Maison & Objet in Paris is one of the biggest trade fairs in the world dedicated to the art of living. I visited it this year as it is a well known point of reference to “grasp” what trends are being proposed not just in terms of look but regarding materials, furniture, lighting, accessories, etc.
It, probably, would be easier to mention the name of the different styles that had an important presence in the fair so you can have a general idea about how things are shaping themselves in the world of interiors. However, I find that this could be a bit misleading in the sense that there are blurred boundaries between some of them leading us to dangerous generalizations.
Now what I found very interesting is the fact that it was relatively easy to understand the “core” around which some proposals moved creating specific moods that definitely satisfy very individual needs and it is in this subjective approach where I found a more “objective” definition of what is going on. So it was the adjectives and not the nouns that offered me the key to identify communalities in the proposals, materials or objects in the show.
I have chosen 3 pair of adjectives for describing the feeling that those styles conveyed, creating in their way very masculine interiors. These are just some of the many combinations that could be seen at the show, however in my option, they are the stronger ones.
Indulgent and Opulent
Stands with Products by Eichholtz
We are talking here about interiors that tell about an extraordinary craftsmanship; use of exotic materials or /and finishes; details in metal: chrome, brass and bronze; rich fabrics; rugs, etc. It is a cohesive proposal where the whole look is as important as the detail, there is a strong consistency between micro and macro.
The lighting plays a key role due the selection of chandeliers or pendant lights that work more within the space as sculptures or focal points. Floor in marble or natural wood is a very distinctive characteristic as it is the use of fine wallpapers, panels and darker or highly contrasted color schemes.
Left: Tiles by Menestrello. Right: Furniture Grange
Raw and Nostalgic
Left: Stand with products by Versmissen. Right: Stools by Wild Heritage
Old items rescued from oblivion, industrial parts, reclaimed timbers, old structures, unfinished surfaces, natural fabrics, naïve craftsmanship. All of it has a place in this strong aesthetics where certain nostalgia permeates everything.
The predominance of steel is a common element in these look, which is tamed by the presence of fabrics or warm colors, especially earthy ones.
Left: Side board by Etienne Moyat. Right: Storage unit by Dialma Brown
Serene and Sleek
Presence of well designed pieces with special attention given to their proportions. The balance between materials from nature and those produced by men is important as well. Due to the predominant number of straight lines or sophisticated curves (kept as a minimum) the general look is very serene and soothing. This is reinforced due to the repetition in the use of matt surfaces and finishes.
Depending on the pieces that can be put together this scheme can be extremely sleek. The “classic modern” touches these proposals in a very direct and profound way.
It is said that the more you know about yourself the easier it is to take the right decisions, those that make you happy and fulfilled. Do you know who you are? What do motivate you as a man? Then it will be easier to indentify the home that embraces you. Which one of these “looks” are more you?
