Rooted in Mediterranean architectural heritage yet looking to the future, Roca unveils a striking presence at ISH 2025 with a stand that embodies simplicity, warmth, and technology. Designed by the Barcelona-based architecture firm Mesura, the 1,000m² pavilion seamlessly blends material honesty, environmental awareness, and a timeless architectural language, offering visitors an engaging and inspiring experience.
At ISH, Roca presents its latest innovations and new collections, introducing cutting-edge bathroom solutions that emphasize modularity, connectivity, prefabrication, and advanced installation systems. The brand also showcases exciting new collaborations with renowned designers, reinforcing its commitment to design excellence and forward-thinking solutions. With a focus on sustainability and technological integration, Roca’s presence at ISH reaffirms its role as a leader in the evolution of modern bathrooms.
The core message of the entire installation: the bathroom is the most complex room in the house, requiring the most demanding planning and the highest investments. To do justice to its potential and challenges, it must be considered, evaluated and appreciated from different perspectives. A market leader can only approach it from multiple perspectives: design, technologies, processes, usage behaviour, digital integration, sustainability and social relevance are crucial.
In concrete terms, this means that Roca has not only developed from a traditional sanitary ware manufacturer into a producer of complete designer bathrooms, but also offers the technology in front of and in the wall from its own company. Furthermore, solutions for important sub-target groups and typical challenges in connection with the bathroom have been developed in collaboration with designers, architects and scientists. The product systems and new products shown at the ISH are based on this idea.
Barcelona based design studio Altherr Désile Park has redesigned the Meridian bathroom collection. Meridian perfectly illustrates the Mediterranean lifestyle in the bathroom. Meridian is the new edition of a Roca classic: the timeless design plays with the lightness of the arches and curves in which the square is inscribed. It shows the possibilities for combining ceramics, wood and steel in soft forms with a finely defined colour and surface code. It is a balance between warmth, softness and light: the aim is to create a contemporary design context that appeals to the majority in the 170 countries in which Roca is represented.
Munich designer Stefan Diez has developed the Kay faucet collection, which takes its inspiration from the architectural cantilevering and the bollards and cranes of harbour facilities (quay wall). It is no coincidence that the term ‘crane’ is used synonymously with ‘faucet’ in many languages (German, Swedish, Norwegian and Dutch) – ‘water crane’. Diez creates his dynamic forms from strictly geometric blocks, evoking associations with craftsmanship or the natural wear and tear of use. The Kay collection is complete and will be available as a modern design offering for washbasins, bathtubs, bidets and showers.
The stand also gives an impression of the range offered by Roca. One area is dedicated to the Smart Toilets, the brand’s intelligent shower toilets, which feature sophisticated functions. The latest incorporation to the is In-Wash® Vorea, where all the advanced features of a smart toilet are subtly hidden within a familiar, elegant silhouette.
The company's absolute speciality: the in-tank versions, which do not require an external cistern and thus enable completely new bathroom concepts.
Securing the quality of drinking water is a major issue in many countries around the world. Roca has developed a drinking water filter concept that is being used for the first time in a kitchen faucet. This replaces the classic faucet with filtered drinking water from a spout. The big advantage: this makes drinking water directly from the tap enjoyable, a lot of CO2 is saved for avoiding bottle transport and a lot of plastic production for bottles is avoided.
Collaboration with great designers and architects is Roca's trademark: the Ohtake Collection – a remarkable collaboration between Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake and the Roca Group – dates from 2021. Ruy Ohtake drew inspiration from nature, in particular the shape of an egg, and for the multiple design award-winning collection, he used Roca's ceramic expertise to achieve ultrathin edges for his sculptural designs. Ruy Ohtake passed away in November 2021 at the age of 83 – his son Rodrigo is now showing an extension of the organic collection for Roca, with a bathtub and further washbasins.
The Avant toilet combines modern design with innovative technology and optimises the space in every bathroom. Thanks to its integrated cistern, Avant saves up to 20 cm compared to conventional toilets with a front wall installation. Avant is available in two versions: as a wall-hung or floor-standing model, each in an electric and a non-electric version. The electric Avant-E model ensures a reliable flush even at lower water pressures. Thanks to Roca Rimless Vortex technology, Avant offers a splash-free, efficient flush, while the Supraglaze coating makes cleaning easier. With a dual-flush option (4.5 l/3 l) and a soft-close seat, Avant sets new standards in comfort and hygiene.
