Paris Déco Off is such a treat – three days meandering around this elegant city discovering the latest interior collections – sometimes my job is just a joy
I’ve summarised just a taster of what was on show, keeping my descriptions intentionally brief. But there are links to all the suppliers, so if you want more details they are just a click away.
I always expect the playful and provocative from Glasgow based Timorous Beasties and their latest Chinoiserie Collection (Shown above) is no exception. A series of busy scenes fuses past and present, mixing romanticism with menace so that you find traditional fishermen as well as baton wielding police (inspired by the Hong Kong riots) and selfie-stick toting tourists.
Celebrating 200 years of its Braquenié brand, Pierre Frey presented the Anniversaire 1823-2023 collection. Braquenié is known for its printed cottons, silks and hand-woven rugs, with the opulence of France’s Second Empire combined with the organic curves of Art Nouveau. The collection includes authentic reproductions and re-interpretations of archive documents.
Lelièvre explored their archive and found a bold 19th century design depicting fantastical birds against a abstract background. This has formed the basis for L’Envolée Fantastique, with each fabric within the collection based around details from the original archive piece. Designs include a matt jacquard, matt cotton, soft chenille and a pinned velvet.
Arte took inspiration from the Silk Road that linked the Far East with the West for its Alaya collection. Designs include this dramatic Banyan panoramic wallcovering in pure silk. Available in two colourways the bold design has a dream like quality.
Continuing its collaboration with the National Trust, Little Greene presented National Trust Papers III. There are eight historic wallpaper designs, each created from original source material found at three of the National Trust’s historic houses. Employing traditional methods of printing, that have remained unchanged for over 100 years, the collection comprises an array of hand-painted birds, stylised florals and scrolling trails, as well as a traditional Toile de Jouy. (I interviewed Ruth Mottershead, of Little Greene, about the importance of pigment in paint. You can read the feature here)
Osborne & Little’s spring 2023 collections reflect the current desire to bring the positive and calming elements of the outdoors into our homes. I particularly liked the embroidered Puzzlewood design which features a fantastical tree full of flowers and birds.
Inspired by the ancient arts and artisanal textiles of Japan, Ikebana from Designers Guild features bright florals and inky dyeing. Colours, as you would expect from Tricia Guild, include vibrant pinks and greens across fabrics and wallpapers but there are some rich blues to enjoy in the collection too.
I hadn’t visited Deirdre Dyson’s Paris showroom before – a gorgeous, vaulted space with rough honey stone walls, perfect for displaying her rugs. Every year, Deirdre creates a collection based around a particular theme. This year she set herself the challenge of avoiding any curves or circles. The resulting collection, Angles, includes striking contemporary designs made from Tibetan wool and pure silk
Stepping inside the Samuel & Sons showroom in Paris is like stepping into a jewellery box full of beautiful colours and intricate detailing. New for 2023 the Bouquet collection, by Lori Weitzner, takes inspiration from floral bouquets. There are intricate applique borders, dip dyed tassels and an exquisite trellis beaded border.
Italian textile house Rubelli launched Frammenti Veneziana. Taking a journey through velvets, drapery, archival fragments synonymous with Venice, light jacquards and wefts inspired by the textures of the planets.
Swiss textile house Christian Fischbacher launched Seeking Beauty a textile collection exploring the enduring beauty and vulnerability of nature. Featuring dreamy landscapes, decorative embroideries and jacquards. The new Seeking Beauty collection has been designed to complement and work harmoniously with past collections, a conscious decision to ensure longevity year on year and create a timeless textile story
German-Colombian label Ames presented several new collections at Maison & Objet including Coco Modular seating with a design inspired by origami. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, modules include armchair, footstools and tables.
1838 Wallcoverings launched their inaugural collaboration with the Victoria & Albert Museum. V&A Decorative Papers is a rich and varied collection of nine wallpaper patterns in 30 colourways each inspired by the V&A’s archive.
It was the first time East London rug dealer FLOOR_STORY had shown at Maison & Objet, but they certainly made a splash. The company’s collaboration with print pioneer Eley Kishimoto has resulted in bold new designs, including Graphic Fairytale (above), which uses different patterns and symbols to create a story rich in fantasy.
Channelling the 1970s, Caractère Wallcoverings, new from Zinc Textiles, include a tactile suede, natural cork, moiré silk and this striking high-octane gloss which gives the effect of a reflective lacquer – in 12 colours including teal, ochre (shown) and dragon red.
Broderie anglaise and a mini floral featured in the Sahco 2023 collection, created by newly appointed creative director Bengt Thornefors, whose background in fashion was evident in his first designs for the brand.
From Belgian brand Omexco, Birds of Paradise boasts fabulous florals and luscious leaves. As you would expect there are some bold and bright colourways to choose from, but I rather liked this more subdued option.
Studio by Tai Ping has collaborated with architect and interior designer Fabrice Juan to create a collection in New Zealand wool. There are seven designs, each offered in two colourways. The designs were inspired by mid century artists such as Jean Dewasne and feature deep colour combinations and graphic lines.
Lizzie Deshayes at Fromental is a creative force. Not content with designing the company’s hand painted wallpapers, she took up needlepoint to keep herself entertained during lockdown. The result is a selection of beautifully crafted cushions featuring both floral and abstract designs while experimenting with texture. The cushions will launch in March.
Café Society is the new collection of high-performance textiles from Madeaux by Richard
Smith. The soft handle ensures the designs are equally suited to being used inside or out. The collection comprises seven designs with inspiration ranging from 17th century documents to lacquered Japanese screens and the classic, iconic motifs of Parisian bistro life.
Let’s escape from gloomy January into an exotic garden. Mind The Gap’s Royal Marrakech Garden, featuring proud peacocks and ornate plasterwork, can be used to achieve a trompe l’oeil effect. (You can read my interview with Mind The Gaps’ creative director, Stefan Ormenisan here)