When it comes to trade shows in the design and lifestyle categories, Maison&Objet–the twice-yearly French trade show held in the outskirts of Paris in Villepinte–is widely regarded as one of the best shows in the industry. Its unique attributes make it a standout event for architecture and design professionals as well as anyone interested in the latest trends in home design, architectural trends, and lifestyle. Last September’s edition of the show, featured more than 2,500 brands and more than 67,000 professionals attended the five-day happening. What makes Maison extra special is that the standard for booth design is high, with manufacturers transforming booth spaces into mini-stage sets.
As far as trade shows go, Maison&Objet consistently introduces innovative and thought-provoking themes for each edition, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for visitors. The themes are carefully curated to reflect contemporary trends and to push the boundaries of design thinking. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Maison&Objet, is set to transport visitors to a re-enchanted future with the theme "TECH EDEN" for its January 2024 show. This theme, devised in collaboration with the creative strategy agency Peclers Paris, embodies a dream-like optimism through futuristic biophilia, and is an opportunity to showcase the profound evolution in the relationship between science and nature and project it into a sustainable and desirable future.
TECH EDEN invites professionals to rethink spatial design and layout by incorporating technological innovation, innovative aesthetic approaches, and environmentally conscious solutions. The narrative, inspired by a futuristic utopia, explores new realities through immersive experiences, challenging conventional notions of the relationship between technology and nature. It emphasizes the importance of addressing imbalances brought on by the abuse of technology and reckless use of resources in our times. It’s a call for designers, armed with physics, scientific phenomena, and the right technologies, to develop sustainable and balanced solutions.
"Our ambition for Maison&Objet is to illustrate all the opportunities available to the home décor, design, and lifestyle sector, and actively support its development," says Mélanie Leroy, Managing Director of Maison&Objet. This commitment is reflected in the upcoming edition's program, featuring the innovative project by the Designer of the Year, a "What's New?" space addressing challenges in retail, and the Hospitality Lab presenting a forward-looking vision of hybrid hospitality venues.
The Intersection of Technology and Well-Being
As societal crises heighten the need for comfort in our living spaces, cutting-edge technologies respond with services inspired by nature. Notable among them is Mathieu Lehanneur's “Once Upon a Dream”, a capsule room designed for the reopening of Hôtel de Marc. This project, focused on restorative sleep, employs artificial and programmable management of natural day/night cycles.
Mathieu Lehanneur is also Maison’s Designer of the Year and will be presenting his “Outonomy” installation which is conceived as an ecosystem of life, both minimal and optimal. Reflecting on the history of civilization and architecture, Outonomy responds to the question: What do I really need? Lehanneur's manifesto positions his work at the intersection of tangible and intangible, combining design and technology, art, and artisanal know-how.
Evolving Well-Being and Beauty
Maison&Objet launched its "Well-Being & Beauty" sector last September, aligning with the growing demand for feel-good rituals and soft technological innovations that create a cocoon-like atmosphere at home. This focus on well-being aligns with contemporary concerns about creating comfortable and nurturing living spaces.
What you’ll be seeing is that digital technology, 3D printing, AI, and intuitive objects are all reinforcing the quest for well-being in our everyday lives.
And connected to all of this, is a world where reality and fiction converge, virtual tours, 3D augmented-reality glasses, aromatherapy, and light therapy stimulate all five human senses in the hospitality venues of tomorrow. For example, restaurants are adopting welcoming, home-like decor, and spas immerse patrons in biophilic greenery, echoing the natural environment.
Brune Ouakrat, Strategic Planner & Futurologist, and Charlotte Cazals, Designer & Trend Forecaster at Peclers Paris, envision a kind of biophilic design and awakening, one that explores sustainable and technological experiments that resonate with people all connected through social media.
Retail Trends in TECH EDEN
Another section of Maison&Objet, will be its "What's New? In Retail?" space which has evolved into a think-tank for the omni-channel distribution sector. François Delclaux, in collaboration with the global design agency BETC, presents a space for sourcing, inspiration, and exchange. The venue showcases three major trends: sustainable minimalism, responsible brutalism (re-use and recycling of materials), and organic fluidity.
Home as a Soothing Cocoon
Visitors will also be able to visit the "What's New? In Decor" trend space curated by Elisabeth Leriche, the focus is on a fresh approach to interior decoration inspired by TECH EDEN, translated into patterns, textiles, installations, and immersive décor. In a post-covid world, the home is adapting to remote, where occupants are embracing open-source technology and e-commerce.
Hospitality as an Escape Pod
Another section of the fair is the "Hospitality Lab" by Peclers Paris, and will feature three biophilic, immersive escape pods in three different states: awakening, active, and regenerative. This reflects the evolving hospitality sector, offering new approaches to beneficial getaway experiences. Waiting areas, such as airports and train stations, transform into sports halls through immersive technologies, reflecting the dynamic changes in the hospitality landscape.
Rising Talents and the Fusion of High Technology and Know-How
Maison&Objet celebrates its 30th anniversary with a new format for the Rising Talent Awards, honoring young designers/researchers for their work in the face of digitalization, and the designs they will be on display all connect with the fusion of high technology and traditional techniques in design.
With the resurgence of hospitality, and Paris hosting the Olympics next year, the city of Paris during the Maison edition in January is overall a great destination for inspiration how restaurants, hotels, and retail are evolving, and also because it’s the time of the year when design brands tend to debut more new launches, making Maison a must-attend event in the design calendar.
The next edition of Maison&Objet takes place January 18 – 22, 2024 in Paris.