Maison&Objet 2015: Best In Show // Furniture, Lighting & Accessories.

Celebrating it’s 20-year anniversary, Maison & Objet 2015, the largest interiors trade show in France, marked the occasion by acknowledging the handmade. Elizabeth Leriche, a designer and stylist, presented a collection of both emerging and established artisans in her Human Made exhibition, made up of three “inspiration rooms” that celebrated this year’s theme. In keeping with the show’s annual tradition, Oki Sato of Nendo was named The Designer of The Year. His multi-sensory ‘chocolatexture’ lounge at the entrance of now! Design à vivre was a deliciously regressive space, where chocolate range by Nendo could be sampled with coffee, nestled amongst Nendo’s cutom cocoa-colored furniture. The ultimate Nendo-chocolate-fest!

This was a busy show for De La Espada, which launched twenty new pieces from four different design houses—Matthew Hilton, neri&hu, Autoban, and Luca Nichetto. Ligne Roset brought a vaunted design name of Pierre Paulin into the limelight with their new collection. The nine items in the collection are mostly re-issues of Paulin’s original designs from the 1950s.

But that is enough from me already! Today’s post is all about our selection of the best new gear unveiled at Maison&Objet – from furniture, lighting and accessories brought to you by design powerhouses and emerging talent alike. Each one hand picked by us, especially for youuuuu.

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Maison&Objet 2014: Best In Show // Furniture, Lighting & Accessories.
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Solferino designed by Marco Zanuso Jr.

Luna Cabinet designed by Patricia Urquiola.

Shika, tables bases designed by A+A Cooren.

The Show House and Purpose // COEDITION is pursuing its role as a distributor of modern and creative French furniture by expanding its collections to include exceptional new products designed by Patricia Urquiola, Patrick Jouin, Michael Anastassiades, Aki and Arnaud Cooren, Marco Zanuso Jr and Alain Moatti. The high-quality collections are the result of exhaustive research, meticulous and diligent development and technical innovations refined by the designers and the distributor.

Bronze Age Lounge Chair.

Left: Recession Chair Oxidised. Right: Bronze Age Chair.

Bronze Age Collection & Recession Chair by Tjep. // The Bronze Age collection contains all hand-crafted pieces formed from the material that represents the dawn of civilisation. “I like the idea that bronze is precious and is therefore implicitly sustainable – it is either preserved or remelted but never discarded. Who knows, maybe these pieces contain a couple of remelted ancient bronze swords!” says Frank Tjepkema, lead designer and founder of Tjep. The aim of the collection is to instil connotations of human-caused disasters, such as climate change or a nuclear melt-down, putting these pieces at the centre of contemporary social issues. The result however is sculptural, with a pure aesthetic, that is visually light but physically strong.

1 | Archi. 2 | Tanis. 3 | DayBed. 4 | La Bibliotheque Fil. 5 | Toa. 6 | Le Secretaire Mural.

Pierre Paulin Editions in Collaberation with Ligne Roset // Ligne Roset offers a very wide range of Pierre Paulin’s works spanning sixty years of design, from the very beginning in 1953 up until his death in 2009. For this years Cologne and Paris fairs, Maia Paulin and her son Benjamin Paulin worked with Michel Roset on the reissue of key pieces from Pierre Paulin’s very first collection in 1953.

Chocolatexture Lounge by Nendo // 400 “Chocolatexture” chocolate sets designed for the awarding ceremony of “Designer of the Year Masion et Objet 2015” Oki Sato of Nendo. Several pieces of furniture announced in the past which had a “soft melting feel” were selected from across companies such as Cappellini, Desalto, Glas Italia, Emeco, Offecct, and Moroso which were custom-coloured to resemble chocolate. The lounge area was surrounded by a forest of 2,000 8mm-thick aluminium pipes, each of which is carefully painted at the appropriate height in chocolate-coloured gradations, creating the feeling of one being surrounded by “a rippling large molten chocolate wave”. 

The studio also created a range of nine chocolates moulded into unusual shapes within a 26-millimetre cube. The “Chocolatexture” collection includes treats with pointed tips, hollow interiors and rough textures – inspired by an onomatopoeic word from the Japanese language that describes texture.

