For design enthusiasts, trend forecasters, and industry leaders, Maison & Objet is not just a trade fair; it is a beacon of inspiration, a cultural thermometer, and a tastemaker that dictates the aesthetics of tomorrow. Held biannually in Paris, this global design powerhouse brings together the most innovative minds in interiors, furniture, and lifestyle, setting the agenda for what’s next in luxury and high-end design. The January 2025 edition was no exception, offering a glimpse into a future defined by bold expression, fearless creativity, and a redefinition of form and function.
After a blazing edition, the trends that emerged from Maison & Objet 2025 signal a thrilling creative freedom, ushering in a fresh, invigorating era for design. From sweeping curves to audacious color palettes and emotionally charged materials, the fair was a masterclass in aesthetic liberation. Let’s dive into the key themes that left an indelible mark on this year’s edition.
photos: @Maison & Objet 2025 / @maison-objet.com
Hospitable Curves: A Gentle Rebellion
Rigid lines are out; fluidity reigns supreme. At the heart of the What’s New? In Hospitality showcase, the Uchronia collective and studio redefined hotel experiences with a sinuous design language that embraced curves as both an aesthetic and emotional statement. Sweeping forms softened spaces, from terraces to suites, creating an atmosphere of welcoming warmth and tactile pleasure. In a world brimming with uncertainty, these organic shapes offer a subconscious refuge, providing comfort and ease.
Beyond their psychological allure, curves signaled a departure from the constraints of traditional design, injecting playfulness into furniture and accessories. Constance Guisset’s Helio oak chairs for Drugeot Manufacture stood out as sculptural statements, while Atelier Horizon Verre’s translucent creations epitomized the delicate balance between form and function. These rounded silhouettes didn’t just adorn the fair—they defined it.
Intense Colors: Chromatic Courage
The era of “quiet luxury” seems to be taking a backseat as designers embrace a high-contrast, expressive approach to color. This year, Maison & Objet was awash with unapologetic hues, challenging the restrained palettes of previous seasons. Powdery pastels found their place in 13 Desserts’ seating and shelving, while Gorbon Ceramics injected vibrant energy into tables and stools. Meanwhile, Jonathan Adler’s signature pop-art aesthetic took on an even more audacious edge, and Daniela Leonini’s AI-generated mannequins for Flow in Fashion celebrated color as a dynamic force in storytelling.
Perhaps the most striking use of color was found in Julien Sebban and Uchronia’s immersive hospitality concept, where electric blues, fiery reds, and sun-drenched yellows collided in a jubilant symphony. Elizabeth Leriche’s What’s New? In Decor exhibit further amplified this narrative, using surrealist elements and monochrome accents to illustrate color’s power to provoke emotion. “It’s about crafting a moment of magic,” Leriche explains. And magic, indeed, was in abundance.
Materials That Stir Emotion: A Sensory Renaissance
If color was the heart of this year’s show, materiality was its soul. Maison & Objet 2025 proved that the future of design is not just about what we see—it’s about what we feel. British visionary and Designer of the Year, Faye Toogood, encapsulated this philosophy with an exhibition structured around drawing, sculpture, landscapes, and materials. “The connection between humanity and nature is and will remain vital to how we create,” Toogood reflected.
From raw fiberglass to barium crystal, from hand-sculpted ceramics to supple textiles, materials were celebrated in all their imperfect, evocative glory. The Curatio collection, curated by Thomas Haarmann, presented daring juxtapositions: concrete met crystal, wood conversed with metal, and ceramics defied the softness of fabric. The Signature sector was a testament to this sensorial awakening, with highlights including Paola Paronetto’s exquisite paper-clay ceramics and the bold compositions of Turkish design house Deya.
photos: @Maison & Objet 2025 / @maison-objet.com
The Many Faces of Femininity: A Movement, Not a Trend
Beyond aesthetics, Maison & Objet 2025 championed a deeper conversation—one about the role of women in shaping the future of design. This wasn’t merely a theme; it was a commitment to amplifying female voices, talent, and expertise. Faye Toogood’s installation, Womanifesto, set the tone, while influential figures like Margaux Keller, Virginie Friedmann, Delphine Versace, and Yamina Benaï led compelling discussions at Maison & Objet Talks.
Women&Design by Maison & Objet emerged as a unifying thread throughout the event, spotlighting the work of female architects, designers, entrepreneurs, and influencers. This initiative wasn’t just about visibility—it was about transformation, shifting perspectives, and fostering an environment where creativity knows no gender boundaries.
