3 Ways Paris Brilliantly Inspired Me

Finally, this past year was the first time since the pandemic that international travel was viable. In September, I couldn’t have hopped on a plane faster to get to France for Maison D'Objet and Paris Design Week. Annual trips to Europe have always been a significant sourcing outlet for me because  I always return simply bursting with creativity.  My most recent 10-day trip to Paris was no exception! Here are a few inspiration-filled locations that stood out above the rest…

Inspiration #1: Maison D'Objet

Maison D'Objet is a trade fair like no other. About 45 minutes outside the city center, the show floor brims with the latest product offering for architects and interior designers. There was a vast amount of French-Polynesian design mixed with French mid-century modern (not to be confused with the Scandinavian designs we have seen duplicated over the past decade). 

I was inspired by the lush natural sisal and straw that wove organically into chandeliers, mats, and mirrors. These were paired with tailored seating and redwood tables reminding me of many trips to St. Barths. We will see this come mainstream as it coordinates with all the 1970s bohemian showing up in fashion and interiors alike.

Inspiration #2: Les Puces de Saint-Ouen

Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is otherwise known as the Paris Flea Market. Sprawling with over 2500  antiques and vintage sellers, Les Puces is a candy store in my eyes and where all fine Paris galleries make their debut. I could have filled a container for clients. As a matter of fact, I am bringing one back in the spring. 

I’ve heard that my age group (shh, somewhere in the 45-55 year range) dictates what antiques become trendy because we crave what we knew in our yesteryear, and we will pay top dollar to have it again, so the 1970s is all over the place! I became obsessed with the soft, cloudlike shapes that were so ergonomically correct and tailored at the same time. I am having these two modular seats made for someone!

Inspiration #3: Raoul Dufy's Masterpiece: The Electricity Fairy

Dufy's painting encompasses 600 square feet of curved wall, enveloping you into his poem about the history of electricity. The whimsical yet evocative painting resides in the Musee D'Art Moderne de Paris, which has been closed for two years. 

Originally painted for the Light Pavilion at the 1937 Paris International Exposition, it represents innovation and the important dualisms that divided humanity against itself: art and science, socialism and capitalism, and fascism and democracy. Sounds familiar to today's state of affairs? Yes, history repeats itself in all forms, and we must study it. It brought me to tears.

Nothing clears the cobwebs and refreshes us like travel. My eyes opened in the best way possible on my Parisian adventure. I amassed a detailed sketchbook and vast resources for current and future work. Trend forecasting is my jam; there is nothing like travel to keep your finger on the pulse and burst with creativity.

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Cheers,

Lori