"Storytelling isn’t a brand layer anymore. It is the product." Design is shifting — not just in form, but in purpose. Maison & Objet 2025 made that clear. The home, the store, the object — they’re not just functional. They’re narrative. They’re symbolic. They’re surreal. For leaders shaping the future of design, this is your call: make it bold. Make it human. And let your next collection say something that matters.
Maison & Objet 2025 delivered more than trends — it delivered a perspective shift.
Anchored in the theme of Sur/Reality, this year’s show marked a century since Surrealism’s rise and used that moment to challenge perception, proportion, and design logic. What emerged wasn’t just new décor, but a new invitation to how we create and curate.
Here’s what stood out — and what it means for brand, merchandising, and product leaders looking to stay relevant while leading with imagination.
Design As Escapism: Sur/Reality in Motion
From dreamlike installations to distorted scales and exaggerated silhouettes, the show invited visitors into environments that challenged what’s “real.” Picture velvet-draped spaces, mirrors that alter dimension, and forms that play with weight, illusion, and touch.
This was design as transportation — aesthetic, emotional, and immersive.
"The home is no longer just functional — it's a place to tell stories, to stretch the imagination, to escape."
Key Trends from the Show Floor
1. Maximalism & Bold Expression
Think drama, layers, and risk. Rich textures, saturated colors, and over-the-top form ruled the floor. Neutral minimalism took a back seat to emotional maximalism.
"Maximalism isn’t noise — it’s emotion, layered with intention."
2. Surprising Scale & Whimsical Proportions
Furniture, lighting, and objects all played with size and shape. Think oversize chairs, oversized wall pendants, surreal silhouettes — even animal-inspired and anthropomorphic shapes.
3. Natural Materials with Soul
Reclaimed woods, horsehair, stone, raw ceramics — not just for sustainability, but for texture and story. Earthy, crafted, and rooted was the vibe.
4. Craftsmanship + Sustainability = Luxury
Artisan-made products, limited-run collections, and sustainable sourcing were center stage. Consumers now associate handmade with value.
"Handmade isn’t nostalgic. It’s the new luxury."
5. Pattern, Fantasy, and Emotional Impact
Textiles, wallcoverings, and décor were alive with patterns — checkerboards, surrealist prints, dreamlike landscapes. The rule? Evoke a feeling first.
"Emotion is the new metric. If it doesn’t move people, it won’t move."
What This Means for Merchandising + Brand Leaders
Commercial is no longer enough — the future is experiential. Maison & Objet 2025 showed that consumers crave meaning, emotion, and immersion. Safe assortments won’t inspire. The brands that lead next will.
"Safe assortments won’t inspire. The next wave of brand leaders will take risks — emotionally, aesthetically, and strategically."
- Prioritize emotional storytelling alongside product specs
- Introduce boldness through curated capsules or limited-edition collabs
- Lean into sustainability and craft as part of their aesthetic — not just their values
- Push boundaries with display, scale, and presentation
"Consumers don’t just buy what you make — they buy what you mean."