fbpx
Close

An interview with Philippe Delhomme at Maison&Objet 2025

We discuss the new approach of Maison&Objet in 2025 at the fair with the Chairman of SAFI

Philippe Delhomme, SAFI

This year, the fair has a different approach. Can you explain why this year Maison&Objet has focused on hospitality during the January fair in Paris?

Philippe Delhomme: Initially with Maison&Objet, we presented during the event all the different sectors relating to decoration. We attract three different profiles of visitors. First, we are obviously attracting people who are owner of small retailers, independent retailers and big buyers from very large retail department stores. The second type of profile is architects. What we noticed is that there are more and more architects who are not only focusing on residential, but also on hotels, restaurants, catering areas and so on. It’s why we gave more visibility for the hospitality sector.

A lot of exhibitors are also now developing products not only for the residential profile type of visitor and buyers, but for hospitality too. This is why we have decided to push this segment. We have organised  a specific area under the event which is named Hotel Uchronia, which is done with the Uchronia studio, who is a quite well-known designer, which is fully dedicated to hospitality, because we have asked him, uh, to present his views and his thinking relating to hotels and how a hotel should be organised, complete with a room, a lobby, spa area, and so on.

Can you tell us a little more about this new initiative on Women in Design?

Philippe Delhomme: We’ve noticed that women are more and more important in driving new trends and thinking in décor, which led to the development of ‘Women in Design’, which is a new initiative by Maison&Objet. Our objective is to bring together women who are influencing new trends in design and to make them more well known. Thanks to Maison&Objet, we are able to connect with the key people to achieve this. Right now, we are implementing it in France and we hope to organise a similar dinner in Dubai. We are thinking of Dubai because there are lots of very interesting initiatives and young designers who are bringing new ideas. Our intention is to give them an international platform.

Can you tell us little bit about Maison&Objet’s plans for the Middle East?

Dewdrops table by Karim+Elias, part of the UAE Design Oasis at Maison&Objet

Philippe Delhomme: We have had several visitors to Maison&Objet from people in the Middle East. Year on year we have discovered new talents in product design. Keeping this in mind, we have brought in a new stand of UAE Designers this year. I’m pleased to have it, because there is a nice expression of new and talented people in design from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are key for us to bring new and talented designers to Maison&Objet. We are not only focusing on trying to bring more people as visitors, but also to showcase the new designers who are coming in from the region. On top of that, we are looking to do a capsule version of Maison&Objet in Dubai, presenting the brand. This is still in the planning stage. We are also targeting the Saudi Arabian market as there are a lot of upcoming talented designers there.

The Latest
Sharjah Architecture Triennial 2026

Sharjah Architecture Triennial 2026 – Curators Announced

Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) announces Vyjayanthi Rao as curator of its third edition (SAT03), joined by Tau Tavengwa as associate curator.

Framed Allure

Architecture meets art at this stunning villa on the Palm Jumeirah

Highlights from Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025

Here’s a recap of the new and notable novelties and exhibits at Salone del Mobile.Milano and Fuorisalone

An insider’s guide to Downtown Design Riyadh

Here’s what to look out for at the Kingdom’s first fair for original and high-quality contemporary design, running from 20 to 23 May 2025

Maison&Objet

Maison&Objet hosts Women&Design Dinner in Dubai

The dinner was the first of its kind in the Middle East that connected female industry professionals

Wander and Wonder

Inside the Foster + Partners designed Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pavilion at Expo2025 Osaka

Efie Gallery

New Roots for Efie Gallery

Efie Gallery relocates to Alserkal Avenue and hosts the Middle Eastern debut of María Magdalena Campos-Pon’s solo exhibition

Read ‘Innovation in Design’ – Note from the editor – May 2025

This month, we shed light on innovation and what propels the industry in terms of creativity.

Palm Jebel Ali frond

Nakheel partners with six top architects to design bespoke Beach Collection villas on Palm Jebel Ali

These internationally and locally renowned architecture firms will bring to life 10 distinct villas

id most wanted – April

Designed by Antoine Grulier and crafted by 13Desserts, Byblos is a versatile aluminium piece that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics.

The Hari Hong Kong Design

Tara Bernerd & Partners Design An Elegant Retreat in Vibrant Hong Kong with AXOR

Understated Luxury Meets Urban Heritage at the Hari Kong Kong

A Fusion of Sustainability and Design

Marcantonio’s Terra pouf for Natuzzi Italia is a statement of conscious craftsmanship