Maison&Objet 2024: The Trends to Watch
Words by Emma Hughes
September 26, 2024
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5m
This month, the Barker and Stonehouse team jetted off to Paris to attend Maison&Objet – one of the biggest, brightest, and most talked-about design exhibitions on the planet.
A paradise of interior inspiration, the biannual event is a hotspot for global brands to show off their latest and greatest, while those of us lucky enough to go can enjoy a sneak peek at the trends that’ll soon be making waves. So if you’re in the mood to shake things up at home, you’re in for a treat. Read on to discover the up-and-coming looks that will have you earning style points.
“Visiting Maison&Objet was an amazing experience. It’s such an inspirational place full of innovative design, and a fantastic way to see how the interiors landscape is evolving. Events like this help us keep our finger on the pulse and make sure we’re bringing our customers the latest and most exciting styles. It was also great to see that many of the trends coming through are already reflected in our current collections at Barker and Stonehouse.”
- Rhianon Vest, Creative Stylist
In The Living Room
Sofas
Rich and bold colours are slowly dominating the upholstery scene, and expected to continue well into 2025. We spotted berry tones, like deep burgundy and purple, plus plenty of oranges, buttery yellows and earthy greens.
There is a real mix of chenille, velvet, corduroy and leather fabrics coming through, which all add a touch of luxury. And the curved sofa trend is still going strong, with bubble shaped silhouettes that are both visually appealing and functionally comfortable.
Modular sofas are certainly on the rise, with a new focus on contrasting the colours and materials within each individual piece for a pop of personality. Modular sofas are also being arranged with tables between the sections for added functionality. No more reaching for the remote!
Armchairs
As with sofas, organic shapes are all the rage in the world of armchairs. Plush fabrics are taking centre stage, like velvet, chenille and boucle, along with thicker teddy bear textures and even faux fur. These showstopping materials are all about adding cosiness and wow factor to your home.
Neutrals are still a key look, although tones are becoming warmer over time. But a more colourful theme is coming through as well, so expect to find rich, autumnal hues adorning seats – think lush greens and fiery rusts.
Occasional Tables
No longer just for practicality, occasional tables are taking on a playful twist with lots of fun shapes and pops of colour on the scene. We’re seeing softer edges, even more curves and uniquely designed silhouettes. No particular finish stands out, with tables seen in a wide variation of materials, from natural wood and sculpted stone to shiny metal.
In The Dining Room
Dining Tables
Great for smaller spaces, dining tables seem to be swaying more towards round and oval shapes, especially those with pedestal or cylindrical bases. These bases often feature a fluted design, while for the table tops, travertine and marble are very popular. Overall, natural materials like stone and wood are stealing the spotlight.
We’re seeing softer, rounded edges on rectangular tables too. Again, in natural materials, with a lot of dark woods rising to the forefront. A key focal point can be found in irregular leg styles, such as those with 3D elements like panelling or cutout shapes. And we’ve really fallen for the trend of asymmetrical table legs, where one side is different to the other.
Dining Chairs
As with armchairs, dining chairs in earthy tones are really breaking through. Especially in green and orange. There’s a growing trend for two-tone chairs, and those that mix materials such as chenille with fabric, or rattan with wood. We spotted a lot of statement bases on display too, many of which featured metal.
Curves have taken over the dining chair category now, with traditional square forms very rarely seen. Tube shapes in particular were everywhere, sporting fabric upholstery head to toe. There are also some braver choices of fabric and pattern being used, so if bold is your thing, then now is your time to shine!
Cabinets and Sideboards
There’s a huge focus on wood in the home storage space, many carved with interesting shapes or detailed with curved lines, circles and arches. Painted metal finishes are also making their mark, adding a pop of colour to serve as statement pieces in any room. And with cabinets showcasing more glass fronts, it appears that putting your items on display is very much in.
In Accessories
Vases
Glassware has taken centre stage, reinvented with a variety of interesting shapes and techniques, such as bubbling and speckled finishes.
Maximalism is a trend we can’t wait to embrace in our vases. Look out for big statement pieces in unique shapes featuring animals, coral reefs, and one of the biggest motifs for 2025 – fruits and vegetables.
Lighting
Mushroom lighting serves as a nod to nostalgia, but with a modern twist. The pinnacle of functionality, we predict portable lighting will be everywhere soon. Especially dome shapes crafted from metal and glass in lots of playful colours.
Soft and natural designs remain popular, with materials like jute, rattan and seagrass offering an organic feel. Again, round and oval shapes are the go-to, with some paper and fabric finishes coming through.
Art
Abstract designs, block shapes and textured canvases are a big focus in the world of wall art.
Illustrations of figures, people and shapes are trending. These pieces are perfect for the ever-popular gallery wall, allowing you to add a personal touch to your home with varied prints and sizes.
Shaped mirrors in obscure forms are being reflected in upcoming collections. A combination of various sizes, some in teardrop or wiggle shapes with mid-century influences.
Patterns are becoming bolder and brighter, with mainstream motifs like checks, stripes and wiggles given a pop art feel.
Key Looks
Tubes
This futuristic form rejects traditional design norms in favour of something a little more fun. Playful tubular shapes with soft edges can be seen across upholstery, occasional pieces and accessories.
Fluted Designs
Incredibly timeless, fluted detailing adds subtle but impactful texture to dining tables and occasional tables. This clean and linear effect works well with wood, metal and stone.
Twists
A new take on the bobbin pin trend, twisted designs are coming through in side tables, console tables and accessories. The spiralled sister to the beloved wiggle shapes that are still extremely popular in décor right now.
Stools and Pouffes
Offering more than just functionality, these portable seating options are a great way to add colour and pattern to your space. A little extra comfort goes a long way.
Organic
Bringing a natural touch to the home is still very much on trend, using raw materials, warm toned neutrals and fluid shapes. Described as a subtle reinvention of Japandi, this minimal look can be made cosy with textured fabrics and soft silhouettes throughout.
Key Materials
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is the talk of the town for 2025. And it’s not hard to see why! Mainly seen in occasional tables at the moment, this stunning material is highly durable and versatile, as well as being a sustainable option.
Travertine
A timeless choice favoured by the Romans, this luxe stone material is adorning dining tables and side tables aplenty. Thanks to its natural colour palette, travertine is incredibly diverse and suitable for a wide range of interior spaces.
Metal
Effortlessly blending modern and industrial design, metal is reigning supreme among chairs and occasional pieces. Colour pop paint finishes are a quick way to introduce personality to your home, while metal mixed with wood or fabric will add a touch of texture and softness.
Key Colours
Lilac, Cobalt Blue and Black
Striking blue and purple tones are being paired with black furniture for a graphic edge. This is a unique twist on the monochrome trend, introducing a flash of contrast for those who crave colour.
Rich Elegant Tones
We’re seeing a rising trend for berry tones, like deep burgundy and purple, which will lend an elegant and regal feel to your home. Also coming through in the colour wheel are rich oranges, earthy greens and yellows in buttery or honey hues.