Paris: Maison & Objet – Hall 8 Indoor/Outdoor

September has begun and with it the interiors and design shows in Paris and London.

First off was Maison and Objet, the premier interior design and furnishing show in Europe. A new hall was opened this time bringing the total to 8 halls. That is almost as much walking as Frankfurt. I did once wear a pedometer to Heimtex Frankfurt which has 10 halls and clocked up 22 km on my first day. No such ploys to justify sore feet this time – I know it’s miles and miles of walking.

The area outside Hall 8 was planted with real and fake turf enabling us to walk without getting sodden in the occasional downpours. The main exhibitors including the Kettal Group and B+B Italia etc are obviously aiming at large contracts such as hotels, resorts and large residential projects, but some exhibitors also showed how their products could work in a smaller space.

Technological developments in all-weather fabrics ( including the Sunbrella range) have meant an increase in the use of upholstery in outdoor furniture, particularly seating, further blurring the line between indoor and outdoor design.

Here are my comments on a few of the exhibitors – not the obvious ones I hasten to add.

One of the recently emerging furniture themes of knitting, weaving, wrapping and crochet was amply illustrated by Kenneth Cobonpue with knitted light fittings complete with needles, climbing people screens and wrapped frame armchairs

Blofield followed up their outdoor inflatable sofas and armchairs with an inflatable spa-bath this time: in a standard size as more than one person might be too much for it. It deflates into a box as do their other pieces.

La Chaiserie Landaise showed locally produced wooden and rush chairs as well as a contemporary interpretation of the Indian charpoy which came across as a refreshing contrast to the slick glossiness of the larger stands. These pieces would work equally well indoors as well as outdoors which is just what urban gardens in the UK need. I’ve just found a photo so here it is:

Peter Wylly  (who I first encountered many years ago as Peter Wylly Lighting) showed a zen-type water feature which could sit as comfortably in a reception area as in a larger garden. The rock was the fountain with “sand circles” providing the rivulets for the trickling water. The piece can be integrated with real sand and provides a seamless link into the rest of the area. A very simple  and effective design. 

The first impression of large scale and very contract oriented set pieces was dissipated after a little bit of looking – it just goes to show that you have to walk all the aisles not to miss anything!