Even though it was cold and gray (not to mention damp), Paris still managed to dazzle during the January design presentations at Maison et Objet, the twice-annual design fair on the outskirts of the city, as well as Déco Off, the yearly time when fabric and wallpaper showrooms open their doors and present their latest goodies.
Dispatches from 2025’s Paris Design Shows
At Maison, there was talk of a new direction, aimed at differentiating the two shows held in January and September. The show represents a broad view of trends in home decor, and highlighted developments in hospitality (including an intriguing installation by Uchronia), decor, and retail.
British designer Faye Toogood, the M&O Designer of the Year, created an installation called Womanifesto!, a bold representation of her subconscious. (This was a theme both at the show and in town.) You can see my piece on Toogood here.
A Mix of Surreal and Realistic
There was also a wonderful presentation called Surreality, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Surrealism, which included mythical creatures, another thread that ran throughout. Elizabeth Leriche’s creation for this show included a magical forest, a bed in the clouds, hypnotic motifs, and an upside-down room.
During Déco Off, manufacturers pulled out all the stops and displayed piles of beautiful fabrics and papers. Themes included those creatures—including gargoyles, griffins, and snakes of all sorts (it is, after all the Chinese Year of the Snake). These felt like manifestations of our inner fears during these troubled times. Other trends included contemporary takes on traditional Ikat designs, eyelash-like forms, outdoor luxe—plus wood looks and wood-veneer wall coverings.
One particularly outstanding showing was by Pierre Frey, who took over the derelict Hôtel de Guise in St. Germain and filled it with lusciousness in the form of his new Deserts collection. He layered texture and sophisticated color with modern shapes that never felt forced.
After a long day of non-stop appointments, I had the opportunity to spend a delightful evening at Féau Boiseries, an over-the-top dinner for what seemed like hundreds (I didn’t count!) in a dreamy repository of wood paneling and other delights from the 17th century to modern times. The firm designs, adapts, and installs wood decor in all manner of projects.
Look out for my favorites from M&O, Déco Off, and more on the site and in the March Design issue of TABLE Magazine!
Story by Stephen Treffinger
Cover photo by Celia Spenard-Ko
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