The Parisian Influence
Highlighting the Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain Hotel where we stayed - click here to view their galerie.
“One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things".
Each year, our team travels to events and trade shows, immersing ourselves in the latest design trends and innovations. These moments are more than just showcases - they are a wellspring of inspiration for the upcoming year. Our design process is deeply personalized, tailored to each client’s unique vision, ensuring no two designs are ever alike. This commitment to individuality drives our constant search for fresh ideas and inspiration.
As a European-inspired brand, we knew that Deco Off located in the heart of Paris was the only decision for this years journey. Deco Off is a trade-exclusive event which showcases more than 150 brands in fabrics, wallpapers, and trimmings - specifically international companies. Their mission is to celebrate the beauty and innovation of fine craftsmanship.
Each year there is a new edition. The watchword for 2025 was “fashion” - being inspired by the people of the world and how they brand themselves in it. This spoke to us since our brand is based on Angela’s passion for fashion and design.
To learn more about our brand, read more about Our Story.
Featuring our latest textile line - audacious.
Audacious.
Our goal at any trade show that we attend is focusing on new brands. What is new? What is different? What can we bring home that will fit our clientele? Our favorite from this trip was the collection Audacious. This Belgian company offers interior textiles that have a sense of imperfection that complements their love for natural materials and casual, untreated looks.
This new collection was inspired by the dynamic relationship between humans, nature, and sunlight. Lightweight linen drapery catches a breeze through the window, while ever-moving sunlight creates a dance of light and shadow on a structurally upholstered bench. In this interplay of fabric and sunlight, the collection honours one of nature’s most fundamental elements – light – emphasizing its movement, presence and transformative power.
Not only was it being displayed as interior textile but as garments as well. How natural materials - wools, linens, cottons, cashmeres - can be used in every part of your lifestyle.
To view more inspiration in fashion and interiors - view our Pinterest.
Fashion meets lifestyle.
Not only were we exposed to new fashion trends within the showrooms, but on the streets of Paris as well. In the United States, interior design and fashion go hand in hand. The styles and innovations we create are often inspired by high-end fashion. Within months, these influences appear in retail displays everywhere. For instance, the vibrant red featured in every store window today originated from the 2022 vogue article reading that red is “back” and brought into interiors quickly after.
Yet in Paris, we are seeing that there is a stark difference. While their fashion is neutral and classic, their interiors are extravagant. For fashion, the street styles are conservative, neutral, yet still a statement. The streets of Paris resonate with a sophistication that prioritizes subtlety—tailored coats, muted color palettes, and quality fabrics make up the backbone of their everyday wear.
In contrast, the interiors of Paris tell a different story. Ornate moldings, rich textures, and bold color choices define their spaces, creating an atmosphere of opulence. Here, eclectic pieces are mixed harmoniously, with vintage finds placed alongside contemporary art. Light fixtures shimmer, and fabrics are layered, contributing to an aesthetic that transcends mere functionality.
Throughout our travels through Paris, it was challenging to pick our top 3 interiors. Yet, we narrowed it down to give you exclusive recommendations for must see interiors in Paris.
Gigis Restaurant - tap to view.
The most stunning restaurant in Paris - Gigis. Hands down the best service, aesthetic, food, and ambience. Designer, Hugo Toro, designed the space to be a “Parisian dream” with live music.
Design tip - velvet does not equal winter! As designers, we hear from our clients that velvet on their upholstery or accent textiles feels cold, winter, and too luxurious. Yet, Gigis was the perfect example of creating a visually interesting space that opted for texture rather than pattern.
Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain Hotel - tap to view.
Our hotel, the Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain Hotel felt like a home away from home. It captured the essence of true hospitality and chic design.
Design tip - mixing large scale geometrics with floral. Our clients will attest that we love to use pattern play in accent tiles. Yet, one combination we had never thought of is large scale geometrics paired with a Ralph Lauren inspired floral. This combination with a moody crushed velvet was the perfect combination for a relaxing library setting and a glass of Sancerre.
Ralphs Cafe- tap to view.
In Paris, we encourage you to taste the local cuisine - Cafe Louise, Maison Sauvage, or Cafe de Flore. Yet, here at Mackenzie & Co., we are always inspired by Ralph Lauren. Therefore, this was a must see on our list. Wooden beams, weathered leather, and raw limestone filled the interior to create an interior inspired by the Southern France countryside.
Design tip - the use of blue and white in a curated way. With our flagship showroom being located on Cape Cod, we do find clients looking for a coastal design more often than not. If you know our team, we do not design coastal with starfish, sea foam green, and driftwood pieces. We are inspired by the luxury of Ralph Lauren - how curated pieces set the space. With sustainability in mind, vintage or heirloom pieces may be incorporated to add a layer of character and charm. These worn items make the design feel special and round out the home for a lived in look. Whether it's a family heirloom or a thrift store find, it's fun to use these one of a kind pieces and give them a new life in your space.
To read more about designing for a coastal home, read our Coastal Grandmother journal to learn more about the lifestyle.
Creating a Personal Brand.
While exploring Parisian culture, studying interiors, and admiring fashion was enjoyable, our biggest takeaway was that every restaurant, hotel, and retail shoppe had its own distinct brand identity. Everything was meticulously branded, from napkins and coasters to tags, employee attire, and even their demeanor.
Branding wasn’t just confined to businesses; it extended to individuals as well. People embodied their own unique personal brands through various elements of self-expression. The way they spoke, their choice of words, and the tone of their voice all contributed to their distinct identity. Their clothing and style choices were deliberate, reflecting their personality and values. Even the scents they wore, whether subtle or bold, became a signature part of who they were. Beyond these tangible aspects, their mannerisms, body language, and the way they carried themselves all played a role in creating a cohesive and memorable personal brand. It was fascinating to see how every detail worked together to tell a story about who they were.
This spoke to us since 2 years ago, we rebranded Mackenzie & Co. Our story begins with our name, Mackenzie. A celebration of her Scottish heritage, the name Mackenzie pays homage to founder Angela Hamwey’s family kinship and milieu that has greatly influenced her aesthetic point of view. Being that often her true home was far away, creating a real sense of home was how she evoked the essence of her most authentic self.
Every day it is our goal to make our clients feel apart of a bespoke unique lifestyle experience that leads them on the journey home. To learn more about our brand - read more about Our Story.
To read more about branding, read our Branding Advice Journal.