When APM team-members Liz and Leah visited Maison & D’Objet earlier this year, they noted a few key design styles at the exhibition. Maison is a place to feast your eyes on beautiful furnishings and décor, fresh and exciting furniture designs, and slightly over-the-top finishes. It’s also a great place to see new and upcoming trends in the design world – read on for the main design styles seen….
A sense of fun (ie. No real ‘rules’)
As 2021 wore on and various hypotheses were published on predictions for the world of design as the world opened-up, Maximalist Design was eagerly expected, being a somewhat modern revival of the post-war Roaring 20’s era. There was talk of sparkling everything, bold colours and fairly unique designs as people embraced life and openly enjoyed it once again. What has actually evolved is a somewhat toned-down version of that. We think the popularity of this style has arisen as people develop and look for more sustainable/environmentally-friendly designs – truly OTT maximalism is generally less eco-friendly, while a toned-down version of it can be more so.
We would call this style ‘A sense of fun’, as that is really what it is. Furniture composed of slightly unusual shapes and plush oversized chairs were seen – think chairs with legs shaped like a string of beads, large armchairs with thick, circular backs and arms, and bedheads in unusual, wavy shapes. Items had uniqueness in their design – bringing a touch of amusement – while also being modern and polished.
Comforting, pastel pinks, oranges and purples were also everywhere, as well as pigmented, cobalt blues, and touches of gold as well – whether that be through ironmongery, furniture fixtures, or even in the thread woven through a rug.
Elevated Midcentury-Modern
Midcentury-modern has been popular for quite some time, with a key furniture style seen at Maison being an 2022 revision. We’ve noticed a real embrace of vintage and reclaimed items in recent years, as people become more comfortable with recycling and re-use where possible, and sustainability continues to increase in popularity. We’ve also seen the world add items that bring nostalgia to their homes since the beginning of the pandemic – no doubt adding comfort, joy, and a throwback to a somewhat less-chaotic time to the spaces we spend our days in.
The Elevated Midcentury-modern is a reflection of both of these concepts, with an added touch of luxe/polished. Think high-end record player units composed of beautiful timbers and brushed brass, velvet beds and stools in rich olive greens and terracottas, a real resurgence in the use of walnut, and wallpaper, rugs and other soft furnishings that were equal-parts outlandish in pattern and luxe in design.
Organic Modern
A style we are going to call Organic Modern was probably the most prominent design style seen at Maison 2022. This had strong elements of Scandi design, though including fewer clean lines, more organic shapes, and natural, visually textured materials throughout.
The style was less of the ‘white + grey + soft oak’ ie. traditional Scandi style this is well known, as well as less minimalist. It included far more layering of soft, neutral tones, beautiful linens, wools and timbers, as well as an additional warmth. Woods used were richer –again, lots of walnut, everywhere – and soft furnishings more plush and textured; think chunky boucle mixed with velvets and pile rugs of mixed thicknesses.
Cork and stone were also everywhere, reflective of the increased popularity In use of organic materials in their natural state, and there was a marked decrease in the use of shiny metals and glass previously seen at Maison. The style overall felt warm, soft, welcoming, airy and fresh, with a touch of luxe that is nostalgic as opposed to showy.
We expect the Organic Modern style has become popular as people continue to look for natural materials which have a reduced environmental impact, and can be more easily recycled or will break down with less toxic contamination after use.
While we very much enjoyed our time at Maison (and felt freshly inspired as designers), now we’re back in London we really can’t wait to see how designers and interiors businesses take note of and reflect trends seen at the exhibition, in their upcoming designs.
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