Roca is world-renowned as a complete bathroom specialist – showers and faucets are part of every bathroom. Roca has dedicated two separate areas to these indispensable technical water faucets, where the brand's design and sustainability standards are also celebrated. Key points are faucets that deliver cold water when the valve is opened and not pre-mixed water as is usually the case with single-lever mixers. This saves a lot of energy with hot water if the user does not consciously request hot water.
Roca Connect, Roca Installation Systems (RIS) and Roca Prefab are the big technology topics of this exhibition stand. They are addressed to architects, planners and project operators. Roca Connect, is a networking service between the IoT and digital building management technology that ensures the convenient, efficient and secure management of sanitary areas in both private and public properties.
The range of Roca Installations Systems extends from individually manufactured sanitary walls and shafts to finished bathrooms. Roca operates its own plants in Central Europe, which plan installation technology to size, prefabricate it industrially and use sophisticated logistics to ensure that these modules are delivered to construction sites just in time. Behind these concepts is a task for society as a whole: living space is urgently needed and bathroom construction is one of the bottlenecks in residential construction. The concepts presented here show ways to solve the problem.
Roca is also showing the latest version of the luxury bathroom concept Armani by Roca. This collaboration between the international bathroom specialist and the Italian luxury brand has been and continues to be implemented in many luxury accommodation options in hotels, condominiums and temporary living spaces in the best locations around the world.
About Roca London Gallery
Roca have more than 100 years experience of designing bathroom products and kitchen solutions with the aim of increasing peoples quality of life through continuous innovation in the production of sanitary ceramics.
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Palazzo Morelli, a beacon of Italian heritage and innovation in design, is proud to announce its participation at MIPIM 2025. The company will be exhibiting at the prestigious event, taking place at the Palais des Festivals, with its dedicated space located at Palais -1, Stand L21.
Drawing on a rich legacy of Italian craftsmanship, Palazzo Morelli has long been synonymous with quality, creativity, and sophistication. The company's latest participation at MIPIM underscores its commitment to merging traditional artisanal techniques with outstanding design trends. This unique blend has positioned Palazzo Morelli as a leader in the global design arena, making its presence at MIPIM a highlight for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
MIPIM, renowned as the world’s premier real estate event, provides an exceptional platform for networking, innovation, and industry insights. At Stand L21, visitors will have the opportunity to explore Palazzo Morelli’s portfolio, engage with its design experts, and discover how the company is redefining modern design through the lens of its storied Italian roots.
Experience an immersive presentation of Palazzo Morelli’s latest projects, which seamlessly integrate artisanal Italian techniques with contemporary design philosophy. Interact with the team behind the brand to learn about the innovative processes that drive their success on a global scale. Connect with leading industry figures and explore potential collaborations that bridge the worlds of design, architecture, and real estate.
Palazzo Morelli is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in design, transforming traditional Italian artisanal practices into innovative, globally acclaimed creations. With a commitment to quality and a passion for creativity, Palazzo Morelli continues to set benchmarks in the luxury property design, both in Italy and around the world.
Visit Us at MIPIM 2025 - Palais - 1 | Stand L21 For more information about Palazzo Morelli and its participation at MIPIM 2025, please contact: [email protected]
About Palazzo Morelli Made in Italy Decor
Providing tailor-made contract designs that are Made in Italy. Palazzo Morelli is an Italian finishing contractor dedicated to surfaces, furniture and interior design. Founded by Alessandro Ortenzi in 2006 in the Italian medieval town of Todi, Palazzo Morelli expresses Italian finest quality, attention to details and innovative professional services for architects, interior designers and real estate developers. Palazzo Morelli is a modern and international firm that offers turn-key solutions and a complete catalogue of surfaces made in Italy. The staff is driven by a tailor-made approach to customers: bespoke solutions, custom-made surfaces and finishings.
