From the ateliers of the past, where skilled artisans meticulously woven tapestries and painted grand frescoes to today’s light-filled showrooms that effortlessly blend heritage with modernity. There is a magic to walking through cobblestone streets and pushing open the doors of storied maisons, where every fabric, wallpaper, and finish tells a story. This January, during Paris Design Week, we had the privilege of experiencing two of the industry's most anticipated events: Paris Deco Off and Maison et Objet.

Paris Deco Off is an annual celebration of craftsmanship where the world’s most esteemed textile and wallcovering houses open their doors to designers, curators, and industry experts. What began in 2009 as an insider event has grown into a must-visit for those passionate about interiors. Wandering through Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the historic Rue du Mail, every street becomes a showcase, with fabric-draped facades and luminous installations setting the tone for creativity and elegance.

This year, we explored some of the most remarkable names in wallpaper, discovering both time-honored traditions and cutting-edge techniques shaping 2025’s design landscape.

• Glamora, the Italian-crafted wallcovering house, introduced a breathtaking new collection inspired by Japanese Zen landscapes and history. Each design reinterprets the harmony and tranquility of traditional Japanese gardens, mountains, and temples through the eyes of Glamora’s designers, blending artistic storytelling with an innate sense of balance.
  
• Misha brought its signature hand-painted silk wallpapers to life, each panel a testament to the exquisite tradition of chinoiserie and nature-inspired storytelling. This Milan-based brand fuses Eastern craftsmanship with Italian artistry, creating walls that feel like museum-worthy masterpieces.
• Casamance, known for its refined and sophisticated aesthetic, delivered a palette rich in warm neutrals, botanical accents, and intricate textures—perfectly in tune with the timeless yet contemporary spirit of Parisian design.
  
• Little Greene, the British heritage brand, charmed with its latest whimsical collection for children’s spaces. Featuring original hand-drawn artwork and natural fiber flocking techniques, this collection reminded us that design should always carry an element of wonder.

One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Paris is the opportunity to reunite with our in-house brands, visionary European-based designers we proudly represent at NewWall. While Zoom calls and digital previews keep us connected throughout the year, nothing compares to seeing their craftsmanship up close, experiencing new collections in person, and discussing the future of design face-to-face. As a team based in Toronto, Canada, these moments of connection are invaluable, allowing us to deepen our relationships, share insights, and celebrate the artistry that makes these brands truly exceptional.

• Coordonné unveiled an exhibit that captured its signature blend of playful storytelling and classic motifs. Their interpretation of organic textures and architectural influences brought a renewed sense of depth to wallcoverings.
  
  
• Timorous Beasties welcomed us into their workspace where the unexpected meets the extraordinary. Their fearless approach to pattern and storytelling continues to challenge conventions, proving that maximalism, when done right, is truly timeless.
  
  
• Emma Hayes met us at an intimate evening cocktail party where we gushed about the brand’s incredible trajectory. With its growing popularity in high-end spaces and among high-profile clients, Emma Hayes continues to capture attention with its ethereal designs: light, inviting, and poetic in composition. 

Paris Deco Off is more than a showcase, it’s a reminder that the best design is deeply personal, crafted with intention, and driven by a pursuit of beauty.

If Paris Deco Off is an intimate look inside the world of luxury interiors, Maison et Objet is its grand stage. Spanning nearly 3,000 exhibitors across eight vast halls, this event is where design houses, artisans, and emerging brands unveil what’s next in interiors, home decor, and craftsmanship.

For decades, Maison et Objet has been a defining force in the industry, setting trends and bringing together the best of innovation and tradition. This year, we were drawn to the exceptional artistry of two standout brands:

• Barro Handmade, a Portugal-based tile company, launched a collection that redefines simplicity. Their handcrafted tiles, imbued with subtle textures and luminous colors, bring a sense of quiet beauty and craftsmanship that feels both timeless and modern.
  
  
• Venetico Marina, an Italian candle and home fragrance brand, made a lasting impression with its exquisite marble vessels and captivating scents. Every piece embodies the essence of Italian luxury, where materiality and fragrance merge to create an experience that is as sensorial as it is visual.
  
  
• V&V Macramé, a Greek family-run studio, founded by three generations, their passion for craftsmanship has turned macramé into a transformative design element. Their full-scale woven installation featured shades, umbrellas, tents, poufs, and rugs, each crafted from polypropylene rope, making them waterproof, UV-protected, and windproof. Designed specifically for outdoor spaces, their pieces merge artistry with functionality, proving that handmade techniques can shape modern, durable, and architectural outdoor design.

Maison et Objet is a place of discovery where the conversation between design, material, and function is constantly evolving.

As we navigated the showrooms and exhibitions, a few key trends emerged, defining the direction of interiors for the coming years:

1. The Rise of AI in Design – Technology is no longer a separate entity from craftsmanship. From AI-assisted pattern design to digital customization, innovation is reshaping the way we interact with interiors.
   
   
2. The Return to Handcrafted Excellence – In contrast to digital advancements, there is an undeniable reverence for the human touch. Artisanal techniques, bespoke textiles, and hand-painted elements are more coveted than ever.
   
   
3. Nature and Sustainability – The future of design is deeply connected to nature. Eco-conscious materials, organic textures, and biophilic influences are driving a movement toward interiors that not only look beautiful but also promote well-being.