The French trade fair Maison et Objet is no exception. This major exhibition is held bi-annually in Paris and is a highly anticipated event that celebrates innovation and talent for Interior Design from around the world.

Earlier last month, M&O launched in replacement to their physical event, a platform exploring virtual showrooms of worldwide brands. Additionally a series of online conversations coined « Digital Talks » were available on their site. These live interviews, exchanges or conversations were held by various experts designers, brands or trend spotters.

The organizers cleverly adapted their September edition by creating a virtual online issue which was a successful but challenging feat. As I browsed through the abundant selection of products and explored the infinite virtual showrooms of exhibitors I felt as tired as I am when I explore the alleyways of the actual trade fair. Minus the sore feet ! In normal times each M&O edition welcomes on average 5.000 brands and designers under one roof at Villepinte near Paris.

So what is new in the world of decor, design and interiors you may ask. What are the trends for A/W 20 – 21 ? What influences or styles did I observe as I surfed on their platform and listened to the various podcasts ? Well, nothing revolutionary to be frank but certainly some strong, albeit subtle shifts.

Certainly due to the current pandemic situation, a need to return to simplicity is something that clearly stands out. The imposed lockdown made us stay home and rediscover our interiors. Suddenly the focus was on reorganizing our homes (thank you Marie Kondo) and removing the « unnecessary ». A need for a clean, uncluttered environment is a notion expressed in the product design of today. 

Focusing on the quality of materials and offering a simple authentic look, brands such as Sempré with their lovely glass collection or Pomax with their wool & cotton rugs illustrate this. Inspired by Japanese lifestyle, many brands and designers have produced products and furniture with simple lines in sensual and natural materials using a natural color palette of soft beiges, whites and light grey reminding us of eggs, flour and milk – basic necessities. Comforting colors in an uncertain outside world. Rounded shapes, stripes, fringes, pompoms express the need for purity and simplicity,  « a return to the basics » feel.

Overall whether for the home or in fashion, since both industries overlap, the consumer today is looking for quality over quantity. Most influential houses focus today on sustainability and up cycling by putting their waste to use and creating new fabrics. However the return to more noble materials that are natural, durable and eco friendly is a priority such as bamboo, leather, organic cotton, linen, stone, wood, minerals. A number of new online fashion retailers are capitalizing on consumer’s desires to purchase clothing that lasts. When you think about investing, you’re paying a little more, you’re actually careful about what you select.

Buying less but with more thought. Knowing the story behind the product, its origin, the quality of materials, an appreciation of the craftsmanship are essential. Interiors have become eclectic and refined. The ordinary and the formatted is replaced with the artistic and the unique.

Simplicity, Refinement, Storytelling. These are the keywords that sum up the creative mood today. There is no denying the power of buying less by buying better.