73 Light by Bocci // Vancouver-based design brand Bocci has unveiled a mysterious new addition to its celebrated, process-driven collection – a handcrafted exploration of fabric and glass, entitled 73, that explores a technique whereby glass is blown into extremely heat-resistant ceramic fabric. By virtue of the loosely-controlled manufacturing process, each 73 is completely unique in proportion, size and shape. 73s are intended to nestle together in groups, creating increasingly more complex compositions with each added form.

“There is a strange mystery that occurs when these pieces are filled with diffuse light. They become somehow evocative of more than both glass and fabric; they become something new entirely.” – Omer Arbel / Creative Director at Bocci.

Related post: BOCCI X Mallett At Ely House // London Design Festival 2014.

Scaletta by Elisa Giovannoni for Tubes Radiatori // Elisa Giovannoni reconsiders the function of heating devices with ‘Scaletta’, one of the new radiators to join the Elements collection by Tubes Radiatori. Designed as an element of the architectural structure, with a strong personality and furnishing ability – it draws on the vision of a ladder leaning up against a wall, which can be freely moved around like one.

‘Etty’ by IMPERFETTOLAB.

‘Limes’ by IMPERFETTOLAB.

New pieces designed by Verter Turroni // IMPERFETTOLAB introduced part of its outdoor/indoor collection with new pieces designed by Verter Turroni. ‘Etty’ evokes the Moon, a red wire feeds its light and draws on the wall or floor a sign – a floor or wall lamp in fibreglass in 3 different sizes. ‘Limes’ is a natural supporter – a block of marble that is as light as a feather, bookend in fibreglass.

Expormim updates its “Lapala” Chair Collection // Outdoor furniture company Expormim has revisited the past by reissuing its “Lapala” chair collection — a classic design created by the design studio Lievore Altherr Molina in 1998 — and in doing so has revived the typically Mediterranean style of hand-woven chair. “In her curves and gentle shapes, the sober, light and versatile character is still maintained. This update includes a significant increase in comfort with improved ergonomics, in addition to high performance weather resistance, thanks to being woven with nautical rope on a painted stainless steel frame”. – Expormim.

Karui Trays by GamFratesi for Skultuna // Copenhagen studio GamFratesi has created a collection of spun-brass trays with leather surfaces for Swedish metal company Skultuna. The trays are formed by metal spinning – a production technique that 408-year-old company Skultuna has been developing since its early days as a brass foundry in the village it takes its name from. They will also be displayed at next month’s Stockholm Furniture Fair.

Related post: Interview // Stine Gam & Enrico Fratesi Of GamFratesi.

I Flauti Lights by Giopato & Coombes // The handblown Murano glass LED lamps “I Flauti”, designed by the Anglo-iItalian design team Giopato & Coombes, combines tradition and technology in search for a new equilibrium between innovation and its context. This contrast creates an object almost lost in time, frozen between the past and the future.

ILIA Low Tables by Christophe Pillet for ENNE // ENNE‘s belief in aesthetics harmonised with technical perfection crossed its’ path with the world known designer Christophe Pillet.  This collaboration resulted in a new line of modern, elegant and stylish furniture, completed with technical perfection.

Hand-made Ceramics by Tortus Copenhagen // Tortus Copenhagen celebrate a love of making and a passion for materials. The studio is dedicated to the modern adaptation of traditional and time-tested making methods delivering an ever-evolving production of ceramics rich in form, colour and texture.

‘Rockface’ wallpaper by Fromental.

Alluring Walls by Fromental // Interiors house Fromental showcased a selection of their signature handmade wallpapers with the colour scheme influenced by modern Parisian style. Evoking effortless glamour and timeless allure, hues of pinks and blues have been applied to some of their most popular designs. ‘Rockface’ wallpaper is inspired by Chinese mountain landscapes and scholars’ rocks, pieces of hand-dyed, lacquered paper create a collaged wallpaper.

‘Basil’ Side Tables by Arthur Leitner for Petite Friture // Arthur Leitner has associated the solidity and lightness of a structure in steel with a geometric table top in cork (sphere, pyramid, parallelepiped). “The wish to use the natural qualities of cork resulted in the creation of Basil, a set of side tables. The steel structure sets in motion the metallic aerial structure and the density of the cork tabletop. The geometric shapes contribute to the simple aesthetics of a piece which is stripped down to its essentials.”

