Our Top 7 Picks At Maison & Objet 2016

Touted as the one of the most important European events for interior design, Maison & Objet is a trade fair that brings together the best brands and people in the industry. Though it's relatively new to the shores of Asia, M&O has grown over the last 2 years to become the go-to event of the annual Singapore Design Week. 

The event, which spanned over 4 days at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, was a stimulating experience that opened our eyes to the evolving trends and products in our region. Here are 7 of our favourite things from the high-end interior design fair!

1. The Bride by Mamalampa

http://www.mammalampa.com/

At first glance, the delicate light fixtures look like something born out of a dream, almost ethereal. But look closer, and you may feel a familiar tug at its interwoven patterns. “This design was inspired by the beautiful braids that Latvian girls like to wear their hair in. The lamps are entirely handmade, so each is a unique, paper-made creation that allows light to shine through exquisitely,” Lāsma Līdaka, head of the representative office in singapore described.

2. MyRun by Technogym

http://dynaforce.com.sg/index.htm

Taking exercise to a whole new level is Technogym’s latest gym equipment – MyRun. Created by runners for running enthusiasts, the award-winning treadmill features a state-of-the-art data collection function that's able to improve the quality and efficiency of one’s run. Through the programme, users can receive interactive instant feedback on their step frequency, stride length, and displacement. What we especially love though, is MyRun’s personalised music soundtrack, which recognises the rhythm of a user, and can even switch from songs to songs seamlessly by identifying the running pace.

3. The Rug Maker

http://www.therugmaker.com.sg/

Singapore may be full of tall buildings and skyscrapers, but many forget that we are also a garden city with bountiful nature around us. And when you immerse yourself into the beautiful surroundings, a plethora of ideas and concepts will fill your mind. This was what happened to Judy Heng, Junior Rug Designer from The Rug Maker. “I went around looking for inspiration for my next rug design, and found it through the simplicity of a single leaf. While viewing it through the magnifying glass, I realised how captivating it looked, and decided to develop a design out of it,” she expressed. Besides carrying ready-designed rugs, the rug maker also provides customised services for clients.

4. Yamanaka Lacquerware

We eat with our eyes before our mouths, which is why many chefs around the world agree that food presentation is very important. But to enhance the appearance of dishes, equally appealing tableware has to be used, and we found the answer to this in the form of elegant Japanese lacquer. Dating back to the 1500s, the traditional woodwork goes through many rounds of production before it reaches the hands of consumers. And as Tomohiro Sunasaki, senior managing director added, “Each product is crafted from an individual piece of wood, which is why all the bowls and plates have such a smooth, refined finish.”

5. Ostrich Pillow by Studio Banana Things

http://studiobananathings.com/

Ever taken a power nap on the desk and wished you had something more comfortable to rest on than your hands? The Ostrich Pillow is a product designed by the nap gods for us perpetually tired working adults. Like a comfortable cocoon, the pillow/head gear hybrid is made of luxuriously soft fabric, perfect for lulling anyone to sleep. It comes with a large opening for the head, and three smaller ones for breathing and snuggling your hands in. Definitely something that will receive a yawn of approval from fellow nappers.

6. Aroma Rounds by Munio Candela

 http://www.muniohome.com/

If you’ve ever dug deep into your closet to retrieve a forgotten piece of clothing, you’d probably know what we mean when we say ‘cupboard’ smell. To counter this musky scent, the people from Munio Candela has created something called Aroma Rounds for homeowners to slot in between their laundry. The little pellets are made of 100% natural and GMO free soy wax, and smell refreshingly fragrant without being too overpowering on the nose. It comes in 6 different scents, but our favourite one has got to be the Marigold Flowers (pictured above) that smells as lovely as it looks.

7. Teamong by Gwangju design center

 http://www.teamong.com/en.html

Say bye to scalded tongues with this adorable tea infuser invention from Korea. Hang the little monkey at the top of your mug and watch its face change colours as the temperature goes up or down. Not only is it a practical gadget to save you from burning your mouth, the ultra cute mug-hugging monkey is something that will bring life to your morning cuppa.