Inspiration at 100mph, Maison & Objet 2013
With all the travel disruptions we experienced this week due to the snow (fun at first – massively inconvenient and irritating after three days) it was a bit touch and go as to whether we would make it to Paris on Tuesday. It was the final day of Maison & Objet, a mammoth exhibition with over 3,000 exhibitors spread over 8 aircraft hanger sized halls. Having arrived there an hour late due to a delayed Eurostar, I naively thought, I’ll just take in the atmosphere, flit around, see fabulous things. Well that feeling lasted for about 20 minutes before I started to panic and run, Anneka Rice style, around the place, ruthlessly ignoring anything that didn’t catch my interest (which wasn’t very much – hence the problem)
There are designers from all over the world showcasing their very best most devastatingly beautiful home accessories, furniture, textiles, fabrics and tableware. Interwoven between these exhibition stalls, like islands to be discovered, are spaces ‘rooms’ that have been created by some of the industry’s most respected designers.
From my own perspective it was exciting to see brands like Eichholtz. They had a large exhibition space which was buzzing with clients and fans of their brand. It was great to see their lighting, furniture and home accessories, all saturated with their unmistakable, super-luxurious style. The French company Mis en Demeure also had a beautiful offering, my guilty pleasures being a huge bed with a velvet crocodile skin headboard and a decadent padded cream Chelsea Ottoman. I found the layered effect of a diamond mirrored wall inspirational – I may just have to try something similar on a central London project we are currently working on – watch this space!
Although I missed seeing her in person at her book signing on Friday, I was keen to see the space Kelly Hoppen had created in Hall 5b. Showcasing the KH home collection it didn’t disappoint. However next year – give Kelly a bigger space M&O! – sometimes it felt like the pieces weren’t given the space they needed to really shine. Chatting to the team on the stand they are currently putting together the new KH home collection, which is being launched in September 2013. I could get no more information out of the very secretive young chap – despite threatening him with a taupe cushion, except that it is based on the theme ‘East meets West’. Excellent work Ms Hoppen, and right up my street – I look forward to seeing it!
I was blown away by the beauty and delicacy of Wilhelm Muller, Creativ-Light, from Germany. Inspired by natural elements – plants, palms, lush tropical flora and sometimes the bizarre, I was especially taken by a lit mirror that was surrounded by delicate mussel shells. Oh and this funny little ostrich – snooty expression captured perfectly!
One was also very amused by this cHair. I wasn’t sure whether to sit on it, or stroke it; I certainly wasn’t brave enough to try perching my bottom on it! I am sure I could find a space in my home for it, although I’m not sure I could afford the vet’s bills.
I highly recommend the show, but for the sake of your feet and your senses do it over two days. And have a military style plan of action, from which you DO NOT DEVIATE! Bonne Chance.