The quirky collection

Paris is always a good idea. No wonder, Maison et Objet 2018 spread over five days, saw 64,591 professionals and more than 3,000 brands, from 64 countries. This year's theme was "Welcome to the Jungle" making designers and brands go all out, with large stuffed heads, fossils and artificial greens. Here are the highlights.Objects Of DesireShowcasing eclecticism were French designers, Alexis and Pauline who launched AP Collection (www.apcollection.be) to find the match between design and uniqueness. They created art furniture embellished with stuffed animals and animal skins. In contrast, designer of the year (elected by Masion et Objet, Paris) Cecilie Manz (www.ceciliemanz.com), a Danish industrial designer was unapologetically clean. Her design sensibility though European was also influenced by Japan. In her pieces one enjoyed the absolute simplicity of functional design. She exhibited existing products and new designs that fell between sculptural ideas and functional tools. Belgian-born Parisian Luc Druez (www.lcd-textile-edition.com) created a unique wire roller blind. With a background in textile research and consultancy, his work experimented with mixing natural and technical fibres to maximise their uniqueness under light. It was amazing to see silk textures and colours being brought to life through innovation of fabrics.

An oversized French bull dog and apple drew eyeballs to the stall by German-brand Hoff Interieur

Old Material, New LookAmsterdam-based Derkan Atakan and John Ter Riet created Stoned (www.stonedmarble.com) to re-introduce marble in modern interiors as a contemporary product, designed in timeless black, white and trendy pink. Home essentials like bowls, candlesticks and serving boards were redesigned to look slick and stylish. Jonathan Rogers (www.jonathanrogers.co.uk) from the UK also devised a way to overlay multiple colours on clear glass through the cold-working process (using traditional handmade glass blowing techniques). The cut large bulbs looked stunning.

Mad Chair from AP Collection

The Brand WagonVarious design brands showcased their new ranges. Italy-based Seletti's (www.seletti.it) collection of tribal mirrors made it to scenographer Vincent Gregoire's, inspiration room. Their famous monkey lamps, bold prints in wallpapers and upholstery also drew attention. German-brand Hoff Interieur (www.hoff-interieur.de) was flamboyant yet quirky, showcasing a collection with the passion of an eighties rock star. The oversized French bull dog and apple would make a statement anywhere. Drama reigned supreme at the France-based Forestier Lighting (www.forestier.fr) that showcased delicate lights against a floral back drop.

Seletti's famous monkey lights

At www.maison-objet.com/en

The author is Interior designer, Founder and Editor, Design Pataki, Mumbaiwww.designpataki.com