I spent the day yesterday infusing myself with a strong dose of design inspiration at the Paris design fair, Maison & Objet. One of the themes permeating the fair is the blend of nature and technology and I was thrilled to see the myraid of products inspired by the blurring of boundaries between indoors and out. Rocks (above) made of felted wool, glass twigs, and materials such as rubber used in the creation of hanging planters. I will share with you some inspiration for thinking outside of the generic planter box:

Love how the grass is suspended in water inside these glass containers.

Reuse and recycle: turning tires into hanging baskets for planting or carrying.

Lots of assemblage on view: the juxtaposing of materials and objects. Gardens indoors and out.

I don’t know, just love how this pure and simple stone is used as a base here. What about placing several of these on the ground in a row or along a wall? The same company has carved out small openings in other stones to use as planters.

I would love to see this fountain on a rooftop or in an urban garden–listen to the soothing flow of water.

Cactose does these modular walls mixing water, light, and vertical gardens. No limit to the ways one can compose the  square modules to create a unique wall assemblage.

I’m forced to share this simple set of hyacinth bulbs…

Again, the influence of “natural” on indoor/outdoor design

Stay tuned for more from Paris….à bientôt!