Maison&Objet (M&O) Paris is set to shine once again as it welcomes Julien Sebban and his trailblazing design studio, Uchronia, to reimagine hospitality through their signature blend of artistry, creativity, and joy. Known for their transformative work in retail, hospitality, and residential projects, Uchronia injects vibrancy into every space they touch, planting metaphorical flowers that spread delight and excitement.
This January, Julien Sebban and his team return to M&O to unveil a fresh perspective on ‘What’s New? In Hospitality,’ delivering a multi-sensory showcase that promises to captivate audiences and inspire the industry.
At just 20-something, Julien Sebban founded Uchronia in 2019 after graduating from London’s prestigious Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA). Uchronia, born from Sebban’s graduation project, represents a timeless escape, urging us to question the boundary between fiction and reality. Its spaces—flowing with organic forms, bold colors, and floral motifs—offer a refuge from the burdens of daily life.
The studio, comprised of eight talented architects and designers, has rapidly gained acclaim in diverse sectors, from retail and hospitality to private residences. Notable projects include crafting a new visual identity for Sonia Rykiel’s flagship store, designing Forest restaurant in the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, and the intimate Japanese bistro Unagi. Their innovative approach earned them the honor of creating Café Uchronia for M&O 2022—a whimsical pink, orange, and purple space featuring floral-inspired furniture that celebrated their love for bold colors and flowing shapes. The studio is also renowned for its iconic furniture pieces, such as the playful Cookie and Peanut coffee tables and the Sunny armchair, handcrafted by master artisans.
For the upcoming Maison&Objet exhibition, Julien Sebban and his team are tasked with an exciting challenge: envisioning the future of hospitality in 2025. Centered around the theme of ‘surrealism,’ they will create an inspiring, otherworldly space that invites visitors to explore the boundless possibilities of design and creativity.
Q&A with Julien Sebban
01. What recent projects have you been working on?
Our studio has been involved in some thrilling projects recently. During Paris Design Week, we designed an installation at Hôtel de la Marine, featuring a grand four-poster bed in the main courtyard as a tribute to its historic role as the royal furniture repository. We also collaborated with Monoprix to launch an accessible furniture collection while continuing to innovate new creations with master artisans.
In retail design, we designed the Koibird boutique in London and Shin, a Korean café in Paris founded by chef Julien Sebbag and pastry chef Shin Eun Jung. Excitingly, we’ve been invited to design a scenography for next year’s Coachella Music Festival, where we will showcase some of our large-scale sculptures—marking a significant milestone for our studio.
02. What does ‘surrealism’ mean to you?
This year’s theme, ‘surrealism’ represents a magical escape and captivating allure for me. In a world visibly in crisis, it offers a transcendent experience, much like the universe we create—a call to pursue an existence beyond reality. This parallels the essence of hospitality, where each hotel stay feels like a brief suspension of time, a moment almost fictional in its detachment from daily life.
03. How did you design the ‘What’s New? In Hospitality’ exhibition area?
We approached the design of What’s New? In Hospitality with a radically unconventional mindset. In this 200-square-meter space, we reimagined a surrealist-inspired hotel, breaking traditional boundaries in room shapes, layouts, and furnishings. The resulting designs feel as though they’ve stepped out of Alice in Wonderland.
We redefined the gym experience by customizing Technogym equipment and yoga mats, seamlessly integrating them into terrace, lobby, and smoking room settings. The exhibition even includes a bedroom and bathroom, where visitors might encounter pink water flowing from the taps—an unexpected touch of whimsy.
Objects sourced from Maison&Objet exhibitors are displayed in a library-like setting, creating an unconventional yet inspiring showcase. To enhance the immersive experience, we paid particular attention to scent and sound design, ensuring the space fully engages visitors’ senses.
04. What is your relationship with M&O?
Our relationship with Maison&Objet is one of deep respect and admiration. It’s an iconic institution in the design world that embraced us early on, providing a platform to showcase our creativity. From designing cafés for past editions of the exhibition to hosting installations at Hôtel de Sully and Hôtel de la Marine during Paris Design Week, each project has been a unique challenge and an opportunity to push our stylistic boundaries.
Maison&Objet is more than a venue; it’s a vibrant community that inspires creativity, fosters connections, and facilitates business opportunities, linking us with design and lifestyle professionals worldwide.
Event Information
M&O Paris 2025 Spring Edition
Dates: January 16–20, 2025
Location: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center
Sourced from Our China Media Partner 77° Global Furnishings Media
