JNT Travel Files: Paris
I had the amazing opportunity to visit Paris a few weeks ago and attend two of Europe’s most famous tradeshows…Maison&Objet and Déco Off.
Maison&Object is an extremely large trade show featuring vendors from all over the world and exhibiting everything from lighting, art, furniture, all the way to small gifts and housewares. There was no way to get through the entire show and my design partner in crime, fellow interior designer, Lisa Gilmore, focused on the furniture, lighting, and accessories. I love how all the companies had a whimsical touch to all their items, especially with the accessories. Color reigns supreme and lots of bold shapes were in full presence. One other trend I saw at many of the booths was the addition of caning to the pieces. The cane detailing added a level of texture and when juxtaposed next to a sleek painted surface, it made the furniture piece a little more elevated in style. European furniture design does differ greatly from what we see in America. Most European furniture is smaller scaled, made to fit perfectly in an apartment rather than a sprawling home. There is also a play on shapes and curves rather than being boxy and over-sized. While it’s not possible to fill an entire home with all the stunning pieces I saw, there will definitely be some making an appearance in clients’ homes soon!
Lots of Color and Texture!
Paris Déco Off was just as inspiring as Maison&Objet. Déco Off is a showcase of all the textile manufacturers throughout the world. Rather than being in one convention center, the showrooms are sprinkled throughout ultra-chic neighborhoods lining the Seine River. The most prominent landmark for the show is the gorgeous fabric lanterns that line the streets where the showrooms are located. The same rang true for the fabrics as it did for the furniture…deep, saturated color was a hallmark for the textile companies and I am here for it. The bold colors gave a richness to the fabric whether it was a cotton, linen, or velvet. I also loved all the patterns; many of them were traditional in nature but the colors or an unexpected twist to the pattern made them feel fresh and new.
Bold color and patterns reign supreme in the fabrics as well!
Even if there were no shows going on while we were there, Paris is still full of design inspiration. From the gorgeous buildings lining the streets with their grand entry doors to the art filling the museums, there is so much to see and take in. We even managed to visit one of Paris’s largest antique markets and it was filled to the brim with treasures. This trip reminds me why I love travel so much and how essential it is. The inspiration I get from the experience is immeasurable!