‘The Mask Mirrors’ by Federico Floriani for Petite Friture // Like a painted mask over a shaman’s face, the graphic lines of the patterns are serigraphied and give a good twist to your reflection. “Mask is inspired by the decorative details on doors of southern Italian heritage. When I rearranged the graphics, it suddenly appeared as a painted mask over a shaman’s face.”

Bamboo Lamp by Arik Levy for Forestier // This outdoor pendant light by Arik Levy for Forestier is available in three colours (red, black & green) and three standard sizes.

Left: ‘Amber’ table lamp b Ginger & Jagger. Right: ‘Lotus’ floor lamp by Ginger & Jagger.

Rock’ side table by Ginger & Jagger.

‘Fractal’ sideboard by Ginger & Jagger.

To Earth Collection by Ginger & Jagger // The Nature inspired furniture design brand Ginger & Jagger presented three distinct decorative spaces, curated around the exhibition’s motto – Make. Ginger & Jagger’s ‘Earth to Earth’ collection is an evocative poetic realm, where Nature’s sculptural shapes are eternalised through handcraft, with unique artisanal techniques and an outstanding blend of superb materials such as brass, copper, exotic woods and marble.

Rugs by Jan Kath for FRONT // Contemporary Art is the focus this year as FRONT explores the concept of ‘Floor Art’ in collaboration with Jan Kath. The rugs are handcrafted in the materials of the highest quality such as Tibetan highland wool, Chinese silk and cashmere.

Nadurra Dram Chair by Gareth Neal // Neal’s ‘Nàdurra’ Dram Chair was fuelled by the Glenlivet Nàdurra, a connoisseurial whiskey crafted in small runs using traditional techniques. Translating this process to furniture, ‘dram’ (which means ‘drink’) captures the spirit of nàdurra (‘natural’ in gaelic) in both its form and function. It is the designer’s intention that the chair itself is steeped with an artisanal approach, and that one is enveloped in its materials as they are enjoying a dram of the glenlivet nàdurra.

Alaka Mirrors by Sylvain Willenz for Retegui // ‘Alaka’ is an elegant collection, stripped of any ostentation, through which the use of bevelled edges and rounded angles impart a light softness to marble. Reflecting elementary elegance, marble is combined with glass and mirror in proportions that create an overall stunning graphical effect.

Left: Marius Rug by Ines De La Fressange. Right: Tartarin Rug by Ines De La Fressange.

New Rug Collection by Ines De La Fressange for Toulemonde Bochart // Hand painted strokes and points, bright colours and black accents on the white page, ‘Marius’ rug is like a watercolour painting on the ground which evokes Provence and Harmony. Moroccan cilim pattern for ‘Tartarin’ rug as its namesake Tarascon seems to chase for the trends in the Atlas.

Okura Armchair by Éric Jourdan for Ligne Roset // The Okura range comprises an armchair, medium settee, large settee and footrest.

Treku Aura S2 Sideboard by Angel Marti & Enrique Delamo for Treku // Designed by Enrique Delamo & Angel Marti, the Aura series has both a retro feel combined with modern functionality. Its bold status with a choice of metal or wooden feet confirm its timeless authority. Treku offer a range of woods which include walnut and oak wood with a hyper natural finish together with vibrant shades of smooth finished lacquer.

1 | Stanley Sofa. 2 | Blanche Bergere. 3 | Laurel Coffee Table. 4 | Vivien Dining Chair. 5 | Dubois Bed. 6 | Laurel Side Table.

Luca Nichetto Launches Eponymous Collection Made by De La Espada // Reflected in each of the products is the influence of the great American interior designers of the 1950s, Scandinavian design, and Italian postmodernism, which translates into a classic aesthetic where luxury is revealed in the details. The Nichetto collection is the result of extensive study and of the marriage of skills from diverse disciplines. The herbarium, an extensive research project of Gardone’s on natural elements such as flowers and leaves, is an integral part of, and starting point for the research that Luca Nichetto has carried out in the definition of three colour palettes. Found on every continent, the tonalities, warm, cool and neutral, have been applied to the textiles, materials and combinations, enriching the collection with a timeless elegance.

