Curves, bold colors add zest to Paris show
By Carole Sloan -- Furniture Today, September 22, 2003
Paris — This month's Maison et Objet was a home furnishings show full of color, spirit and mixes of fabrics — more so than most home shows in the past year.
In particular, furniture was curvy — both in shapes of sofas and the renewed use of bombe fronts or sections on case pieces. The shelter sofa was an important design statement but with an openness of feeling — because of the curved shapes — not found in its original form.
In fabric patterns, ikats and paisleys were the fashion leaders, both in actual designs and as influences on other designs. And woven leather added an interesting touch to case pieces, from dining tables to armoires, used in places where a contrasting would typically would go.
Apple green, a bevy of pinks and all shades of purple, with lots of rich dubonnet, dominated the color stories. Stepped-down orange — no longer citrusy or brash — was an important accent, used most effectively with apple green and pinks. The new oranges are a rich terra cotta or burnt orange, emerging as important members of the natural and brown family.
Pink, which came back as a fashion favorite a year ago, has expanded its reach and ranged in Paris from soft, subtle shadings to the classic, exuberant Schiaparelli bold pink.
For the minimalists in contemporary design, gray, especially gray in flannel or canvas, was a significant fashion direction.
Tweeds were another key fabric statement, with the most exciting introductions using the signature of the softer the better. They ranged from thick, bulky yarns to delicate, almost sheer weaves.
Velvets were evident in almost every home textiles category, but significantly less as a furniture cover. Silky velvets, many in stripe constructions, maintained a high profile in decorative pillows — especially those designed to complement specific sofas, runners, top-of-bed textiles and window coverings.
Silk, from sheers to taffetas to heavy jacquards, made important fashion statements. Key looks ranged from classic damasks to puff effects for upholstery to shimmering sheers.
In case goods, armoires were especially newsworthy with the most fashionable sporting elaborate fronts — many with embellishments ranging from scalloped edges to painted detailing. Also notable were unique woods, many from Eastern countries, and a re-emergence of painted finishes, but definitely understated rather than bold in color.
One interesting trend at Maison et Objet was that companies were increasingly offering extensions beyond their core products. More and more, furniture stands were showing coordinated goods in lighting, decorative pillows, rugs and accessories.
A number of rug suppliers offered their products with small furniture pieces, home textiles items and lamps and accessories — all in a design theme.
As it has been for years, the rug segment remained one of the more fashion-forward at the show. Important directions included the use of color and pattern with multiple patterning in a single rug creating a decorative fabric look.
More than other home textiles segments, rugs have been in the vanguard of contemporary design, and this time tended toward more subtle, softened, curvy looks while still projecting a contemporary flavor.
And for those involved in more than just product development and merchandising, think bamboo. It was the display accessory du jour in Paris, used in huge, tall stalks as well as small shoots.
