One of France's biggest events for decoration and design professionals, the Maison & Objet trade show presented the latest trends and designs earlier this month. Here is a review of the lighting trends of tomorrow.

Playing with textures

The materials used and associated with lamps and lighting has always been limited due to the flammable nature of many materials. Designers have, however, managed to find a way around these limitations. Italian designer Paola Santilli has dressed the sculptural "Piloh" lamp in a material made of cashmere, merino wool and mohair protected from the lightbulb by a steel and iron structure. In a completely different style, Icelandic designer duo Dögg Gudmundsdottir and Fanney Antonsdottir present a unique lampshade inspired by the Icelandic tradition of fish drying. The Uggi-light is made of dried codfish. Traditionally, it was customary for inhabitants of this island to dry whole fish strung up outside their homes. 

Lightbulb minimalism

While creating the "Lady Shy" lamp for Alessi, Giovanni Alessi Anghini and Gabriele Chiave wanted to make the light-source the focal point of the project. Giovanni Alessi Anghini explains "This is why we focused on the source, which is partially visible, partially obscured... The question of the name's emotional aspect alludes to all the external plastic structure that protects the 'heart' of the lamp; it reminds us of a skirt being lifted up by the wind." (Prices upon request)
The Fatboy brand presented the "Transloetje" lamp that recalls classic bedside lamps with lamp-shades. Completely transparent, the shape of the light-bulb is the focus of the object, without consuming a lot of energy as the lamp carries a LED bulb. Equipped with a tactile switch, the lamp turns on with a simple touch of its base. Tap again to increase the intensity and brightness of the light. 

Teepee Lamps

French design brands seem to be very fond of the cone shape and using strong and bright colors. At Matière Grise, the "Ankara" collection created by designer Constance Guisset presents three new suspension lamps made out of folded steel and available in more than 20 colors. (Prices upon request)
The Petite Friture brand has collaborated with designer duo Daniel et Emma known for their colorful and pop-inspired style as well as their work with Marc Newson or Hay. The Australians designed the "Cherry" suspension lamp that has a pyramid-like silhouette and is decorated with a mirrored sphere. For the two designers, the minimal creation in aluminum, steel and Plexiglas "references novelty erasers which we both collected as children, most notably the sundae cup with a cherry on the top."