(3 min read)

Twice a year Paris hosts “Maison & Objet”, a professional trade show where visitors can discover the newest creations and products in interior design. With over 3,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest international homewares, furniture, accessories, and lighting and star designers like Rosita Missoni, Founder of Missoni and Rafael de Cardenas, designer and founder of Rafael de Cardenas, giving talks it is one of Europe’s biggest and prestigious events for interior design.

“A deep understanding of the increased desire for tactility and sensorial experience was inherent in the designs on display. Sophisticated and simple designs that encouraged touch were key at this year’s show, in a reaction to our increasingly digital world.” Alina Schartner, Creative Trend Editor Home & Lifestyle, Trend Bible.

As the first 2018 show just concluded we took a look at some of the emerging trends spotted this year,

1. Warmer colors & earthy neutrals: Greys are being faded out by more vivid colors and richer, earthy tones to make bolder statements.

2. Nature motifs: Bringing the outdoors in. Along with brighter colors flora and fauna are also increasingly represented in wallpaper and upholstery as well as lamps and other decorative elements. As houseplants are becoming popular again, the “back to nature” trend can also be seen in the use of wicker and cane furniture along with the floral motifs and nature-inspired designs. 3. Mixing textures: Woven materials and velvet continue to be a popular option for furniture, upholstery, and throws as they add style and warmth. (Cartesio designed by Elena Salmistrato and Rotazioni designed by Patricia Urquiola. Photography by Andrea Bartoluccio.) 4. Use of eco-friendly materials: 80% of plastic toys end up in landfill or incinerators so Dutch start-up Ecobirdy came up with a solution that’s 100% recycled.

Holland-based design company, Ay Illuminate created this stunning lighting collection – using paper, rattan, bamboo, sisal, cotton and handspun silks 5. Metallics: Though the use of metallic elements isn’t as popular there is a growing trend to use metallic colors from the warmer palettes like copper and bronze. Another growing trend is to combine various metals and a focus on industrial finishes like polished concrete, exposed brick and reclaimed wood. (Brass and pastel colored lights from Magic Circus.) 6. Big Artwork: Large paintings, prints or mosaics are a great way to add personality to a space and a strong focal point. (Mosaics by Anaïs Lande.) 7. Embracing the selfie culture through custom-made objects: Matched arrangements are being replaced by curated, unique pieces that create an eclectic feel. Inspired by Pinterest and Instagram people gravitate towards items they personally connect to and are a way to express themselves. With so many amazing items to choose from, there’s bound to be one that’s just for you. (Show floor at Maison & Objet.) (Designer of the Year, Cecilie Manz.) And if you’re one of those people who feel like they don’t have a “master plan” when it comes to design, here’s what Rossana Orlandi, founder of Spazio Rossana Orlandi has to say when asked about what strategies she was pursuing: “I had no strategy, no plan. Just day by day.”So go with your instinct, embrace your uniqueness and find that special something that speaks to you. You can’t go wrong. Like this? Please share and “SUBSCRIBE” to catch the next one. Follow our story as it unfolds on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest We add new works every day, check our latest Mosaic Art collection.