On 9th October, Gaggenau hosted a highly successful women’s networking evening alongside Athena Stonecare where attendance far exceeded expectations. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for women from construction and design industry to come together, share experiences and build connections. It was inspiring to see attendees build new connections and catch up with existing contacts creating a mix of opportunities and enhanced networking. A highlight of the event was series of speeches given by: - Rachel Sargeant, Head of Projects, Gaggenau - Sharon Wallis, Managing Director, Poggenpohl - Beverley Walker, Head of Sales and Operations, Houseworks London - Becca Cranfield Director, Athena Stonecare
Each one of them shared their personal stories on how they managed to thrive in male dominated industries and offered powerful insight on leadership and overcoming unique challenges women face in their respective fields. Their insights on leadership and navigating challenges were both empowering and motivational.
“My initial plan was to organise event dedicated to honouring and promoting Women in Construction and Design Industry. The goal was to create a platform where women in these fields could connect, establish valuable connections and network. This idea stemmed from the fact that women currently only represent 14% of the construction industry. Reflecting on my own past as a female apprentice in a time when it was rare to see women on construction sites, I realised that there is a lack of substantial support for women in this industry.” - Rachel Sargeant
Rachel and Becca from Athena Stonecare (an expert in networking) together with the Gaggenau team planned an evening event in hope of generating some interest. The response was overwhelming with the event reaching full capacity just days after invitations were sent.
About Gaggenau
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 25 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.
Gaggenau, the luxury brand for professional-grade home appliances, is delighted to be taking part in the London Festival of Architecture once again. As part of the month-long celebration of architecture, Gaggenau London is showcasing two specially commissioned art installations, The Dance and Digital Artisans by multi-disciplinary designer Titilayo Abiola. The installations will be on display in the Wigmore Street showroom until 30 June 2024.
The Dance can be seen in the window of Gaggenau London, to delight both passers-by and visitors to the showroom. Curls of aluminium represent how curves of steam ‘dance’ into Gaggenau’s Vario downdraft, as well as the dynamic energy and creativity that Gaggenau brings to the culinary environment. They echo the smooth and efficient operation of the ventilation system, reflecting its ability to seamlessly integrate into the kitchen while enhancing its overall ambiance. Titilayo chose aluminium for its infinite recyclability, which aligns with Gaggenau’s brand values.
The second installation, Digital Artisans, takes aesthetic cues from the trees of the Black Forest where Gaggenau was founded. Panels made from three types of oak wood grain were selected and laser-cut into intricate lace-like panels. These panels symbolise Gaggenau’s enduring legacy as the world’s oldest luxury home appliance brand, while referencing the seamless blend of modern technology and craftsmanship in the appliances. Once again, the minimal waste in Gaggenau’s production informed the design process and material choice. Titilayo used recyclable and biodegradable mount board, with a nod to the iconic blue oven interiors in the colour choice.
Titilayo Abiola has a multi-disciplinary approach, spanning commissioned intricate embroideries to innovative furniture design. Storytelling is at the heart of her creations, whether it's a jewellery collection inspired by her time in the Philippines or pieces championing her Nigerian heritage. Travel and cultural exchange continually shape Titilayo's craft, and she seeks to consistently expand her skillset. On the Gaggenau installations, Titilayo commented, “This project really stretched me skill-wise. I consider myself a digital artisan, striking a balance between the hand made and technology. I was so inspired by Gaggenau’s craftsmanship and this is evident in the pieces I produced for the installation.”
Edina Crnkic, Gaggenau Group Brand Marketing Manager, added, “The Dance and Digital Artisans installations have transformed Gaggenau London from a showroom into an immersive experience. I particularly love how Titilayo has skilfully represented the inner workings and intrinsic beauty of the Vario downdraft 400 series with her piece. It is a wonderful to see Gaggenau’s rich history interpreted through modern artistic expression in this way.”
Gaggenau London is situated at 40 Wigmore Street and visitors will be able to enjoy the The Dance and Digital Artisans installations throughout London Festival of Architecture (1-30 June 2024).
Visit 100 St John Street, London, during Clerkenwell Design Week from May 23 to 25 to see the latest bathroom and kitchen launches from RAK Ceramics.
On display at the Design Hub are new ranges of surfaces, brassware and sanitaryware, all designed to create luxurious yet highly practical modern living spaces.
