Sur/Reality: futures expressions

From January 16 to 20, 2025, the next edition of MAISON&OBJET will explore the fresh expressions of Surrealism in contemporary design. Building on the origins of the resurgence of Surrealist logic, its creative inspirations, and the aspirations it addresses (see previous article), this theme examines how the movement will influence the future of home, retail, and hospitality. By pushing the boundaries of reality, Sur/Reality invites designers to craft immersive narratives and reimagine spaces that inspire wonder and daydreaming.

The Future of the Home

No longer merely a place of shelter, the home is evolving into an ultra-creative space of escape and wonder—a canvas for expressing individuality and experiencing emotions. Phantasmagorical worlds defy reality, elevating it to new heights. Optical illusions, trompe l’œil effects, and playful humor: every trick is embraced to make interiors unique and extraordinary. Everyday life transforms into a boundless playground where anything is possible.

In this dreamlike vision, sofas become swings, architectural lines shift to create almost paranormal shapes, and walls and ceilings turn into blue skies dotted with clouds. Beds adopt unexpected forms, like Tim Veresnovsky’s foot-shaped headboard. Gaming becomes a focal point, with pool tables replacing traditional dining tables. Colors soften, blending harmoniously with warm wood tones. Bold, expressive tiles take center stage. Quirky, whimsical pieces are collected to add an element of surprise and humor.

The Future of Retail

Whether fully aligned with a brand’s core visual identity or not, the Sur/Reality aesthetic presents a significant opportunity for retail, offering consumers distinctive, ever-evolving experiences. How can this be realized? Through immersive theming that extends to the tiniest detail, and by harnessing the power of play to reconnect shoppers with the joy of instant gratification. These cinematic, story-like settings transport visitors into poetic worlds, transforming their perception of products. Stores become playful, innovative, and highly Instagrammable spaces.

Romantic at times, minimalist at others, but always poetic, this trend comes to life in retail spaces through surprising window displays, installations, staging, and even façades. Visitors might find themselves seated on cubes made of confetti, wandering through a store shaped like a plump handbag, or admiring a larger-than-life pigeon in a display window. A striking example is Nudake, the must-visit patisserie in Seoul, which has filled its new boutique with croissant sculptures—adorning counters, forming table legs, serving as lamp bases, and even shaping armchairs and sofas.

The Future of Hospitality

Moving beyond the realm of play, which serves as a powerful stimulant for escapism, the Sur/Reality aesthetic introduces notions of exclusivity and unprecedented novelty—qualities particularly suited to the hospitality industry. Offering immersive, all-encompassing experiences, meeting the desire for withdrawal from the frenetic pace of everyday life, and fostering an intimate, private imaginary: these are rich opportunities for hospitality spaces to explore. For instance, blending elements from various eras and styles to craft an eclectic mix that transcends its inspirations creates an aesthetic akin to a cinematic masterpiece (as seen in the elaborate sets of Yorgos Lanthimos’s film Poor Things).

Grand works of art, unconventional structures, and surreal references define these spaces, giving visitors a sense of timeless escape heightened by their enchanting designs. For example, a patisserie in Istanbul’s airport features a sculpted concrete fountain adorned with blown-glass splashes, transforming it into an immersive work of art. In Shanghai, an entertainment venue reimagined by Wutopia Lab evokes the vibrant atmosphere of a fiery circus tent. Meanwhile, the Prada Café in London embraces a refined aesthetic inspired by Wes Anderson’s whimsical worlds, with pistachio-green walls and a black-and-white checkerboard floor.

In these settings, traditional hospitality codes are purposefully subverted to create luxury experiences brimming with surprise and wonder. Moving away from overtly playful, straightforward designs, these spaces engage guests through a nuanced, sophisticated interplay of creativity and elegance.

Join the Peclers Paris team on Thursday, January 16 at 11 am for the OPENING CONFERENCE, where we will dive into Sur/Reality and the new territory of daydreaming in design and decoration.

Contact us to register.