Paris, France - Maison et Objet Trade Show

That is just one exhibit hall, and there are 8 in total, this show is MASSIVE!

I've just returned from Paris where I attended Europe's largest design exhibition called Maison et Objet. This trade fair is held biannually (September and January) and exhibitors set the tone for the direction interior design will take for the coming year. The show is described as among the three most important European events for interior design. 

I've done the miles and miles of walking for hours on end to bring you the highlights. Here are some of my favorite stands, products and producers:

Asiatides - I want everything they sell. Their booth is always filled with the most beautifully designed and colorful room schemes.

Brucs - Just to give you an idea of how elaborate some of these trade show stands are inside and out. Flower arrangements, wood flooring, fabulous lighting.....

Andrew Martin - Andrew Martin’s Prometheus Spaceship, featuring sets and props from the original film interspersed with its latest collection of furniture, fabrics and wallpaper.

Eichholtz - My award for the best stand would have to go to this Dutch company. The whole of the outside of the stand was covered with different bedroom set-ups and I could have moved right in to the room scenes inside. 

Polaboy - Polaboy work with well-known international photographers and curators and all of the photos are limited artist's editions making them an exclusive art, design and collector's item. The back-lighting really brings the artwork to life.

Can't find my notes (shoot!), but loved this suede tassel dining table with matching suede chairs.

Katrin Leuze - Lusting over these fur blankets from Germany. How cool would one be by the foot of the bed or thrown over a couch or chair?!

Versmissen - This Dutch company developed a distinctive and exclusive style in European and Oriental antique furniture, reproduction antiques, and their own designs inspired by antique and vintage styles.

Jonathan Adler - An American favorite. 

Hector Deco - A husband and wife team from France who hand paint these amazing canvas panels. I need to have one! 

B Home Interiors - Handmade in Genova, Italy, this company specializes in luxury bespoke leather goods. I'm loving all of the leather end tables in Hermes orange with brown trim.

Can't remember which stand this was, but I was struck by how four simple red matted drawings in silver frames can make such a visual impact.

Seguso - These Venetian glass specialists never cease to amaze me with their hand-blown chandeliers. Look at this horse head one they had on display in their booth. 

Just to give you an idea of the sheer size and magnitude of how big some of these stands are, check out the following photos:

Ibride - These decorative animal trays have really been gaining popularity lately. I'd love to use the monkey ones in an Indochine inspired dining room with lots of palm frond wallpaper. 

V. Pierre - Amazing lampshades, love the detail. 

Just plain adorable:

Atena - I fell in love with this Italian pewter designer when I saw his seashell covered head (picture below) in a shop in Porto Rotondo in Sardinia a few years ago. So I was excited to figure out who the actual artist is...

Aangenaamxl - Their motto is "Live life large" and their fabulous lighting reflect these sentiments. "Timeless, modern shapes with a touch of glamour. Handmade with love." From the Netherlands.

And of course it wouldn't be Paris without a Laduree macaroon cart!

I feel like I have been hit by a Mack truck. Honestly, the 8 exhibit halls must be the size of 3 football fields EACH! If you plan on attending the show, give yourself a couple of days to really see everything. I ended my evening in Paris with a glass of rose champagne at the bar of the uber-fashionable Hotel Costes on rue St. Honore and then collapsed into bed.