One of the striking bathroom displays at the Hub showcases the RAK Ceramics Designer Collection by Patrick Norguet, RAK-Valet. This is a range composed of functional elements – available in matt and glossy finishes – that serve as veritable valets and hand us the objects of our daily wellbeing via functional surfaces and stylistic solutions of great visual impact: decorative forms with slender profiles for the washbasins, top-notch stylistic research for the bathtubs, elongated lines for the toilet bowls.
For the kitchen there is CookingRAK - a one-of-a-kind hidden induction cooking system, creating a stylish impression and professional results.
Designed to create a multi-functional kitchen space ideal for daily use, the system is integrated into the countertop, opening possibilities for users to prepare, cook and dine in the same space; a seamlessly designed kitchen top made for dining and entertaining. The technology combines the high-performance of RAK Ceramics porcelain slabs, with an innovative induction system that operates through a magnetic field. Porcelain has always been the ideal choice for kitchen countertops as they are made of a durable material resistant to heat, stain, and scratch. They are also resistant to moisture and do not easily stain, making them easier to clean.
CookingRAK is exclusively produced with RAK Ceramics porcelain slabs in 14.5mm thickness and 135.5x305 cm size. The slabs can withstand high temperatures and with a surface hardness that resists scratching and staining. They are also an ideal material for kitchen countertops as they are very hygienic, food-safe, and less likely to harbour moulds and bacteria. To conveniently locate the cooking zones on the countertop, the RAK Ceramics slabs can be customised to add special markings in six modifications that will suit any kitchen style.
Staying with surfaces, visitors to the Design Hub can also view the stunning Metamorfosi collection, a decorative porcelain surface that will make an eye-catching impression for any interior. Metamorfosi is a large-format surface, available in two sizes - 120x260cm and 120x120cm. Inspired by the colours and shapes found in nature and responding to this important interior design trend, Metamorfosi is highly durable and splash resistant, just as porcelain should be, yet visually striking in its appeal, with several design options to choose from
An important destination on the Clerkenwell Design Week tour, the RAK Ceramics Design Hub at 100 St John Street, Clerkenwell is one of the largest in the area, with 7,276 square feet over two floors. The space gives visitors to the area the opportunity to explore the possibilities of choosing RAK Ceramics for their projects.
Designed to be an interactive and immersive environment to inspire creativity, the Design Hub includes a working kitchen display, working tap display, Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre and a Grab and Go sample area. New product launches are given their debut at the Design Hub, the company’s Mega Slab Maximus surfaces are highlighted, along with inspiring bathroom displays. The Design Hub also hosts seminars and events throughout the year and offers meeting spaces for designers and architects.
About RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics’ brands in the world. Specialising in ceramic and grès porcelain wall and floor tiles, tableware, sanitaryware and faucets, the company has the capacity to produce 123 million square metres of tiles, 5 million pieces of sanitaryware, 24 million pieces of porcelain tableware and 1 million pieces of faucets per year at its 22 state-of-the-art plants across the United Arab Emirates, India and Bangladesh.
Patrick Norguet is an essential figure on the international design scene. Drawing inspiration from everything that surrounds him, Norguet does not follow trends but seeks to give shape to products whose relevance and modernity would withstand the test of time.
ARCHITECT@WORK London is all set to return to the Truman Brewery, right at the beating heart of the Architecture & Design Community on 22nd & 23rd March. With over 200 carefully selected product innovations on display, the 2023 edition is packed with inspiration.
During this annual appointment, the talks programme will focus on a very hot topic: Energy & Ecosystems. With trend-setting sessions on how architecture and interior design can actively contribute to energy saving in a creative way.
With a minimum of time and effort, you can easily expand your technical knowledge at A@W London. Every stand has got experts present to give you insights on how to best use the innovations.
Complementary catering in the unique setting are included during this two-day trade event aimed at architects, interior designers, project developers and other specifiers.
A@W encourages networking and downtime as well as deal making opportunities!
Admission is free for all trade visitors. Attend the London edition of this internationally renowned event and register online.
