Interiors at Maison et Objet 2013
A look at light as a theme and design element at this year’s design fair
After reflecting on 2013 Maison et Objet‘s more unconventional seating offerings, our coverage continues with a expansive eye on interiors as seen through the theme of light. Ranging from adjustable side tables and corner shelving to recycleable partitions and lights, the following is a selection of interior design pieces that caught our eye this time around.
Paris au Mois d’Août
The idea was simple, it just needed to be done: swap soft, delicate fabrics in for paper in traditional Japanese paper lanterns to make gracious lamps. Using only handmade textiles and blown glass to play with transparencies, lighting by young French company Paris au Mois d’Août brings a soft sense of light to the world of interiors. Organic, simple and well balanced, or pot-bellied and water droplet-like shapes add to the sensuality of the suspensions. Spanish Azulejos graphic patterns inspire airy lines veiled in thin and delicate cotton, while other solid designs focus on a more fragile, hemstitched Indian cotton.
Giorgio Caporaso
For furniture, few materials exist lighter or more structurally pliable than cardboard. With this in mind Italian architect Giorgio Caporaso introduces an environmentally conscience collection made of 100% recyclable alveolar cardboard. Combining functionality, solidity and sustainability, the line comprises the 2onde chaises longues, the original More shelves and the fascinating Tappo lighting tables.
The modular More shelving system reminds us of children’s construction games, offering the ability to design room dividers or simply bookshelves based on personal combinations. The lateral stands of the 2onde deck-chair can either be made of wood or customized with graphic patterns and distinctive textures. The openings in the back and the seat can be used to store cushions and magazines, or for the outdoor version, handbags and towels. Also multifunctional, the very convincing Tappo can be used in any combination as a lamp, a table or a storage container.
Student Design
Another shelf that drew our attention because its purpose is rarely addressed, is the highly functional and useful corner shelf by French design students Claire Baudrimont and Pierre-Yves Le Sonn. The stainless steel shelf won first prize in the small furniture category at the 5th Young Designers Competition through the Cinna House. Taking first place in the lighting category was student Arthur Hoffner’s “Ring my bell” reading lamp. The clever, refreshing light can be adjusted by twisting the shade.
Ligne Roset
From Ligne Roset, we found the delightful foldaway cabinet Numbo. When closed, post-its or postcards can be pinned on its puffy fabric cover. Once open, the suspended cabinet can be used as a writing surface or simply a place to empty one’s pockets. Also from Ligne Roset this year we saw the introduction of two very practical and playful table designs. The glass Aoyama by Noe Duchaufour Lawrance and, as one of our most exciting discoveries at the fair for its sawed oak finish, the Itisy by P. Lemaire. Both composed of a series of small round tables that articulate together and move around each other, the tables are designed to be free of set figure and arrangeable according to its need.
Not only a theme in individual product design but on a grander scale as well, we found lightness a major player in booth design as well. Generally sticking to light tones and delicate, cold colors—mustard yellow, pistachio green and a range of blues and subtle grays—the fair’s palette gave an elegant yet enthusiastic touch to the collections.
