Paris Design Week: 3 Key Areas of Inspiration
A few months ago, I had the unique privilege of traveling to Europe with several of my colleagues and fellow designers for Paris Design Week. We were very lucky to be able to attend with the Interior Design Society and be a part of their Maison and Objet Tour.
For those of you unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the design industry, Paris Design Week is the pinnacle of design industry events. It has always been the premier location for obtaining key insights and information on the newest trends in fashion, interiors, architecture and more. Sure, there are many other amazing events in the industry, but when it comes to international influence and setting the stage for what’s to come, Paris has always been the go-to spot! However, thanks to technology, things are shifting, and we no longer have to rely solely on trips to Paris to stay relevant and aware of trends. For example, much of what I saw in Paris matches what I am now seeing in High Point, North Carolina. While in the previous years, those of us in America had to wait for trends being set on the runways of Paris to make a natural migration in our direction, we now have access to these trends almost instantaneously! And as we all know, fashion trends are almost always a direct reflection of the trends we see gaining popularity with interiors.
Albeit these changing dynamics in the design industry, Paris Design Week is still a huge player in setting the international tone for our industry and ultimately, contributing to thought leadership and new, innovative and creative applications of design. For that reason, I am excited to share with you the primary takeaways I left Paris with, which can be summed up in three main categories: Learnings from the Maison & Objet, takeaways from the Paris Flea Markets, including Marche Paul Bert, and overall inspiration.
Learnings from Maison & Objet
Everything we saw in Paris screams that both textures and jewel tones are playing a big role in interiors and home décor, and this is also what we’re seeing in High Point right now. Jewel tones are being manifested in varying hues – dark tones as well as soft and earthy, but with an added degree of texture. We are seeing a lot of glaze coatings and metallics woven into the design, as well as velvet with applique.
Materials that were once thought of more as accent pieces are now playing a much more prominent role in design. Why? People are craving a more comfortable, cozy and warm environment as opposed to the modern, minimalist look that gained popularity a few decades ago. The rich tones and textures we are seeing emerge help us create a more nostalgic atmosphere and stimulate the emotions and feelings we are looking for of being completely enveloped into our physical spaces, providing a soft, friendly place to land after a long day.
Takeaways from the Paris Flea Markets, including Marche Paul Bert
You must be wondering what could possibly be “trend-setting” about a flea market! In America, we are used to flea markets being known for bargain shopping and second-hand finds, but in Paris it is much different. The flea markets in Paris go on for several blocks creating an entire neighborhood, and it is filled with high-end, vintage furnishings and unique, one-of-a-kind finds, including antiques from the 1800’s and individual pieces selling for upwards of 15K euros.
Most importantly, the variety of finds in the flea market is completely unmatched, and no two areas of the market are the same. That is part of what makes it so enticing and exciting! While one block may be lined with high-end home furnishings, the next could be fabrics and textiles while the other could be full of fashion, artwork or eccentric collector items like this 4-foot high mushroom!
All in all, I learned that your experience at the flea market is largely dependent upon which block you are exploring—each one feels like you have stepped into a completely different world of art, architecture and interiors inspiration.
Overall Inspiration
In closing, I want to highlight one of the most meaningful takeaways I experienced personally during this trip, and perhaps many of you will find inspiration in this as well—both personally and professionally. In America, it is rare for us to find a quiet, calm and soothing place in the city to sit, rest and just be. As Americans, it is often difficult for us to accept the idea of not being productive during every minute of every day. The culture in Paris however, as well as many other European cities, is very much accustomed to taking time out of the day to simply enjoy existing in time and space, surrounded by calming environments that inspire. During my time in Paris I saw this as a regular practice for the local city dwellers, and it truly inspired me to challenge myself to find time for similar moments at home, to simply enjoying being. I wonder how much more inspired I would feel on a daily basis if I made this part of my regular routine—time will tell.