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Workspace Design Show returns for the second time, unveiling an exciting speaker line-up and an extensive exhibitor list as part of its 2023 edition. Taking place once again at London’s Business Design Centre, the show brings together the UK’s workplace interiors community to explore the experience of tomorrow’s workspaces.
The show will take place from 27- 28 February 2023, with this year’s theme being Destination Workplace: Places Where People Want To Be. One of the highlights from the inaugural 2022 edition was the Show’s talks programme, which was well received by the workplace design community.
Workspaces are increasingly requiring multifunctional products. Furniture designer Pedrali will be exhibiting the multifunctional BuddyHub Desk, a functional and efficient workstation where users can concentrate and isolate or create collaborative and meeting areas. Spacestor will be launching their newest product development, Aeonica, a space-making toolkit for designers which brings the New Landscape for Work.
RS Barcelona will showcase other fully flexible products, among them its ‘you and me’ ping pong table which caters for the recent trend ‘microbreaks’ which are proven to increase productivity. With mental and physical well-being at the forefront of workplace design, Technogym will be showcasing elements of its product ecosystem: connected smart equipment for end-user access wellness.
Workspace Design Show has every surface covered from flooring to fabrics, which are increasingly used to define different spaces within an office floorplate. Flooring specialists Tarkett and Strata Tiles will both be exhibiting, demonstrating their latest surface solutions. Exploring the importance of colour and texture through fabrics is Kvadrat, a well-renowned textiles company, which produces high-performance, design textiles, rugs, acoustic and window covering solutions for both commercial and residential uses. BIOHM will present the bio materials exhibition, with biological systems at the heart of its inspiration.
Workspace Design Show is showcasing a vast range of products that aid privacy and sound control. Amongst these are award winning firm The Meeting Pod Company, known for their commercial and domestic, indoor and outdoor meeting pods. Mute, meanwhile, will be displaying various solutions to regain focus and allow conversations to flow. Making a return to the show are leaders in sustainable and acoustic finishes, Woven Image, who will be demonstrating the importance of ceilings in acoustic control.
The event will also host some of the industry’s leading architectural lighting specialists, demonstrating the move away from harsh office lighting towards more human-centric solutions. The exhibitors include Erco which has a whole portfolio based entirely on LED technology and Delta Light, recognised throughout the world for its subtle blend of ambiance, elegance, functionality, and design, both in interior and exterior lighting. The Indoor and Outdoor intelligent lighting specialist, iGuzzini will also be exhibiting their latest products.
A wide array of leading architects and designers will also be showcasing their perspectives on the latest workplace trends.
Confirmed speakers for 2023 hail from a raft of stakeholder groups, from developers to architects and their blue-chip clients. These include architects and designers such as Collin Burry, Design Principal with Gensler; Christos Passas, Director, Zaha Hadid Architects, Katrina Kostic Samen, Director and Head of Workplace Strategy & Design, and others.
International furniture specialist The Furniture Practice are curating the Talks Lounge once again this year, as well as collaborating with architectural firm BDP on the newly added talks space. The spaces are set to feature iconic brands including Vitra, Fredericia, Arper, Andreu World, and Moroso amongst others.
In a series of talks, interviews and discussions, the Sustainability Works programme will bring together a selection of key figures behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives, projects and product developments. Curated by Mick Jordan and the Works editorial team, it is a response to sustainability’s place at the top of the workplace agenda.
Workspace Design Show will also be hosting the Occupiers Forum – ‘The view from HQ’. Among the speakers from corporate organisations are Michelle Harwood, EMEA Real Estate Director, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP; Ash Kaur, Workplace Design Lead for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Oracle, and others. This gives visitors the opportunity to hear perspectives from current senior workplace end users, exploring the present and future demands of high-profile firms.
The Finishes and Interiors Sector Conference (FIS) will take place over both days of Workspace Design Show too. The first day will focus on the compliance and the fit-out process: creating the best possible environments to put the wow factor into buildings, while the second day will focus around creating destination workspaces: places where people want to be.
The complete speaking programme at Workspace Design Show will cover a range of unmissable topics around workplace design and strategy featuring speakers with a diverse range of perspectives.
Explore the programme and register to attend.
