It is safe to say that in 2023 environmental considerations prevail in any industry’s product and process design, and that is particularly true for textiles and objects used in the interior design and decorative fields.  In 2023 living in harmony with nature and minimizing human activity’s harmful impact on the environment has been a recurrent theme in all major trade shows and international industry fairs, including Heimtextil 2023 and the January 2023 edition of Maison&Objet Paris.  This September the world’s finest design studios and textile producers presented their new products and ideas in what felt like the ultimate celebration of sustainable living.  Through impressive and immersive hallways and stands, visitors were shown how nature can add a form of sensuality and a sense of meaning in living spaces that have increasingly blurred boundaries between interior and exterior.

Materials

A call to nature is mostly about materials.  Nature-inspired design is a counter to urban living and emphasizes on natural and eco materials – wool, cork, bamboo, stone.  We are inspired to create an Eden Garden at home with large panoramas that allow us to escape and reconnect with nature.

Forms

The trend in biophilic design – design that loves life – originates from architecture but spills over to interior design too.  Connecting the inhabitants with the natural environment through forms that mimic those found in the wilderness brings forward a sense of serenity and harmony.  Adding to that the important aspect of light as a symbol of life and increasing the surface area of windows – the boundaries between interior and exterior of the house are ever more difficult to perceive.

Patterns

„Patterns are back with a vengeance, and their scope is limitless,“ says Elizabeth Leriche, Founder of Trend Office Elizabeth Leriche, presenting the Pattern Factory, a colourful installation at September’s Maison&Objet.  Showcasing bold combinations of bohemian, artsy, vibrant, and joyful patterns, designers aim to create living spaces that stand out from the rest.  For some of them nature has also been a form of inspiration, telling stories and introducing a narrative of continuity and rerooting ourselves in nature.  Nature-inspired patterns and textures are omnipresent in textile design, home decorations, items for the kitchen.

Colours

There are two trends that persist to be exhibited in Paris’ design fairs.  In one the colour range is warm and muted, creating a sense of tranquility and peace.  Mild, earthly tones, shades of brown and grey are trendy.

In the second colour range design is all about creating vibrant, joyful living spaces where life is celebrated in bright tones and ample light.

Designers at Maison&Objet Paris this year have presented some audacious combinations of textures, techniques, materials and shapes that rather than giving us a ready-made design solution, intend to present the visitor with possibilities.  Within the common theme of living more responsibly, we are given plenty of room to experiment and create spaces that bear more of our individuality and bring us guilt-free joy.