Maison & Objet: Top Looks for Interior Design in 2020
Soft nature colors, wood and woven materials, and floral and plant motifs were strong trends at the Paris trade show
The Maison & Objet design fair, one of the most important European trade shows for professionals in lifestyle, interior decoration and design, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Houzz’s editorial staff was on the scene to give you a glimpse of the key events, up-and-coming talent and, of course, the major trends expected in the coming year.
At this edition we saw soft tones and natural colors, raw materials and organic forms. In short, nature will be well represented in our interiors this year.
At this edition we saw soft tones and natural colors, raw materials and organic forms. In short, nature will be well represented in our interiors this year.
Style and innovation agency NellyRodi analyzes the lifestyles of millennials, who are revolutionizing design and consumption.
“Our ‘home sweet home’ is increasingly part of our professional activities and, above all, the place where we let go, surrounded by our friends,” agency trend hunter Vincent Grégoire told Houzz. “Decorating, cooking, gardening and DIY are popular with millennials. The home is the place where this generation, which does not think about tomorrow, can take refuge and live fully in the moment.”
“Our ‘home sweet home’ is increasingly part of our professional activities and, above all, the place where we let go, surrounded by our friends,” agency trend hunter Vincent Grégoire told Houzz. “Decorating, cooking, gardening and DIY are popular with millennials. The home is the place where this generation, which does not think about tomorrow, can take refuge and live fully in the moment.”
Color Trends
Expect to see decor that conveys softness, with plenty of light colors, especially pinks, beiges and other neutral tones, for a Zen look promoting rest, tranquillity and well-being.
Expect to see decor that conveys softness, with plenty of light colors, especially pinks, beiges and other neutral tones, for a Zen look promoting rest, tranquillity and well-being.
Nature continues its influential role in the world of decor. Vegetal hues have been in the spotlight for several seasons now, and this year we saw a lot of them, ranging from tender green to intense mint to peacock blue. Sky blue has brightened up the pastel palette.
Terra cotta also remains popular. It’s a color that subtly warms up interiors, whether matched with browns, tans and wood or contrasted with cool hues.
Another color that made a big entrance at this year’s fair was burgundy, especially in combination with Classic Blue, which in December was named 2020 Color of the Year by the Pantone Color Institute.
Maison & Objet: 10 Color Trends for Home Design in 2020
Maison & Objet: 10 Color Trends for Home Design in 2020
Jati WL dining table by Dareels
Material Trends
Raw and natural materials are bigger than ever, reflecting the desires for authenticity, durability and a connection to nature that are particularly strong among the younger generations.
Material Trends
Raw and natural materials are bigger than ever, reflecting the desires for authenticity, durability and a connection to nature that are particularly strong among the younger generations.
Halo High side table from Handed By
Traditional skilled craftwork in caning, weaving and braiding are still in the spotlight, this time with a colorful new look and applied to new materials, especially for outdoor use.
Traditional skilled craftwork in caning, weaving and braiding are still in the spotlight, this time with a colorful new look and applied to new materials, especially for outdoor use.
The Care space in the What’s New exhibit. Photo by Aethion
Wood is trending for all rooms of the house, and we saw a clear preference for oak, birch and maple.
This trend was evident at the show’s What’s New exhibit, particularly its Share space, curated by Elizabeth Leriche, which showcased the world of cooking and tableware, and the Care space, curated by François Bernard, which was dedicated to the bedroom and bathroom.
Wood is trending for all rooms of the house, and we saw a clear preference for oak, birch and maple.
This trend was evident at the show’s What’s New exhibit, particularly its Share space, curated by Elizabeth Leriche, which showcased the world of cooking and tableware, and the Care space, curated by François Bernard, which was dedicated to the bedroom and bathroom.
Metal, glass and natural mineral materials such as marble and terrazzo are still prevalent in decor. Concrete is experiencing a rise in popularity, most notably in small decorative items.
As for textiles, the focus is above all on comfort, with velvet, piled weaves and wool in all their forms dressing up cozy armchairs and sofas.
The Living space in the What’s New exhibit. Photo by Aethion
This year’s pattern trends are also inspired by nature. Floral and plant motifs are still very much present, and we also saw patterns recalling wood, water and even stone, such as this marble-effect wallpaper. Expect to see the beauty of raw and irregular natural shapes dressing up more interiors this year.
