From Paris With Love.... 2018 Design Trends

Paris Deco Off and Maison et Object Show

Back from an exciting trip to Paris seeing the latest interior design trends for 2018 from the major European fabric, furniture and lighting suppliers at the Paris Deco Off and Maison et Objet Show.

With presentations from all the major fabric ateliers in the design precinct of Paris – the sixieme takes on a festive air with huge floating lamp shades strung aloft and each atelier outdoing itself with their beautiful window displays. Despite the rain, there is a festive air as designers from all over the world gather to see the latest trends and products.

Whilst at the M&O serious shoe leather is required as the event showcases over 3,000 suppliers spread across eight massive exhibition halls. Throw in a visit to the city's fabulous flea marchès and you have some serious research on the latest and greatest inspo for the coming year.

Some of the key trends I love are:

Natural Aesthetic

As we sense the world is under threat with climate change and political unrest, there is more emphasis on incorporating the beauty of nature into our surroundings. Fabrics, carpets, woods and furnishings all reflecting nature's harmonious color palette.

Whether it be natural timber and beaten metal finishes on furniture that is often shaped to echo natural forms like rocks, bark or bamboo: or crystals incorporated into light fittings this beautiful, artisinal aesthetic brings a feeling of nature's beauty indoors.

Comfort Luxe

Similarly in terms of fabrics we are cocooning in soft sensual fabrics that feel luxurious to the hand. Velvet continues to be big and manufacturers like Pierre Frey are making velvets that will not seat and are much easier to live with.

Alpaca and cashmere are no longer just limited to throws and bed covers but are now being woven into beautiful sheers for drapes to die for. Sandra Jordan's collection in softest taupes, cremes and blues was a standout.

Go Geometrical

Geometrical faceted furniture glowed like perfectly cut gemstones on cabinetry or as table bases or were grouped together like perfectly cut rocks in highly reflective surfaces like mirror, black glass and lacquer.

Fabrics also followed suit with stunning strong geometrical prints for upholstery and drapes.

Artwork also relected the trend with bold geometrical paintings featured in the super styled flea market vendors and in many of the toney fabric ateliers in the sixieme.

Fabrics

A bewildering array of beautiful fabrics from all the major houses. Exceptional was Dedar's latest range and Pierre Frey's bold and beautiful collection of tribal and ethnic wallpapers. Also beautiful was Rubelli's offerings, Holland & Sherry and the Brochier Collection seen in a pop up in the design quarter.

Colors

Muddied fifties tones spiked up neutral palettes.

Pink is the new neutral; continuing to be strong as an accent but contrasted with it's deeper burgundy counterpart and neutrals like taupe, tobacco and black.

Red returns with a vengeance - go bold with red upholstered pieces or just add a small accent and it will immediately warm your space. Ideal here for our local ski chalets and wine country retreats or to add a dash of energy to a foggy day palette in the city. Nature's colors continue to dominate with a beautiful array of textured neutrals and every shade of green and blue. Sunny yellow adds another bright accent color.

Walls

Continue to be a focus. If you're not covering them with exquisite wallpaper in patterns and textures from Elitis, Phillip Jefferies or Pierre Frey to name but a few of the standout collections; then you would be adding texture with fine cement hand brushed or creating a cosy cocoon with leather wall art which really raises the luxe bar in your bedroom or study. Strong colored feature wall also showed strongly throughout Maison et Objet exhibitors.