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Autumn proved to be the season the interior design community returned to pre-pandemic normality – out and about at every opportunity, and Sofa.com team were so pleased to be involved in some of the key events that attracted crowds of design enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Kicking off the season, they hosted an insightful podcast recording in the newly refurbished Chelsea showroom. Led by the host of Interior Design Business, Susie Rumbold, who took centre stage to discuss all thing eco – looking into how products are made, and the life cycle of everyday items.
A captivated audience participated in a lively discussion between Alexandra Jurkiewicz, Creative Lead at Helen Green Design, Chloe Bullock, founder of Materialise Interiors, and David Chenery, founder and director of Object Space Place - three designers leading the way toward a greener future, considering best practice, material innovations, and non-negotiables.
Full conversation available here.
Providing a variety of furniture for a number of spaces at Cheshire’s beautiful Capesthorne Hall, comfortably seated both guests and speakers for a variety of panels and discussions. Sofa.com's highlight of the week was working once again with The Interior Design Business Podcast as they delved into the nation’s favourite interior design TV shows and how they benefit the industry – with insight from Verity Coleman from Rascal & Roses, Siobhan Murphy from Interior Curve and Peter Grech from The SpaceMaker Interiors.
Available to listen here.
Sofa.com were proud to be the official furniture provider for this year’s sell-out show, providing furniture for several main stages and communal areas. Partnering with the IHS provided the opportunity to showcase new and best-selling designs to an elite group of hoteliers, commercial specifiers and leading interior designers. Their seating provided the perfect platform for industry experts such as Hamish Kilburn, Gavin Couper, and Eljesa Saciri as they spoke on upcoming trends and industry innovation: link here.
The first edition of the event post pandemic proved a roaring success, with visitors enjoying business conversation, insightful discussions and unique networking opportunities.
Working with Linwood over many years, Sofa.com know how beautiful their fabrics look on their seating, so they jumped at the chance to upholster our best-selling Bluebell sofa in their new Maypole linen. Decorex offered the perfect opportunity to showcase the finished result which was a real showstopper. One of their key offerings for design clientele is COM provision and judging by the number of entrants in our giveaway, it was a much-coveted item.
Four days of bustle as visitors enjoyed a world of inspiration across all categories of design.
Sofa.com's trade team was on site at each event to speak with both new and prospective customers, recommending product and demonstrating their wealth of knowledge on furnishing both contemporary and traditional décor.
About sofa.com
Passionate about outstanding interiors, sofa.com offers a diverse and design led collection of made-to-order sofas, armchairs, beds, footstools and home accessories. With an extensive range of styles and over 100 fabrics to choose from, as well as the option to upholster in your own fabric, the customisable nature of sofa.com’s products make each piece easily adaptable to any interior style – perfect for interior designers and specifiers looking for stand-out pieces for upcoming projects.
Refocus, regroup, indulge your senses, reconnect with your inner self, with others and with the environment. January 2023 will be all about taking care of each other, of our expertise and of our planet. From 19th to 23rd January, Maison&Objet Paris is set to shine a light on these highly meaningful forward focused values. The theme is set to sweep across the entire trade fair, even rippling out to the talks and the trend zones.
Where: Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center
When: 19-23 January
Email [email protected] to claim yours! Non-members can click here to register now.
The major social, economic and political upheaval we are all currently experiencing is inciting everyone to stand up for their convictions. It is also encouraging brands to be more transparent, inclusive and responsible when reaching out to consumers, who are themselves more invested than ever in the way in which they engage with brands. Now is a time for straight talking, taking action and being open minded, even if that means beating a drum in order to drive forward change. The design on show at Maison&Objet will look to challenge the modern day aesthetics of what is Beautiful and provide a springboard for what is Good.
Taking care is something that has become a veritable necessity at a time when we are all actively seeking meaning and tranquillity. The January edition of Maison&Objet Paris is set to breathe life into something that is now deemed an absolute must.
"When deciding on our themes, taking a close look at modern day society always serves as our starting point. Today, the second we step outside, we are hit with cultural, environmental and identity issues. Society is craving new models, and that is something that brands can deliver, providing solutions that target the environment, safeguard expertise, or encourage us all to care for others or focus on our own wellbeing. What we are interested in is the rising voices that are picking up that gauntlet. The under 25s that make up Generation Z are impatiently waiting for something
to be done. Today, a new set of ethics are dictating the type of consumer activity we are seeing." - analyses Vincent Grégoire, Creative Director at the NellyRodi design consultancy.