Furniture Trends
With their generous, comforting lines, the latest sofas, armchairs, accent chairs and poufs are an invitation to relax. Curves and circles are definitely in this year.
The soft shapes are being seen in all kinds of furnishings: tables, lights, cupboards and even mirrors. Arches are especially prevalent.
With their generous, comforting lines, the latest sofas, armchairs, accent chairs and poufs are an invitation to relax. Curves and circles are definitely in this year.
The soft shapes are being seen in all kinds of furnishings: tables, lights, cupboards and even mirrors. Arches are especially prevalent.
GreenKiss. Photo by Aethion
In the same spirit of comfort, the daybed is making a comeback. This multifunctional piece integrates easily into a variety of spaces to serve as sofa, reading nook or bed.
Michael Anastassiades at Maison & Objet. Photo by Aethion
Designer of the Year: Michael Anastassiades
Michael Anastassiades founded his design studio in London in 1994 before creating his eponymous brand in 2007. Known for clean-lined geometric light fixtures, he exhibits a minimalist, timeless aesthetic, exploring the relationship between the piece and its user.
Q&A: Maison & Objet Designer of the Year January 2020
Designer of the Year: Michael Anastassiades
Michael Anastassiades founded his design studio in London in 1994 before creating his eponymous brand in 2007. Known for clean-lined geometric light fixtures, he exhibits a minimalist, timeless aesthetic, exploring the relationship between the piece and its user.
Q&A: Maison & Objet Designer of the Year January 2020
Tube chandelier by Michael Anastassiades. Photo by Hélène Binet
“It is always a real challenge to try to reduce the amount of visual information, to purify by removing any superfluous elements to retain only the essence of the object,” he told Houzz.
“It is always a real challenge to try to reduce the amount of visual information, to purify by removing any superfluous elements to retain only the essence of the object,” he told Houzz.
Chandeliers from Michael Anastassiades’ Mobile collection. Photo by Aethion
As 2020 Designer of the Year, Anastassiades came up with an installation that highlights his Mobile chandeliers collection, which he began developing 10 years ago. Driven by motors, the 16 sculptural pieces dance a poetic ballet.
As 2020 Designer of the Year, Anastassiades came up with an installation that highlights his Mobile chandeliers collection, which he began developing 10 years ago. Driven by motors, the 16 sculptural pieces dance a poetic ballet.
Isla vase, left, Oreilles vase, Binaire carpet and Cicala chair at Julie Richoz’s display for the Rising Talent Awards. Photo by Aethion
Time to Rise
At each of its twice-yearly shows, Maison & Objet recognizes young designers from a specific country in its Rising Talent Awards. Following Lebanon, China and the United States, this year it was France’s turn in the spotlight. Five emerging designers — Adrien Garcia, Wendy Andreu, Julie Richoz, Laureline Galliot and Mathieu Peyroulet Ghilini — as well as a young French duo, Natacha & Sacha, were this season’s recipients.
Time to Rise
At each of its twice-yearly shows, Maison & Objet recognizes young designers from a specific country in its Rising Talent Awards. Following Lebanon, China and the United States, this year it was France’s turn in the spotlight. Five emerging designers — Adrien Garcia, Wendy Andreu, Julie Richoz, Laureline Galliot and Mathieu Peyroulet Ghilini — as well as a young French duo, Natacha & Sacha, were this season’s recipients.
Ceramic data server. Photo by Natacha & Sacha
These young designers have demonstrated their ingenuity in creating decor and furniture that combine traditional skills and digital sophistication. Natacha & Sacha, for example, showcased technology and small appliances: a humidifier made of glass, a vitrified porcelain kettle, an embroidered heating mat, a radiator made of firebrick, a ceramic data server.
These young designers have demonstrated their ingenuity in creating decor and furniture that combine traditional skills and digital sophistication. Natacha & Sacha, for example, showcased technology and small appliances: a humidifier made of glass, a vitrified porcelain kettle, an embroidered heating mat, a radiator made of firebrick, a ceramic data server.
Photo by Aethion
Tell us: Which looks did you like? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Tell us: Which looks did you like? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Maison & Objet 2019: Highlights From the Fall Edition
Read more decorating guides
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Maison & Objet looked to the future by honoring the youngest generations with the theme of (Re)Generation. Having grown up in a period of major change and technological disruption, Generations X and Y are resolutely engaged and have shaken up lifestyle and decor traditions.