In Paris, Maison sports loads of color
By Carole Sloan -- Furniture Today, February 8, 2004
PARIS — Loads of color — especially in the red to orange family in fabrics — unusual pieces in upholstery and some distinctive constructions in case pieces were design keys at Maison et Objet here last month.
Almost as important as design directions was the renewal of the fun, fancy and whimsy that typically is seen in home furnishings shows at the upper end of the European markets. It is this element that sets this and many of the other shows on the Continent apart from the pack.
Maison witnessed a move to new materials, from the use of crystals from the renowned Swarovski that were embedded into a lacquer chair frame to high-tech metallics bonded to fabric. Manufacturers also found new ways to use classic elements like water hyacinth, abaca, banana leaf and teak.
Orange and red were clear favorites in the color derby but a softer palette is coming on — almost delicate and feminine in feel. Black and white were important fashion statements throughout the home.
Stripes and paisley were key design statements in decorative fabrics and spread their influence across all home segments — alone or coordinated in several areas: furniture, rugs, home textiles, tabletop. Natural linens and silks prevailed as fabric favorites in all product categories.
"It was softer and cleaner, with lots of linens and silks, as well as leather," said Michael Day, vice president of Textile Fabric Associates. "The abundance of stripes reaffirmed my thinking that we're in the striping phase in fashion."
As for colors, Day saw orange, "often used with green, a pretty ocean blue, softer yellows, pinks and blushes."
For Michael Lerner, president of retailer Roche-Bobois USA, "There was a definite '70s influence and lots of eclectic interpretations in furniture with Oriental overtones and bamboo veneers with dark finishes."
Chocolate and vanilla are emerging as a fashion color duo Lerner said. "Ivory fabric and chocolate-tone wenge wood and painted patinas away from heavy dark woods are becoming important."
Another important trend here and at the Cologne show earlier in January, Lerner said, "is the move of bringing the living room into the bedroom, which opens the bedroom to more chairs, chaises and small entertainment centers."
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