Maison et Objet 2012

Maison et Objet remains the international reference for professionals in home design and interior decoration. This year's offerings at the big top trade show revealed little that was revolutionary as established trends prevailed: the grand classics continued to be beautiful, the patchwork of what we've come to recognize as "ethnic" occupied a somewhat more important space, and contemporary design for life prevailed even if the quality in craftsmanship was not always up to par.

Vintage Fabric from Neeru Kumar, India

Textiles

Fabric from both India and Africa offered up a brightly colored and refreshing take on textile design. Linen, a fabric both chic and ecological, was more and more prevalent as was cachemire (what financial crisis?), and they stand out as symbols of a luxury that is still accessible.

The Italian fabric house, Idarica Gazzoni, displayed a series of elegant prints in linen voile.

In his collection Limited Edition Coqui Ybarra presents us with a series of printed linen toiles that figure in the impressive success of the Spanish manufacturer, Toile Picasso Tiza et Othello Talco

This ecologically designed carpet is, remarkably, made entirely of linen. Linen offers the decided advantage of being anti-allergenic as well as naturally anti-bacterial. The company, Secrets of Linen, produces an entire line of linen carpets that are manufactured in Belgium.

Design: Objects

Cerekapery Innovation Lab presented the Sweetch Hub, a two person armchair designed with Japanese lines and very vibrant colors. Made of laminated wood on a steel base, comfort doesn't seem to be the top priority.

Pancotopanco, an Italian designer who got his start in fashion before becoming creative director at OOH LA LAA & CO, designed this four door cabinet. The frame, in teak wood, has a mother of pearl and resin veneer.

Never lacking for inspiration, Patricia Urquiola created this surprising table in transparent crystal for Glas Italia. The surface finish gives the impression of a light to shadow gradation.

And last but not least from Jan Fatta of Marienberg, this beautifully whimsical glass.