Maison & Objet 2010

We went along to Maison & Objet’s 2010 exhibition to investigate the new releases in the world of design, in particular the contemporary lifestyle design section, NOW.

The exhibition was so large that we would have had to spend several days there to fully explore it, so in this article we have concentrated on a selection of particularly memorable products.

We start with the wooden Stingray rocking chair by Thomas Pedersen (produced by Mass Productions). We particularly appreciated both the simplicity of the materials used, as well as the complex form that will remind nature-lovers of the manta ray, and scientists of the graphical representation of gravity. Without a doubt one of the most comfortable chairs in the room.

A quick stop at the Fatboy display, where we found some new items made of a surprising choice of material – a new bean bag made of extremely shiny imitation leather that we liked right up until the moment a nearby woman made a remark about, and I quote, “that magnificent bin bag… ah no it’s an armchair!”

The rest of the collection uses more natural yet still reflective materials.

We liked this clever adjustable bookcase from Concon, which distorts conventional horizontal patterns.

Our favourite office chairs from Bross, which seem to be inspired by the “aluminium group” by Charles Eames. The seat is comfortable and a lot of work has gone into the leather, resulting in a beautifully finished selvedge.

We spent a lot of time at the Lladrò workshop’s stand, where they were exhibiting their mind-blowing, hand-painted porcelain sculptures.

At the XO stand, there was a stark contrast between the new designs from Karim Rashid and Philippe Starck:

The “Bite Me” chairs by Karim Rashid whose stools fit together perfectly.

The new chairs from Philippe Starck that will replace the classic Ghost range.

A short stop at Blofield for a quick look at a project that has grown rapidly – we greatly enjoyed the inflatable Chesterfield. However, despite being very pretty the seat is fairly uncomfortable because of the plastic buttons that dig in to your back.

We appreciated the simplicity and sturdiness of the Tio garden chairs designed by Chris Martin for Mass Productions.

The GandiaBlasco sunshade has been around for several years, but we couldn’t overlook it.

Cinna returns to an angular style with Elsa, a bridge-style chair with a sleigh-style base.

We fell in love with these chrome wall lamps.

Another very original item was this bookcase from Arketipo – perfect for apartments with high ceilings.

These light fittings in the ‘young designers’ section were a nice surprise.

Bedside lamps from Konstantin Slawinski

LED light fittings from Le Deun

We found one of our favourite pieces of the year, the budding mirror by Jean-Jacques Hubert, sold by Compagnie, as well as other, more classical products like the inverted flowerpot.

A small gadget from Bone that is extremely useful if you are travelling by train or plane and want to share the film you are watching with someone else.

Designed by Mathieu Lehanneur and produced by the company Delicious, these storage cupboards are made from sheet metal like the hotdog stands of Manhattan, and their style bears a slight resemblance to Dior or even Prada.

Frederique Morell’s stand needs no introduction, but all the same we draw your attention to this beautiful collection of cloth-covered animals.

On our way out we visited this hut that inevitably evokes images from Where the Wild Things Are.

You can also follow the Maison et Objet blog, which has interesting, exclusive interviews with famous designers, fashion forecasters and design personalities.