Maison et Objet 2016: Coolest Design Fair

Nine standout pieces from 2016’s trendsetting French design show Maison et Objet, held recently in Paris

THE PHRASE “MAISON ET OBJET” doesn’t translate gracefully into English (“House and Thing”? “Home and Object”?). But the sprawling French trade fair touting the latest in interior and product design has become a fluent signifier of global savoir faire—and an increasingly citywide event. Last week, buyers and the press descended on Paris to scope out major trends (back-to-nature primitivism), big-name previews (designer Patricia Urquiola’s Deco-inspired desk accessories for Georg Jensen), techy novelties (Lumio’s diary-shaped lamp/phone charger) and covetable new essentials (Hermès’s jungle-themed porcelain). Here, our picks for the best in show.

Pierre Charpin Slice Chair by Ligne Roset and Ottoman

Pierre Charpin’s 1998 cult hit, newly reissued by Ligne Roset, can be configured as a simple club chair (shown in green-yellow-and-red) or, with the additions of a few ottomans, a room-filling Slinky. Pierre Charpin Slice Chair by Ligne Roset, from $2,670, and Ottoman, from $840 each, available Feb. 6 for preorder at Ligne Roset, 212-375-1036

Marino Two-Seater Sofa

Radiating Nordic cool, Ercol’s petite sofa in solid steam-bent ash has ski-jump arms and a graceful spindle back that makes it a looker from behind. Marino Two-Seater Sofa, from $3,320, preorder at A+R, 800-913-0071

Nika Zupanc Infinity Clock by Bosa

The focus stays squarely on the present in Nika Zupanc’s stoplight-red ceramic clock, which will rock on its arced supports if you tap it gently. Nika Zupanc Infinity Clock by Bosa, about 17 inches tall, from $543, preorder at Duplex, 917-803-9103

Jaime Hayon The Palette Desk JH9 by &tradition

For this desk inspired by the sculptures of Alexander Calder, Jaime Hayon has set two tiers—one a stained-ash bean shape, the other a disk of either marble or brass—atop powder-coated steel legs. An artful station for workaday chores. Jaime Hayon The Palette Desk JH9 by &tradition, $3,750, preorder at Suite NY, 877-278-4836

La Boite Concept LP 160

Whether you stream your music or spin it, La Boite Concept’s high-fidelity speaker console will package it with style: a leather top, black-lacquer finish and raked legs give the eight-speaker plug-and-play system (with space for a turntable) the profile of a handsome writing desk. La Boite Concept LP 160, $4,150, preorder at A+R, 800-913-0071

Mid Century Fever

Monocles Sideboard

Arturo Erbsman Chroma Table Lamp

Like choose-your-own-adventure stained glass, Roche Bobois’s table lamp projects LED light through jewel-colored scrims—reconfigurable acetate panels—on a compact metal rack. Arturo Erbsman Chroma Table Lamp, $1,420, for locations and to preorder, go to roche-bobois.com

Neri&Hu Cabinet of Curiosity by Stellar Works

This slim, multipurpose walnut cabinet rests on a trolley for easy wheeling. Includes metal-mesh sides and sliding glass doors in front and back. Neri&Hu Cabinet of Curiosity by Stellar Works, $3,980, DWR, 800-591-6965