The Traveling Designer: Paris, France 

Throwback to Maison et Objet and Déco Off: Paris, Je T’aime

There’s something about Paris that gets me every time.  The cobblestone streets, the elegance that seems to seep into every corner of the city, and of course, the design!!  This time last year, I had the absolute pleasure of attending Maison et Objet and Deco Off with my design bestie Marbé Briceno, and it was every bit as enchanting as I remembered.  As my design partner-in-crime and I get ready to plan our next international design adventure this Spring, I wanted to hop down memory lane to share some of the highlights from this unforgettable trip.

Maison & Objet and Deco Off aren’t just design events; they truly were unforgettable experiences— a sensory overload of fabrics, textures, and ideas that stretch the imagination. And the best part? It’s Paris!!! A city where inspiration is everywhere, from the quiet charm of a tucked-away café to the grandeur of a centuries-old building.

A Walk Through Parisian Showrooms

Deco Off turns Paris into a designer’s playground!!  Showrooms pop up in the most unexpected places—hidden courtyards, historic ateliers, and boutique spaces that feel as curated as a museum.  Wandering the streets with a map in hand (along with an almond croissant, of course), I felt like I was on a treasure hunt, with each showroom revealing a new world of design!!

One moment that still stands out to me was stepping into a showroom of the most exquisite area rugs that felt more like artwork!!!  The way the light hit the variety of textiles, the subtle interplay of texture and color—it was pure design magic in my mind!  Every showroom seemed to tell a story, and I couldn’t help but dream about how these elements could come to life in my own design projects.

Trends and Timeless Beauty

Paris is known for setting trends, and both Maison et Objet and Deco Off were certainly no exception!  One of the things that I loved most was the balance between innovation and timelessness… I mean, luxury gym equipment crafted in quality leather and exquisite silver and gold finishes, who wouldn’t love!?!  While there were plenty of bold, avant-garde designs, there was also a reverence for craftsmanship and tradition.

One theme that caught my eye were the fully upholstered and very sculptural chars- from top to bottom, legs included!  Now that it’s been just over a year, we can definitely see how this trend has made its way to the US.  It felt fresh yet familiar, the perfect blend of pushing boundaries while honoring the classics. And, of course, there was no shortage of TEXTURE!! —sumptuous velvets, airy linens, chunky boucles and the kind of intricate detailing that makes your heart skip a beat!

Parisian Inspiration That Stays with You

There’s a special kind of energy that comes from being in Paris, especially during these week long design events.  Even now, months later, I find myself revisiting the inspiration I soaked up on those dreamy January days.

I think about the gorgeous architectural design elements that we soaked in during those chilly strolls through the Parisian streets or even the flea markets, and how it’s shaped the way I approach certain design projects.  It’s not just about incorporating trends but about capturing the feeling of wonder and sophistication that Paris always brings.

Café Stops, Eiffel Views, and Design Joy

Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without some quintessential Parisian moments. Between showroom visits, I made time for coffee at charming sidewalk cafés and soaked in the view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night. It’s those little moments of joy that make the experience unforgettable.

And let’s be real—what’s better than a day spent exploring fabric houses, followed by a decadent French dinner and a walk along the Seine? I’m convinced Paris is where design dreams come to life, both in showrooms and in the rhythm of the city itself.

A Love Letter to Paris and Deco Off

Maison et Objet and Deco Off wasn’t just a trip—it was a creative reset, and a huge reminder of why I fell in love with design in the first place!  The textures, the colors, the people—it all came together to spark something new and exciting in me.

Looking back, I feel so very, very, very grateful for the chance to experience it all and can’t wait to bring even more of that Parisian inspiration into my work.  To anyone dreaming of visiting Deco Off one day… do it!!  You’ll come back not only with ideas but with a renewed passion for design and life itself.

Xoxo,

Megan