Every year, artists, designers and creatives from all over the globe descend upon the city of Paris for Maison&Objet, the most prominent European design show. Showcasing the most fashion forward and a la moment inspirations before they hit the market, this Paris show embodies the spirit of luxury. With a dynamic mix of design greats like Missoni and Swarovski and burgeoning artists just beginning to storm the market, this show is the mecca of all things chic for the home. We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Paula Berberian, Director of Creative Services at WallPops, about her trip to Maison&Objet 2012 and she divulged a super stylish review of this year’s expo!

The theme of this year was CRAZY, meant to embrace vibrancy, fantasy and dreamscapes. Banishing goth and gloom, bright color is dominating designs this year. Pantone has declared this the year of tangerine, and we are seeing pops of this refreshing orange hue. However, the sweetheart color that designers are favoring this year seems to be a Palm Spring blue, with tendencies toward French turquoise. Waltzing alongside this aqua beauty, we continue to see lavish red-infused purples, as well as a lot of pinks, blues, a grassy malachite green, and a bright curry yellow. A yellowy green, just slightly subdued from chartreuse, is also predicted to peak this summer.

Perhaps influenced by European and American economic uncertainty, designers seemed determined to herald happier, more upbeat musings. Everything was bathed in pretty, evoking pleasure just to behold it. Taking designs to new heights of luxe, were jewel embellishments and dimensional enhancements. Metallic shimmers and gem garnishes were prevalent, adding a sassy sheen to already lovely patterns.

Continuing to unite worldly styles, global and tribal designs were in full swing at Maison&Objet this year as well as abundant effects with natural woods. Ikat motifs, and romantic suzanis inspired by Persian and Asian textiles took on contemporary influences. All things “tribal beautiful” were enjoying a moment in the sun, including abstract African patterns. Harmonizing these bold and fun geometrics was the influx of unscathed rustic woods. Fresh and clean, natural wood adds an enduring eco-chic balance to any space.

Finally, all things Brit-Pop have resurfaced as chic. Building on the intrigue of the Royal Wedding and leading into the Summer Olympics 2012 to be held in London, the Union Jack and other iconic English notions were celebrated at Maison&Objet this winter. With a traditional beat and notes of punk, British fashion has a distinct disposition.

So, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, imparting six more weeks of winter weather on us. Granted we have had an easy winter this year, although the term “easy winter” seems a bit of an oxymoron. Even without heaps of snow and sub-zero temperatures, this winter still harbors a chill and the deciduous trees still lost their leaves. When it is grey and cold outside, revamping your décor to include splashes of color and touches of nature will bring a vibrant happiness inside!

It is an oft declared motto of interior decorators that the best rooms always incorporate inspiration from nature. This mantra calls to mind how much life a vase of flowers adds to a room. Walls, of course, also benefit greatly from natural imagery! WallPops has some truly beautiful designs that evoke the charms of the great outdoors. For more on trees, check out our recent post on Enchanted Décor Inspired by Trees. For some blossoming floral art, consider dressing your walls in the whimsical Dandelion Wishes design. Symbolizing summer and childhood dreams, Dandelion Wishes wall art is a poetic embellishment. Flower Power plants a bohemian garden of happiness inside, while Cameroon designs a tropical island theme of exotic foliage and flowers!

Another vivid approach to decorating your way through bleak winter months is to use bright, bold colors. By bringing vibrant hues indoors, we provide a refreshing uplift for our spirit. Have fun adding dollops of Electric Blue and Styling Green’! The Habitat Kit adds a screen-printed effect to walls with a lush forest motif of ferns, branches and butterflies. These bold pops of color on your walls will energize you, reminding us that spring is just around the corner!

Since we typically spend more time indoors in the winter, it is important that our homes surrounded us with delight. It is also key to have fun projects to keep up our creativity and provide a reprieve from the couch! Focusing on décor projects is very rewarding and WallPops make it so simple to have stylish and inspirational walls!