What’s New at MAISON&OBJET: Key Takeaways

The January 2025 edition of the MAISON&OBJET trade show spotlighted the theme “Sur/Reality,” developed in collaboration with Peclers Paris to mark the centenary of André Breton’s Manifesto of Surrealism. This theme explores the prolific vitality of a new surrealism, drawing inspiration from fantasy, distortion, chance, humor, and poetry to shape bold creative landscapes and visionary productions that are both unexpected and captivating.

What’s New? In Decor

Designed by trend expert Elizabeth Leriche, this space offered a poetic immersion into the “Sur/Reality” theme. The journey, symbolized by a vast floor labyrinth representing the unconscious, invited visitors on a dreamlike exploration, disconnecting them from reality to awaken their sense of wonder.

We were particularly captivated by the dream chamber, which celebrated imagination and poetry, and the hypnotic corridor, where distorted stripes and whimsical objects blurred the boundaries of perception. This immersive and mesmerizing scenography provided a fascinating exploration of colors and materials, shaping the interiors of tomorrow.

What’s New? In Hospitality

Designed by Julien Sebban of the Uchronia collective, this 200 m² space, named “Hôtel Uchronia,” paid tribute to Surrealism through a unique hospitality concept. The structure, composed of layered fabrics, featured a mysterious monolithic exterior that opened onto a warm and dreamlike interior, rich in sensory atmospheres designed to awaken the senses.

This unexpected journey, where each room unfolded as a surprise, kept visitors in a constant state of discovery and was a particular source of inspiration for us. Among the immersive spaces, the mysterious smoking lounge stood out for its disruptive and enigmatic atmosphere, challenging traditional hospitality norms. This playful and timeless scenography perfectly captured the essence of the season’s theme.

FAYE TOOGOOD – « WOMANIFESTO! »

Named Designer of the Year 2025, British designer Faye Toogood unveiled WOMANIFESTO!, an immersive installation exploring her creative process through the lens of Surrealism. Defined by a strong material presence, this space offered a tactile and artistic experience, celebrating feminine energy through a journey structured into four zones: drawing, sculpture, materials, and landscape. Her expressive and distinctive universe stood apart from the usual offerings of the show, blending sculptural forms with dreamlike inspirations—an invitation to a more intuitive and emotional approach to design.

THOMAS HAARMANN – « Curatio »

For the first time, we discovered Curatio, a space dedicated to collectible design and exceptional European craftsmanship, conceived by Thomas Haarmann. Showcasing limited-edition pieces in striking contrasts—crystal vs. concrete, retro vs. modern—the installation freed the works from their usual context, allowing for new narratives to emerge. This new platform for expression offered a thoughtful exploration of the relationships between form, material, and perception.

BLISS

Among the major trends observed during our visit to MAISON&OBJET, this theme—drawn from our Environments & Design FW26-27 trend book—stood out in particular. It highlights a renewed interest in timeless forms and archetypal designs, rooted in quality and intergenerational comfort. As design refocuses on simplicity and authenticity, storytelling becomes essential, infusing a poetic dimension into this reimagined rusticity, where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony.

Here are our team’s favorite finds from the show that illustrate this trend:

• Mathieu Challières presented a coffee table and a sideboard in colorful straw marquetry, reflecting his unique design approach, where the interplay of colors and patterns creates a vibrant and refined aesthetic. True to his artisanal style, these pieces seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modernity.

• Margaux Keller presented a bar stool and an armchair from her Mirèio collection, a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional straw-seated chair. The stool, with its soft yet defined lines, elegantly modernizes this artisanal heritage. Designed in the same spirit, the armchair perfectly embodies the designer’s values: a spacious and timeless seat, handcrafted by one of the last traditional chair-making workshops in France.

• Me & K unveiled its new textile collection, showcasing timeless patterns and exceptional weaves. Featuring tartans, checks, ikats, and elegant plaids, the brand continues to explore a universe rich in textures and colors, offering warm and sophisticated pieces for the home. This collection perfectly embodies their craftsmanship, blending tradition and modernity in a distinctly contemporary approach to textiles.

Want to discover the key trends from the fair and the highlights you shouldn’t miss? The full report is available exclusively for our Peclers+ subscribers. Contact us to gain access!

Explore more trends in our Environments & Design trend book: a 360° edition that highlights four core lifestyle values each season and translates them into creative concepts tailored to emerging new ways of living