Above and beyond the increasingly responsible approach being adopted by the trade fair itself (recycling 50% of waste, using more and more LEDs, storing and reusing signage, donating unsold food to the Red Cross, sourcing water locally and turning down the heating), an ever increasing number of exhibitors at Maison&Objet Paris are themselves keen to defend these pivotal values with a view to shaping a desirable and inclusive future.
There is Noma, for example, the French design house that works solely with recycled materials. Or la Ciergerie des Prémontrés which perpetuates the traditional expertise inherited from the Pères blancs monks at l’Abbaye des Prémontrés. Other good examples would be Care by me, the Danish brand that designs soft and warm clothing ranges and accessories, or Laines Paysannes whose rugs are crafted solely from locally sourced materials. These are all just a tiny handful of so many stands that bring joy to our hearts and meaning to our interiors.
Taking care of yourself
Brands and designers are now looking beyond simple aesthetics to come up with increasingly meaningful creations that invite us to take care not only of our bodies, as is the case with Waterrower’s wood and metal sports equipment, but also of our mental health. "There is a huge trend for solutions dedicated to wellness and physical health, which suffered so much during the pandemic," explains Vincent Grégoire.
The January trade fair will encourage visitors to take their time and clear their heads in spaces such as the 'What’s New?' trend zone, curated by Elisabeth Leriche and appropriately named "In the air" as an invitation to openly embrace lightheartedness and relaxation. Trend spotter François Delclaux will encourage us to get onboard with "Slow Hospitality" by whisking us off on a journey that inspires us to take the foot off the accelerator. The soon to be announced "Designer of the Year" meanwhile, will put together a peaceful and atmospheric space to help us disconnect from the stresses of daily life.
Taking care of nature
"Whilst some visitors come to the trade fair to hunt for exciting new finds, others browse the aisles looking for benchmarks, meaning and ways of tackling social issues, notably ecology," Grégoire explains. For a number of years, the trade fair has been awash with up and coming socially minded brands, who are proactively embodying a "brand new ethic that is finding a foothold amongst consumers, echoing the slow living trend", the trend hunter continues. These include La Fabrique à Sachets, which inspires us to give nature a helping hand by sowing our own seeds, or Dopper which is highly committed to fighting the good fight against single use plastic bottles with its own attractive, ingenious and sturdy vessels. Knife maker Jean Dubosc meanwhile, designs pieces whose handles are made from waste plastic that has been collected and recycled in France.
For the past few years, the brands that boast the most exemplary CSR initiatives have, indeed, been singled out by an independent jury of experts to feature on the trade fair’s "Sustainable" itinerary.
It is also worth noting that as of December, Maison&Objet’s digital platform, MOM, is set to showcase products that can help us save energy, a testament to just how red hot - or perhaps that should be green hot - the topic is this season.
François Bernard’s zone 'What's New?' that helps visitors home in on new trends will shine a light on the relationship between raw materials and nature in an installation titled "Grounded", illustrating a new kind of luxury that sees gold and glitter make way for simplicity.
Taking care of and showing an interest in others
"A huge number of brands are now committed to reforging links between generations, social classes and cultures, and as such are looking beyond simple aesthetics," Grégoire explains.
Maison&Objet tracks down and celebrates hot new talent every single year, and the January edition will place seven Spanish "Rising Talents" firmly in the spotlight, all hand picked from the country’s vast pool of up and coming talent by some of its more well established design names. These talents all represent a socially minded generation, with their creations echoing the widespread desire to care for the world around us. Those self-same values are shared by the three design talents that have been invited to be part of the new "Future on Stage" program, which allows recently launched brands to showcase their convictions.
Also, in a carte blanche given to Ukrainian designers entitled "The art of resilience", Maison&Objet wants to show that Ukrainian design, like all of us, no matter where the war has dispersed us, survives and even grows. Designers are still creating, launching new collections and producing. A tribute to the courage and spirit of freedom of this generation that is helping to write the history of design.
