Dishes become a work of art, and this art is truly delectable: focus on a movement that is gaining weight. 

Maison&Objet's Observatoire has completed its 13th inspirations booklet, with a focus on simplicity; it's a preview of the trends and influences to watch for in 2009 in the design world.

Designers are playing with toy soldiers and transforming the plastic figures into decorative and whimsical items. British designer Reiko Kaneko has commandeered three soldiers into a circle to protect an egg; the result being a playful egg cup that can be purchased on her website.

The Japanese have long been aware of the value of their crafts, a heritage they do not hesitate to modernize to meet the needs of contemporary creation.

Nature's calling is strong, and designers are finding their inspiration in the trees to create branch-like and leafy decorative items, a recurring theme in the aisles of the dense forest at Maison&Objet.

Seen at the Maison&Objet show: geometry that is precariously balanced; this marks a departure from the round and voluptuous shapes that dominated the world of design these past years.

The biennial Parisian rendez-vous Maison & Objet (M&O) proves once again that decorating plays a major role in the consumption activities of wealthy countries and those on their way; more than 3400 exhibitors (400 of which were part of the Paris Meuble show, recently transferred back to the M&O show) are presenting their latest products to buyers and the media.

Chocolate is a material like every other; designers and chocolate makers are increasingly proving this point by combining their skills to create objects that are as attractive as they are edible.

During the past few years, Italian design - both sober and chic - has stood in direct opposition to the design language of the Dutch, which has been ornamental and poetic; now, reunited at the Milan Furniture Fair, these two worlds are complementing and completing each other.

In the fifties, Harry Bertoia was at the top of his game.