Reflections on Deco Off- 2025

When it comes to fine art, context matters. You study the context of the world and the artist’s personal environment to better understand the work of art. Good interior design is no different: context matters. The inside of the space needs to align with and complement the architecture of the building itself, as well as the surrounding area and local vibe. And so I am finding a hard time separating the beautiful new product introductions and the amazing set of designers I was there to share them with from the context of what is occurring in the world around us at this very moment in time.

I had the opportunity for intimate, individual interactions with many of our European lines. I was asked questions about what I thought the effects of highly publicized tariff threats would have on their imports into the U.S. market. I was asked about what I thought would be the state of the U.S. economy this year. About what interest rates and the housing market would do. And that is only as it relates to the financial/ business side of things.

How do you answer these questions? The reality, is I am not sure. I can see why they are concerned about the evolving international business climate in the year ahead.

And then, there was the context of the California wildfires. We had multiple lines and partners from Southern California and the Greater LA area to meet with while in Paris. Luckily, they had not had their homes or businesses personally impacted by the fires, yet. However, everyone in that area knows many that have been personally impacted and who lost everything. Going through raw devastation like that and seeing the destruction first-hand has a way of humbling each of us. Giving us the, often-times necessary, reminder that our things are just things. That our time on the planet is limited. That our planet is fragile. That we need to help our neighbors. To rebuild. To be grateful for the most basic things we often take for granted. Our health. Our loved ones. A warm bed. A meal to share. Safety.

In the midst of all this, was Deco Off the truly inspirational, annual migration of top American designers to Paris each January that it promised to be? Of course. All the biggest names in Interior Design were there, and none of the new collections and new launches disappointed. At Ernest Gaspard, we can’t wait to show the new and stunning collections from the likes of Casamance (who is launching a great natural brand, called ISSE, this summer), Hartmann & Forbes (the new collaboration with Barbara Barry is coming to you this March), Fischbacher 1819 (new collaborations and innovative use of textiles), 1838 Wallcoverings (a new V&A III Collection), Texture (new wall tiles made of natural materials to share), Wind, ILIV, and Johnstons of Elgin - and so many others! Stop by the Ernest Gaspard Showroom in Atlanta sometime soon, or one of our amazing road reps will come see you in the coming weeks in your local studio so you can take a look at all of this innovative beauty and new introductions yourself.

When I returned from Paris, the entire South was hit by a snow storm and freezing weather. Places that do not typically get snow (think New Orleans, and Dallas, and Hilton Head) now getting unexpected snow fall and historically cold temps. This was a reminder that, even in the midst of all the incredible new product being introduced by our partners at Deco Off this year, the environment around us is changing. We need design and those leading our industry to help us navigate the way forward in this uncertain environment and future ahead. Come stop by Ernest Gaspard to learn how some of our partners are doing just that. We cannot wait to show you how, even in the world of interior design, we can work to make our world in general a more sustainable place to be, while enjoying and appreciating the beauty of all that is around us today.

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