Taking care of our heritage and expertise
"The world boasts an abundance of expertise that we all turned our backs on for a good many years. Today, however, brands are increasingly placing the accent on all things local. Reine Mère works with wood from the Jura region. Cristel’s saucepans are 100% Made in France. Then there are designers such as Samuel Accocebery who collaborates with craftsmen in the Basque country, or Youssouf Fofana from Maison Château Rouge, whose creations celebrate this French capital’s district. They all reflect a mindset that is underpinned by a sense of commitment and the desire to root design in a specific region, drawing on local expertise and culture", explains Vincent Grégoire.
Young brands and centuries old firms present at the trade fair are all keen to ensure this valuable heritage gets passed down to future generations. In France, brands such as Drugeot, Delavelle and Sollen are giving French cabinetry a resolutely twenty first century spin with collections that flaunt overtly contemporary silhouettes AS’ART, meanwhile, selects pieces from South Africa, encouraging and promoting traditional expertise with a view to contributing to the socio-economic development of artisan communities.
Build bridges between the world’s different cultures, facilitate new ways of creating and enjoying interiors and design, perpetuate exceptional artisan trades and propel them into the future, shine a light on new and meaningful initiatives that drive forward innovation that is precisely what the January edition of the Maison&Objet Paris trade fair promises to do from 19th to 23rd January 2023.
About Maison&Objet
For 25 years, Maison&Objet, organised by SAFI, has been engaging with and bringing together the international design, home decor and lifestyle communities. Maison&Objet’s trademark? Its unique ability to generate connections and accelerate business, both during trade fairs and via its digital platform, but also through its unique talent for highlighting trends that will excite and inspire the home decor world. Maison&Objet’s mission is to reveal talent, spark connections and provide inspiration, both on- and off-line, thereby helping businesses grow.
Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe (CSIE) has released the itinerary for the cruise ship interiors industry’s best opportunity for in-person learning, Cruise Conversations Live. Cruise lines, interior designers and outfitters can learn from their peers at topical conference sessions, while intimate workshops explore the challenges specific to cruise ship interior design with pinpoint precision. From blue sky thinking for leaders and buyers to practical takeaways for suppliers, every participant in the cruise ship interiors supply chain can learn from this free conference programme.
Cruise brands leading the conference and workshop programme include Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Group, Damen Shipyard, Meyer Turku, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises.
Shipyards are the heart of the European cruise ship interiors industry and CSIE will be welcoming Vesa Uuttu, Director, Head of Architectural Design & Outfitting Turku site, Newbuild and Innovation, Royal Caribbean Group to moderate the keynote conference, The Modern Shipyard. Project managers and owners alike know that a strong relationship with their shipyard is one of their biggest assets. In this session, essential for project managers and owners alike, Bas Loohuis, Commercial Director Maintenance & Upgrade Services Cruise, Damen Shipyard and Petteri Heimo, Head of Hotel Outfitting, Meyer Turku will share their perspective, exploring: how shipyards can add value to newbuild and refurbishment projects, top tips for ensuring both quality and efficiency and how to combine reference ship requirements with innovation.
Anyone hoping to launch their business into the cruise ship interiors industry must attend the workshop Marine Design 101: How to Break into the Marine Market. Led by Beatrice Siri, AVP Architectural Outfitting Europe, Royal Caribbean Cruises, this intimate session decodes the language of marine design and will guide attendees through the seemingly labyrinthine specification process. Practical takeaways will include the top ten questions to ask cruise lines when pitching your product, the different routes to market and, crucially, how to become an authorised supplier.
Designers with an eye for the future will be found at the day one keynote The Futurist: Cruise Design in 2030 and the day two conference session Young Designers: Designing for Gen Z and Beyond. From those who track trends to those who are currently shaping the trends, the CSIE conference presents two insights into trapping lightning in a bottle and getting it right before its even happened.
Cruise Conversations Live takes place over the two days of Cruise Ship Interiors, 30 November – 1 December. It’s completely free to visit and one of only two opportunities in the year to attend a live conference and workshop programme dedicated to exploring the cruise ship interiors industry.
Register to receive your free pass here.
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