Posted on Mon, Oct 06, 2008
I just returned from the City of Lights, where I attended the annual Maison & Objet: Paris Fall/Winter Home Trends trade show. The show offers a lush picture for 2009. With only four days to soak it all in, I navigated the seven massive halls, each holding acres of exhibits. I ventured into a feast for the eyes and inspiration for the mind. It’s my pleasure to share my observations with you.
There was a wonderful display by Elizabeth Leriche called “Farm Life,” which is a movement for updating countryside living. Aptly titled “Back to Solid Ground,” the display communicates the quiet migration of city dwellers toward the rural spaces that surround them into objects in real life. In my view, this translates to new ideas of living as opposed to the same old standard. Leriche believes that “the simple pleasure of rural life is about reviving a belief in local produce and setting down roots.”
Throughout all of the exhibits, I observed an emphasis on natural materials and organic objects. Messages being conveyed at the majority of the displays evoked a quest to rediscover the relationship between designer and function. I saw many locally hand crafted objects, and artisan works related to age-old rituals, such as farming. Collections of curiosities (coral, terrariums, fossils) were everywhere.
The new colors are lavender and lime green. Both of these tones were paired in separate displays with neutrals, mostly white. Lavender can be soft and soothing, a perfect shade for the new movement of simplicity in design. Lime green, perhaps not as tranquil, is a great color to accent with white or blue. It’s vibrancy calls attention to the “Back to Solid Ground” theme previously mentioned. Subtle ways to add these colors were also presented for those seeking a little less commitment. Lavender dishes, or a lime green pillow, as opposed to painting an entire room in one of these shades, is a good solution.
Walking around Paris was an added bonus to the many inspirations I’ve brought home to Slifer Designs. An old door in Notre Dame lingers in my mind, as do the centuries old painted plaster walls in a bistro, where I had a memorable supper with a friend. Sculptures are everywhere. The steps leading up to The Louvre, provided a nice resting spot. The Eiffel Tower at night shows off it’s curves reminding me of some of the sculptural outdoor pieces I viewed at the show. In Paris, everywhere you look there is beauty. I look forward to sharing it with you.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com