Inspiration Showroom © Anne-Emmanuelle Thion

“Inspiration space” shows new trends in design and attracts attention every year at Maison & Objet. Last year, as a response to the era of rest and peace, materials and shapes giving a sense of security and gentle pastel colors gathered with the theme of “Comfort Zone” attracted audiences. Due to the rapid development of the digital industry, they focused on phenomena of people who increased information dissemination capabilities. The consumer influence has increased, especially with the appearance of Instagram, and people have actively disclosed their own private life. Therefore, the world is seeking designs that would look good on Instagram.

Inspiration Showroom © Anne-Emmanuelle Thion

What comes to people’s mind from the word ‘showroom’? “Fascinating” display would become a key word, such as glass cabinets that shows products inside and display racks. Also, it is also essential to decorate your favorite collections on the wall, to put objects in the room and to decorate rooms with things that can express an indivisual’s own world view. To make such ideas look like art seems like “showroom.”

A remarkable motif in the venue was a tropical style such as “cactus” and “flamingo” like last year. Also, most of the stands had Brazilian black birds “Tucano”. There were circumstances that they were intended for summer products, but miscellaneous goods and textile makers had a good amount of products with the motif from children’s goods to gift items.

Antonio Facco – Rising Talent © Anne-Emmanuelle Thion

In addition, as a new trend, from the thought of people who adapt to a society of great change and express themselves, products with “liquidity” and “customization” as keywords were seen. Furniture and items that can be changed in size depending on the application, customized as needed and used in multiple ways made a great impression. For example, such items gathered audience’s attention: a table that also serves as a table tennis table, furniture that becomes a light or a shelf, a chair that can change legs, a shoe cover that makes shoes waterproof simply by covering and so on.

Besides that, the momentum of Portuguese design was strong this year. While many brands announced many of simple and gentle color furniture of Scandinavian design, Portuguese design was colorful, retro and somewhat kitschy and showed a difference from other booths.