotone trend was highlighted by the overuse of the colours derivatives. The understanding of this style, even though restricted to multiple tones of a single colour, felt fresh. Poldr Design started with white or black and then introduced the concept in ultramarine blue. 101 CPH pushed their limits by experimenting with shapes, forms and materials, while Le Coin Sauvage brought a nomadic touch to a tranquil white elegant space.

5. Experiential Experience

Experiential Experience is the retaliation to the dulling effect of the ambient doom. It offers a playful universe for a cheerful journey that is lively, entertaining and yet personal at the same time. In a space as tiny as a dining table, a tone is set for each individual to have an experience based on their personality. The absence of individualism might not be as striking as its presence. By gathering inspiration from any personal experience, one can satisfy the wanderlust without ever leaving home.