Maison&Objet, September 2025: Designer Maria Beregovaya Take on Trends and Highlights
Paris’s Maison&Objet Design Fair is a cornerstone for interior designers worldwide. Maria Beregovaya, interior designer and our correspondent from Paris, shares her impressions and professional insights on the second design exhibition in Paris this year.
It should be noted that this exhibition was smaller and more focused on décor than on furniture, compared to the January edition. The winter show is considered the main event, featuring more furniture and decorative pieces, and a wider range of materials for interiors. The January edition is particularly relevant for designers, while the September show focuses more on small decorative objects, tableware, and crafts. For those traveling from abroad, the January edition is the better choice. If your work revolves around interior styling or small décor pieces, September can be worthwhile, but for designers interested in large-scale items and furniture, January is the essential edition. Many international visitors are often surprised by how limited the furniture selection can be in September.
Key Trends at September Maison&Objet
When it comes to trends, the exhibition largely confirmed those already seen in January, reinforcing their significance in contemporary design:
Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Design
Every other stand emphasized recycled materials and environmentally responsible production. Sustainability is no longer a niche—it’s central to modern design.
Ethnic and Cultural Identity
There was a noticeable surge in culturally inspired design. Exhibitors from Taiwan, China, Japan and Africa brought pieces reflecting national traditions. Some displayed modern furniture infused with ethnic motifs, others highlighted traditional craftsmanship. There’s a renewed desire to assert identity and heritage rather than blend into globalized aesthetics.
Meaningful Decor
Objects that tell stories or carry deeper symbolism.
Take mushroom motifs, for example. Beyond whimsical shapes, they reference neural networks and non-linear thinking, reflecting our need for creativity in complex times. Mycelium — a rhizome — is a philosophical concept that represents non-linear (rhizomatic) thinking. It’s currently at the very top of contemporary discourse. Decor can now be both beautiful and meaningful.
Color with Purpose
Color was applied more thoughtfully this year. Rather than bold, surreal palettes, designers opted for natural, livable tones integrated into their pieces. This reflects a mature approach to color in interiors.
5. Large-scale
I also notes a trend toward large-scale, hyper-stylized decorative objects, such as oversized vases and sculptural pieces.
Favorite Pieces
I’d like to share 5 things that stood out to me the most — pieces I’d love to use in my future projects:
- Mushroom Vase: Minimalist yet narrative, a small object that conveys a story through design.
- Modern Cuckoo Clock: A playful reinterpretation of a classic, bridging tradition with contemporary aesthetics.
- Ceramic Decor: From wall pieces to lighting, delicate craftsmanship stood out for its finesse and elegance.
- Glass Sculptures: Small, intricate, versatile objects that elevate an interior subtly.
Ethnic-Inspired Furniture: Pieces like this pouf from Thailand combined cultural heritage with functionality.
Notable exceptions also included Jonathan Adler’s Hanukkah display, thoughtfully reflecting cultural context — a perfect reference to explore ahead of the upcoming holiday.
Designer’s contacts: