September 20, 2018
Top 10 Trends From Paris Design Week & Maison et Objet

Designer Sarah Walker of The Curated House reports on the latest trends from the City of Light.
In our increasingly well-traveled and connected society, the world of interior design has become less pastiche and more expressive. Designers and homeowners alike are now storytellers, exploring their visual narratives through gathered collections that reflect an inspired sense of wanderlust. Fresh from the beauty of Maison et Objet and Paris Design Week, here are 10 trends you should watch for as Europe continues to infuse Canadian design with its cosmopolitan flair.

Seen here on the Maitre D’s station at the newly opened restaurant Girafe designed by Joseph Dirand, architectural fluting makes a bold yet classic statement. Many consider Girafe the preeminent restaurant to open in Paris this summer, and the food is truly on par with the decor. Definitely put this restaurant on your must-visit list for your next trip to Paris.

Invented over 500 years ago in Venice, Italy, terrazzo was originally used for flooring as a clever means of upcycling the small offcuts of marble from the architectural and design industries. Today, designers are reviving terrazzo with modern reinterpretations of its use, as with this custom bench by interior designer Ramy Fischler.

The intersection of different cultures and handcraft traditions is one way to accomplish dynamic energy and tension in a space, as seen at Paris’s Le Perchoir, a rooftop wine and charcuterie bar in the heart of Le Marais. The stunning panoramic view of the historic buildings of Paris act as the perfect dance partner with the other-worldly Ndebele textiles and furnishings from South Africa, creating an adventurous sense of exploration and wonder in this buzz-worthy bar.

No longer just a space backstage where musicians gather before a show, green rooms are taking center stage right now, particularly when panelled and painted out in one consistent hue, as seen here at The Hoxton Paris. Opened in the last year, this fabulous boutique hotel is a hidden treasure in the heart of the 2nd Arrondissement, an easy walk to the Louvre, the boutiques and bistros of Le Marais and the beauty of Jardin des Tuileries.

With pieces named after cities and historical characters from around the world, newcomer Dooq was a standout furniture collection at Maison et Objet. Exquisite craftsmanship and clever cultural references integrate into beautifully designed pieces to make this entire collection worthy of becoming heirlooms of the future.

Traditionally, authentic Turkish and Moroccan rugs have been limited to the size of the looms the nomadic weavers could carry, making modern-day sizes challenging to source. The weavers of King’s House Rugs are now integrating their traditional techniques, passed down through generations, with modern designs and sizes both standard and custom.

Traditional luxury leather techniques combined with cutting edge technology are the foundation for Stephane Parmentie’s stunning collection of furniture and accessories for Giobagnara. This one-of-a-kind custom stool — seen in a space he designed for a show house — exemplifies the attention to detail that sets Stephane’s interior and furniture design work apart.

Cane furniture and curved furniture have both been having a serious moment in interior design of late. Now we are seeing these two trends merging into pieces like this tall cabinet from Dutch furniture manufacturer HK Living. Decidedly modern yet undoubtedly classic, these refined reinterpretations of traditional cane furniture are bound to have staying power.

There are few decorative elements that have proven to have such staying power as the statement-making chandelier. The Gravity chandelier by Italian manufacturer Badari exemplifies the art-worthy craft of designing chandeliers made to illuminate both space and mind.

We are seeing a nomadic influence in both fashion and home decor as traditional cultural textiles, artwork and jewelry become the visual page-markers of a globally gathered way of living and seeing the world. France’s Atelier C&S Davoy does a brilliant job of reinterpreting these tribal accents into reproduction collections, bringing the world and all of its enriching influences to your doorstep.