Paris Design Week and the concurrent Maison&Objet exhibition drew a delegation of seven Pacific Northwest designers to the French capital in September, offering them a front‑row view of emerging trends and established talent.
Maison&Objet celebrates three decades of design
The 30th anniversary edition of Maison&Objet featured more than 2,000 brands across a curated space that blended hospitality concepts with avant‑garde installations. The opening showcase was the “What’s New: Hospitality” feature, designed by Belgian interior designer Lionel Jadot, who won the event’s Designer of the Year award. His installation combined upscaled materials with handcrafted details, emphasizing a collective approach to interior design.
Among the rising talent awards, Nordic designers stood out. Norway’s Ali Shah Gallefoss displayed sand‑cast benches and vases, while the Icelandic duo Flétta presented the CMYK lighting series, made from reclaimed aluminum plates formerly used in offset printing, and the Trophy line of pendants and table lamps fashioned from discarded trophies.
A limited‑edition collection from SENIMO, presented at the Maison&Objet FACTORY, featured lacquered wood tables that quickly became a favorite of the visiting group. The pieces demonstrated how traditional finishes can be reinterpreted for contemporary interiors.
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Highlights from Paris Design Week
After the fair, the designers attended a cocktail reception at the Day Bed installation in the cour d’honneur of Hôtel de la Marine. The piece, created by Parisian collective Uchronia, reimagined a classic four‑poster French bed using a bright color palette reminiscent of eighteenth‑century décor. Ceramic tiles sourced from Dutch brand Palet and benches custom‑matched by American company Tonester Paints completed the look.
At the historic Hôtel de Sully, Paul Cocksedge’s “Squeeze” installation captured attention with its organically shaped mirrors and three‑dimensional objects. One visitor described the effect as almost alchemical, noting that the reflective surfaces seemed to reinterpret the 17th‑century architecture.
Canadian lighting firm AndLight, represented in the Boon Room, showcased fixtures by Lukas Peet and Caine Heintzman.
One observation from the trip is that the blend of sustainable materials with high‑tech design may push manufacturers toward more adaptable production methods, especially as designers seek to balance environmental concerns with aesthetic ambition.
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Paris design week inspired the group.
Garret Werner and Zac Butt were drawn to the sculptural outdoor showers and dressing rooms created by Il Giardino di Corten. The installations, built from double‑layered Corten steel, can be customized for specific wellness needs and are compatible with a wide range of accessories.
The experience demonstrated why design weeks attract global participants: the convergence of diverse product design, innovative material use, and a rich cultural setting provides a fertile ground for inspiration and networking.
Organizers thanked the visiting team and S2H Communication for facilitating the VIP experience, and noted that the next Maison&Objet event is scheduled for January 16–20, 2025. Details and tickets are available on the official website.
