Despite the significant disruption caused by unrelenting strike action in Paris, enthusiasm for Maison & Objet 2020 remained undimmed. Exhibitors from all corners of the globe delivered a consistently inspiring array of product, revealing a refined design sensibility and meticulous craftsmanship.
Balance + Kin | SkLO
Headquartered in both California and the Czech Republic, where all the glass components are handblown, SkLO designs and manufactures a wide array of lighting options in their LIT collection, many intriguing in both form and composition. The gently arcing Balance pendant light features two variably sized glass orbs held in suspension by a brass stem. Standard metal finishes include dark oxidized or brushed brass, in five glass colours: clear, olivine and smoke in transparent glass, and new blue and white in opaque glass. Kin is a gracefully attenuated conical table lamp, its milky glass bottom fading to full transparency as it tapers to its top. Available in three sizes with a brass base in either a brushed or dark oxidized finish.
Pukka | Ligne Roset
Collaborating with French furniture powerhouse Ligne Roset, Canadian interior design legends Yabu Pushelberg have released their organically inspired Pukka collection. Constructed of foam of varying densities for durability and comfort, the chubby rounded forms are covered in a stretchy fabric upholstery available in a plethora of colours. The curved contours of settee, armchair, and large and small footstools are reflected in the Pukka low table, whose steel structure is finished in bronze lacquer and topped with a slab of opaque bronze-lacquered glass with a frosted finish.
Canaletto | Ligne Roset
Italian architect and multidisciplinary designer Mauro Lipparini reveals the purity of form and clean geometric composition for which he is known in the Canaletto collection. A modular glass display cabinet available in a variety of sizes and configurations, Canaletto possesses an icy translucence that makes it an appealingly neutral complement to any room. A slim steel base finished in bronze lacquer is paired with smoked brushed anodized aluminum door frames containing panels of ridged glazing on the front and sides of the cabinet. Various interior lighting options are available to better showcase Canaletto’s contents.
Silhouette | Nanimarquina
Silhouette is one of the company’s newest rug collections, designed by the ever-prolific Jaime Hayon. Evoking the whimsical forms seen in the paintings of Spanish artist Joan Miró, Silhouette features nine faces in profile, expressed through colourful, looping organic embroidery. Available in two sizes and in both indoor and outdoor versions, the former is comprised of 100% hand-spun Afghan wool, while the latter resists the elements with 100% recycled PET fibre.
Trullo | Monitillo
In collaboration with Swedish architectural firm Claesson Koivisto Rune, Monitillo unveiled Trullo, a freestanding washbasin carved out of a single block of stone. The elegant columnar form is expressed as four stacked rings of marble, rising 85cm with a diameter of 40cm for the circular profile, and 40cm x 50cm for the elliptical profile. Trullo is available in white carrara or imperial cream and is a perfect accompaniment to the Dedalo wall/floor tiles by the same design team.
Air Apparent | Michèle Oberdieck
After several years spent working in textile design, London-based artist Michèle Oberdieck switched gears and graduated in 2016 with a Master’s degree in Ceramics and Glass from the prestigious Royal College of Art. Each piece in this collection of glass vessels is mouth-blown and shaped by hand while still warm and malleable, resulting in stunning, seductively hued forms. Inspired by nature and organic structures, Oberdieck explores balance and asymmetry through shape, surface and colour.
August | Serax
Triple threat Vincent Van Duysen – architect, interior and product designer – is behind the August collection of dining tables and chairs for Serax. This indoor/outdoor furniture line comprises part of Van Duysen’s much larger project, the stunning conversion of a convent into the recently opened August Hotel in Antwerp. Fabricated entirely of black or grey-green powder-coated aluminum, the weatherproof collection includes a lounge chair and dining table (pictured). Embodying the designer’s signature minimalist aesthetic, the pieces are elegant and spare, free of unnecessary embellishment.
Georgette | Illus
Belgian couple Julie Thiers and Henri Van den Broeke have expanded beyond their interior design practice Atelier 10.8 to launch Illus, devoted to the design and production of accessories for the home. Their collection of mirrors includes Georgette; measuring 50cm x 32.5cm, its aged brass frame features a 12.5cm projecting shelf or mantel, handy for the display or placement of decorative and/or functional objects.
Stairs | Ethnicraft
Designed by Alain Van Havre, this sideboard compels with an intriguingly sculptural three-dimensional surface. Angular facets define the doors, casting shadows and creating a kinetic effect that is even more pronounced in direct light. Available in either natural or black oak and supported by black metal legs, Stairs can be ordered with either three or four doors, measuring 59” and 79” wide respectively. 
Jessí | Thomas Van Noten
Emerging interdisciplinary designer Thomas Van Noten debuted Jessí at M&O 2020; this exquisitely crafted armchair features a frame of solid walnut with forest green velvet upholstery. While the development of the chair began during a year spent working and travelling throughout Mexico, Antwerp-based Van Noten continues to evolve Jessí with the goal of releasing versions in oak and ash, collaborating with textile designers to provide a variety of upholstery options.
