Seen again and again - teal and nutmeg
After being completely overwhelmed on my first-ever visit to Maison et Objet 2014 - but thrilled at the same time - what could I do but plan a return visit?? And, of course, I coerced my favorite photographer (my husband, Bob) to accompany me, again....
I didn't see everything - there are 8 enormous convention center-sized halls, so we had to prioritize - I did make it to 5 different buildings!
It's almost hard to fathom how huge this show is
Here are some of the interesting standouts. First of all, color:
Look at the colors here.... nary a primary in sight
The color combinations were intriguing. I was struck by the candle display, above. These are the products that vendors believe will sell in the near future - not a lot of bright here! Contrast it with last year's display:
More saturated color in 2014
Then, there's what I like to call "The Mix". To me, this is truly Contemporary (not to be confused with "Modern", which is a style in its own right) and reflective of Collected Design, which is really how we live.
Note the mismatched chairs - all styles! I love everything about this.
This year, as last year, I saw TONS of copper and lots of baskets, bringing a natural warmth to spaces.
All of the above fixtures are by Light & Living, which doesn't seem to be available in the US.....hmmmm
Love the baskets, retro/vintage light fixtures and, of course, terra cotta!
This is interesting.... lots of "Wild West"/Native American influences:
Right at home on the trail....
Made to look vintage/worn
More of the Teal & Nutmeg.... with a little bit of a 1970's Missoni feel
...and talk about colors! Vivaraise, a French company, had the spectrum covered - and this was just 20% of their display!
Everything textile one can imagine....
So many of the vignettes are utterly charming...
Candlesticks and battery-operated candles - what's not to love?
After we recovered from Maison et Objet, the next destination was Le Marais, in general, and Merci, specifically! If you've never experienced Merci, it is amazing: wonderful women's and men's clothing, housewares, small home appliances, electronics - a hip destination. Plus, there's a super cute Fiat in the front courtyard!
Merci front courtyard
Once inside, a few things struck me - like the "Fistful of Dollars" vibe of these ponchos:
Once again, the Wild West
Was this the muse?
I explored more of Merci and was struck by this on-trend display of Murano glass, industrial chic and stoneware. The Mix!
Upstairs at Merci
As we strolled down Rue Beaumarchais on our way toward Place des Vosges, this window display caught my eye - that color combo again!
..... and, farther into Le Marais, here it is again:
It was so enlightening to see how trends cross cultures and industries: fashion influences home decor and vice-versa, Old World influences New and back again. It's a small planet!