Frame Bed & Shaker Dining Chair by Neri & Hu for De La Espada // Frame is an upholstered bed supported by a wooden frame structure to which various accessories can be clipped, such as a tray or a light. Shaker is a dining chair, inspired by the simple, honest and utilitarian approach of the movement after which it is named.

Union Collection by Autoban for De La Espada // Design practice Autoban has taken a holistic approach to the design of their new furniture collection. Initial releases in the collection, include a sofa and bed, with side tables, consoles and lighting fixture. Union is firmly rooted in the domestic environment with an emphasis on form and creating the utmost comfort.

The New Lake Collection by Raw Edges for Golran // Originally launched during last year’s Milan Design Week, The Lake Collection by duo Raw Edges was presented for the first time in the international arena at Maison & Objet. The collection takes its inspiration from the lenticular Israeli artist Yaacov Agam who, together with Victor Vasarely, revolutionised the world of optic perception in art. An iridescent collection, capable of moving from the vivid colours of daytime to the less bright shades of the evening, just like the mirror of water of a lake, “agam” in Hebrew, changes its reflection.

Ruutu By Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec For Iittala // French designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have created a set of diamond-shaped coloured vases for Finnish design brand Iittala. ‘Ruutu’, which means diamond or square in Finnish, is a collection of 10 vases available in five sizes and seven watercolour tones, which can be fitted together in different arrangements to overlay the colours.

Related post: Video // Ruutu By Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec For Iittala.

Nest Sofas by Paola Navone for Ercol // The italian designer’s ‘Nest’ sofas reference Ercol’s style of producing traditional steam bent furniture as seen by the sturdy beech wood bench framework; combined with Paola Navone’s signature use of bold colours and textures.

Cup Up by Design Letters // ‘Cup Up’ is a unique designed steel wall mount, which are decorated by the letters originally created in 1937 by the world renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen for Aarhus City Hall.

Moresque by Alessandro Zambelli for Seletti // The Moresque lighting collection takes the 11th-century arabesque architecture and art of the Alhambra fortress in Granada, Spain as its inspiration. Geometric patterns in burnt orange, pistachio, turquoise and slate gray decorate the ribs of ceramic and filigree polychrome that make up the fittings, while the smooth finish and bright, graphic elements keep them looking contemporary.

New Accessories by Alexander Girard for Vitra // The Wooden Dolls, which Alexander Girard created for his own home in Santa Fe, are inspired by his own extensive collection of works of popular art, with two new additions shown during Maison & Objet. Half decorative element, half toy, the Wooden Dolls were originally intended only for personal use. Based on originals found in the Girard Estate held by the Vitra Design Museum, the partly joyful, partly grim-looking company of dolls is now coming out as a charming enhancement to any interior.

‘Colosseum’ brushed copper centrepiece/ fruit bowl designed by Jaime Hayon.

‘Titus’ ceramic vases designed by Jaime Hayon.

New Roman Collection by Jaime Hayon for Paola C. // The recognisable forms that have characterised the artefacts and architecture of ancient Rome, were the starting point for Jaime Hayon’s ‘New Roman’ collection for Paola C. The collection is comprised of large and small vases, goblets, carafes and shallow bowls made from glass, ceramic or metal, supported by pedestals, resembling artefacts that adorned the manors of imperial Rome.

Cosmic Dinnerware by Diesel Living // New from the esteemed Italian brands Diesel Living and Seletti, ‘Cosmic Diner’ is an out-of-this-world collection of space-inspired plates. The 11-piece set represents moons, planets, and a sun from the Milky Way and beyond. Refining the trend of designs inspired by outerspace, each design is made of porcelain and adorned with a realistic image.

Cube Collection by Tom Dixon // British designer Tom Dixon’s latest range of accessories includes small copper stationery items and containers with magnifying-glass lids. “We continue our exploration into cabinets of curiosities with a new range of accessories designed to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to the modern desktop and the study,” said the designer.

Paper Installation by Molo Design // A modular installation of natural brown paper softblocks, built to a captivating height of 5 metres, enclosed a retreat for visitors to the exhibition, offering an opportunity to interact with molo’s debuting designs in a warm, intimate space. Descending within the tall paper walls, a surreal canopy of cloud softlight pendants – a fantastic new pendant light in its midst; the xx-large cloud softlight, measuring 2 metres in diameter, was on display for the first time at Maison & Objet.