Designers who presented their latest furniture and home accessory designs at the recent Maison & Objet trade fair in Paris opted for vibrant color palettes to unveil fresh and captivating combinations. Xavier Pougeot, a representative from the trend agency Peclers, envisions a dynamic fusion of invigorating tones and soft pastels in 2024, emphasizing the captivating interplay between milky and earthy colors. Renowned for its color expertise, Peclers set the theme Enjoy! for the event, which took place from September 7-11. Let's explore the upcoming colorful trends that promise to elevate both our homes and spirits in 2024.
Elizabeth Leriche’s Pattern Factory booth at the September 2023 Maison & Objet trade fair. Photo from Aethion
1. Color Through Pattern
A prominent theme at the Maison & Objet for fall 2023 was the emphasis on patterns and, inherently, the multitude of colors that bring them to life. Elizabeth Leriche, a well-known trend watcher, notes, “We live with patterns. They’re constantly with us, present in the most unassuming objects and textiles to the most intricate compositions.” For the upcoming year of 2024, Leriche anticipates an interior aesthetic dedicated to the celebration of patterns.
Custom rug from ColorTherapis
Furniture and decor elements feature vibrant color pairings that captivate and enthrall us.
Evergem installation by designers of the year Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen. Photo from Aethion
2. The Use of Sky Blue to Create New Harmonies
In the upcoming year, a new palette of harmonious colors will emerge, with sky blue taking center stage to enhance the overall aesthetic. This concept was presented by the globally acclaimed trend forecaster and colorist Lidewij Edelkoort during her forum titled "Everyday Paradise."
Acknowledging the challenging times we are currently facing, Edelkoort emphasized the importance of redirecting our attention to beauty, serenity, and aesthetics. In decoding the forthcoming design trends, she highlighted the pivotal role of color. "Anticipate ultra-modern and vibrant shades such as pink, purple, and orange, harmoniously paired with sky blue to create an unexpected contrast. Sky blue has the unique ability to bring out distinct qualities in each hue, almost metamorphosing them into entirely new colors," she explained.
3. Water Effects
Lidewij Edelkoort notes a specific emphasis on water when it comes to the practical application of color, introducing a fresh dimension to the palette. This is achieved through watercolor effects, commonly seen on wallpaper, interior accessories, and textiles. An example of this is evident in Papermint's wallpaper design, creating the illusion that the landscape has been directly painted onto the wall.
Water can also be integrated into the use of color in a more abstract way, with diluted effects, as we see on this bedroom wall.
Inspire Me: Seductive Expressiveness display at Maison & Objet. Photo from Aethion
4. Three Moods, Three Palettes
At the "Enjoy: in quest of pleasures!" conference, Charlotte Cazals and Brune Ouakrat from trend agency Peclers delved into this year's show theme. They pinpointed three decorative moods, each representing an emerging "tribe" of consumers showcased at Maison & Objet's Inspire me! exhibition. Notably, each tribe exhibits a distinct approach to color.
The first identified tribe is characterized by "seductive expressiveness," representing the "decadent party people." These consumers seek a life brimming with exhilarating pleasures, aiming to emphasize their individuality and turn their existence into a perpetual celebration, all while paying careful attention to the portrayal of the body. Their interiors exude ultra-glamour and flamboyance, enriched with shiny, opulent materials. The color palette for this tribe consists of terra cotta and gold, accented with hints of pink.
Inspire Me: Liberating Creativity display at Maison & Objet. Photo from Aethion
The tribe of "collective optimists" embodies the theme of "liberating creativity." These individuals actively pursue joy through carefree play, infusing enchantment into the mundane and celebrating collaboration and experimentation. Their interiors radiate unapologetic optimism, adorned with patterns, creative endeavors, novel ideas, and whimsical designs that defy the dreariness of everyday life. In terms of color, their palettes revolve around vibrant shades of flashy pink, apple green, and vivid orange.
Inspire Me: Heightened Sensitivity display at Maison & Objet. Photo from Aethion
The third tribe identified by the trend agency is the tribe of "sensitive hedonists," where happiness is synonymous with harmony. These individuals crave physical exploration, imaginative escape, and intimate connections. Digital media, particularly augmented reality, plays a pivotal role for this tribe, but always in a manner that contributes to their well-being. Nature is also a significant element in their environment.
Their interiors mirror an ultra-sensitive, sensory cocoon featuring reflective materials, luminescent surfaces inspired by the digital world, and soft colors, shapes, and materials. Their preferred color palette includes nude pink and gold, sometimes complemented by burnt orange or metallic hues reminiscent of aluminum.
2023 Rising Talent award winner Tim Leclabart’s space at Maison & Objet. Photo from Aethion
5. Nostalgic Orange
In Elizabeth Leriche's celebration of patterns, burnt orange emerged as a prominent shade, making a surprising yet nostalgic appearance across various booths this year. French designer Tim Leclabart, recognized with the 2023 Rising Talent award alongside six other promising figures in the French design scene, notably brought this hue to the forefront. Having left its imprint on the 1960s and 1970s, burnt orange is experiencing a resurgence, reimagined for the present with distinctly contemporary and revitalized tones.
Jallu booth
6. Ultraviolet
In a playful nod to digitalization and the widespread adoption of augmented reality, purple is gaining increased recognition in the latest furniture and home accessory collections. When harmonized with ultra-vibrant, sunny shades such as orange, it revives long-forgotten color combinations that we may not have dared to incorporate into our homes before.
Fest booth
A prime example is the Bolster sofa from the Dutch brand Fest, complemented by an ocher armchair and another in dark khaki—two additional shades that were prominently showcased at the recent Maison & Objet fair.
Evergem installation by designers of the year Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen. Photo from Aethion
7. Khaki
Lastly, green takes center stage in 2024, manifesting itself in the form of khaki, particularly seen alongside purple in the curated spaces by trend forecasters François Delclaux and Elizabeth Leriche. It's also discovered in striking contrast with blue in Evergem, the collection presented by the 2023 designers of the year, Muller and Hannes Van Severen. This hue is part of a comprehensive palette that includes turquoise, burnt orange, and brown.
Source: Claire Tardy from Houzz.com