Trends from the Paris show Maison & Objet

Editor's note: Paula Berberian, Creative Director of WallPops of Brewster Home Fashions, shares her observations. 

Twice a year the latest home décor products are shown in Paris at the Maison & Objet biannual housewares trade show.  From furniture and rugs to lighting and wallpapers, the exhibition halls of the Parc des Expositions and the galleries bordering the Seine showcase all things chic, revealing what will be fashionable for the home in the next year.  After trekking the floors of the show noting trends, Paula Berberian, Creative Director of WallPops of Brewster Home Fashions, one of the oldest independent, family-owned wallpaper companies in the U.S., shares five fads sure to be big this year that can easily be integrated into the home.

Warm Colors

Kenneth James’ Suzani by Eijffinger

It may have been winter weather when Maison was held but inside its halls sprung a tropical array of colors. 

“There was an overall warming of the palette,” says Berberian.  “As Pantone® named Tangerine Tango the color of the year, we saw a lot of the red family in corals, pinks and oranges, but surprisingly there was also another popular and unexpected hue, Palm Springs Blue that was everywhere.” 

The aqua blue was paired with oranges, oriental reds and browns.  There was also a yellow-infused green just slightly subdued from chartreuse, along with a bright curry yellow and red-infused purples.  This trend is beautifully captured in Kenneth James’ Suzani by Eijffinger® line featuring colorful designs like trees, ornamental flowers and embroidered circles in bright, stylish colors.  One design features a teal background with a colorful floral array in orange, teal, yellow and pink.

Modern Touches

Kenneth James’ new Zircon by Eijffinger®

 “Modern is still in,” says Berberian.  “While we saw a lot of vintage designs, all would have some modern element added, giving a fresh look to more traditional designs.”

For a modern spin, some of the items seen at the show were a classic chinoiserie that went chic in a vivid purple rather than the usual French Blue or red and traditional wood furnishings had an added splash of a bright color such as lime green.  Tribal designs like ikats and suzanis were also infused with modern colors and interpretations.  For an updated classic, Kenneth James’ new Zircon by Eijffinger® collection features dramatic, modern designs such as traditional stripes revived with dry matte colors, suede printing and a mica finish.  

Natural Woods

Kenneth James’ Suzani by Eijffinger®

“There was a continued move toward the natural and organic with hand-crafted wooden pieces throughout the show, particularly whitewashed pine,” says Berberian.

To incorporate an eco-chic touch to any space, look to pieces made with reclaimed, whitewashed or wire-brushed woods. 

Embellishments

Kenneth James’ Pip wallpaper collection by Eijffinger®, Silhouettes Flock Pink

“Dimensional elements were added to furnishings and textiles such as jewels, pearls, mirrors and other adornments,” says Berberian.

Added luxe textures to already likable patterns is seen in the cheerful and colorful, Kenneth James’ Pip wallpaper collection by Eijffinger®.  Pip, known for its tagline of “Happy Products, Happy People” that offers a line of bed sheets, kitchenware and bags, now offers a wallpaper line.  It includes floral and bird prints as well as playful framed-photo, postcard and stamp designs.  A classic damask design comes alive with the textured flocking seen in its Silhouettes Flock Pink wallpaper.

British Influence

Brewster Home Fashions English Style by Fairwinds Studio

Whether because of the Royal Wedding or with the upcoming Summer Olympics in London, a spotlight was on all things U.K.-inspired. 

“There was a British explosion with the Union Jack flag, British flag and other iconic designs,” says Berberian.

For an English update at home, experiment with hounds tooth and pretty floral patterns or fun items emblazoned with images of crowns, Big Ben, London Bridge or the city’s iconic red phone booth.

Be at the forefront of the most fashionable items for the home by incorporating these on-trend designs from Brewster Home Fashions.

Headquartered in Randolph, Mass., Brewster Home Fashions is one of the oldest independent, family-owned wallcovering companies in the U.S. that now spans five generations.  Since 1954, Brewster Home Fashions has been a prominent manufacturer and distributor of fine wallpapers and home decor products for residential and commercial markets globally. 

For more information, visit brewsterwallcovering.com.