New Collections and Trends from Paris Deco Off 2023

Something a little different for you this Monday as I have just returned from a two day trip to Paris for Deco Off. This is the time of year when the fabric houses show off their new collections, alongside the furniture trade fair, Maison et Objet, which runs at the same time outside the City. Now while it’s for buyers and designers, the world’s press also descends in search of a trend story.

I’m not going to give you that as I think it’s impossible to spot a trend just from fabrics. If you are looking at books of wallpaper the key may lie in the furniture used in the photograph rather than the paper itself. And, of course, you need to visit Maison to see what shapes and designs are being showcased there alongside the fabric.

So this is, necessarily, a snapshot. But I shared much of it on instagram stories, which of course, disappear after 24 hours and had many requests to save them for longer inspection. So some of the highlights will go here and I’ll save the rest into highlights over there.

And remember, trends is not about decor-shaming – as The Mad Husband often says – being offended is optional, but simply about inviting you to the conversation so you know what’s being talked about. Choosing to take part is up to you. No-one should ever feel under pressure to use a certain colour or decorate a certain way. But knowing what’s out there, especially if you have been looking for a specific thing can be helpful. It’s the same in fashion – I spent years looking for a brown jumper a few years ago when none were to be had. Now they’re all over the place.

That said, as you look at these pictures you may spot a theme or an emerging style. Someone else may spot something different. And what you see may also depend on your mood when you are looking at it. At the end of the first day I remarked that I had seen a lot of blue and very little green. As I was editing these photos to show you I noticed almost no blue and lots of green.

For those who want a star to steer by I would say that there are lots of warm colours, yes some acids (think Designers Guild if that’s your jam) but I didn’t see many cool shades. Lots of florals fewer geometrics and those that are there tend to be asymmetric or imperfect rather than precise straight lines. There was defintely an emphasis of quality, handmade, and reviving artisanal designs as well as a look back to the archives to reinvent existing patterns and ideas. Is nostalgia a trend or is it simply where we go when the present is tough and scary?

And leopard? Still there, still part of the conversation but sharing the microphone now with tiger and leopard. In short – work out what you like and someone will be stocking it. Unless, perhaps it’s grey. That’s becoming harder to spot.

There is, of course, always the crossover between home and fashion. The image below was taken in India Mahdavi’s shop. I have just painted my spare room in a similar colour and my hotel bathroom was the same. But what is more unexpected is the emergence of lilac, or lavender with it. Shortly after leaving this store we walked past a branch of Cos which was showing a hoodie in this exact shade of lilac in the window.

Now if you wear this shade, which is very pretty and flattering, you might not want to pair it with such a bold colour like like this tan/orange but it works beautifully in interiors. There’s a reason why I always suggest visiting a clothes shop if you looking for colour inspiration. Scrolling up through this post I see it with blue in the Laura Gonzales room and mixed with lots of greens and blues in the Mind the Gap cushions.

So Trends? I’ve seen a few but then again, too few to mention. It’s about a case of anything goes.