Tree Roots and Leaves Become Light

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[Maison&Objet] Plant-based Upcycling: Tree Roots and Leaves Become Light

Couro 8 Leaves, pendant handmade from 8 cocoa-colored American palm leaves. Courtesy of Let's Pause.

by Erin Tallman

January 18, 20259 mins

Showcasing its handcrafted lighting products at Maison&Objet, Let鈥檚 Pause exemplifies eco-manufacturing of artisanal pieces by upcycling parts of trees and plants such as the olive tree.

At this year鈥檚 Maison&Objet, the celebrated Parisian trade fair for design and lifestyle, Barcelona-based studio captivated visitors with its innovative, plant-based lighting solutions. Nestled in Hall 5A for home accessories, Let鈥檚 Pause showcased their latest range of handcrafted designs, each a testament to sustainable craftsmanship and environmental respect.

Among the highlights were four standout creations: the Rengo, a cylindrical pendant lamp blending loom and crochet techniques in soft, neutral tones; the Firefly, a portable lamp inspired by the ephemeral beauty of summer fireflies; the newest addition, the Couro Coco, a striking pendant crafted from one or two palm leaves shaped like a coconut shell, radiating an earthy, cacao-hued charm; and the Conti pendant, a sculptural masterpiece crafted from olive tree roots, blending natural textures with timeless design. These pieces exemplify Let鈥檚 Pause鈥檚 commitment to transforming humble, natural materials into functional art.

The Vision Behind Let鈥檚 Pause

Founded 12 years ago by M贸nica Lafuente, Let鈥檚 Pause began as a heartfelt mission to preserve traditional craftsmanship while giving natural materials a new life.

鈥淚鈥檓 not a designer by training,鈥� Lafuente said, 鈥渂ut I felt it was essential to preserve the artisanal knowledge of working with natural fibers like esparto grass.鈥�

She described her work as romantic, rooted in a desire to honor techniques passed down through generations in Spain. Esparto grass, a hardy Mediterranean plant with no English translation, was the starting point for the brand鈥檚 journey.

鈥淚t grows wild, untamed by anyone, and its smell transports you to the countryside,鈥� Lafuente explained.

From crafting armchairs to weaving carpets, esparto grass has become an emblem of Let鈥檚 Pause鈥檚 ethos. The studio鈥檚 first piece, the Turqueta armchair, fused esparto grass with sturdy pine wood to create a durable, eco-conscious design.

Turqueta armchair made from esparto grass and sturdy pine wood. Courtesy of Let's Pause. — Turqueta armchair made from esparto grass and sturdy pine wood. Courtesy of Let’s Pause.

As the brand evolved, so too did its mission. From its beginnings as a small workshop in Spain, Let鈥檚 Pause now collaborates with artisans across regions, upcycling materials such as olive tree roots and palm leaves to craft pieces that honor nature鈥檚 innate beauty.

Maison&Objet Spotlight

This year鈥檚 exhibition highlighted the brand鈥檚 ability to transform natural resources into design objects that are both elegant and practical. At the forefront was the Rengo lamp, which balances loom and crochet techniques using the natural fibers of the fique plant. Its textured cylindrical form radiates a soft light, perfect for cozy interiors.

鈥淔ique is an extraordinary material,鈥� Lafuente noted, describing its strength and versatility. 鈥淣othing goes to waste. Even the fibers unsuitable for weaving are used to create textiles on a manual loom.鈥�

Rengo. Courtesy of Let's Pause. — Rengo. Courtesy of Let’s Pause.

The Firefly lamp charmed visitors with its lightweight portability and vivid color options. Inspired by the fleeting glow of fireflies on summer evenings, the lamp features a rechargeable bulb housed in a delicate yet sturdy structure made from fique fibers.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the kind of piece you take to the garden or a beach picnic with friends,鈥� Lafuente agreed, emphasizing its playful, versatile design.

Firefly. Courtesy of Let's Pause. — Firefly. Courtesy of Let’s Pause.

The newest addition, the Couro Coco, drew attention for its minimalist, organic shape. Made from palm leaves that have fulfilled their natural role of protecting flowers, the lamp represents Let鈥檚 Pause鈥檚 ethos of respecting nature鈥檚 cycles.

鈥淲e work with the natural forms and textures of the material, letting its flexibility and strength guide the design,鈥� Lafuente explained.

The lamp鈥檚 cacao finish and coconut-inspired silhouette make it a striking centerpiece for any space.

Couro Coco. Courtesy of Let's Pause. — Couro Coco. Courtesy of Let’s Pause.

The Conti pendant, meanwhile, offered an impressive blend of natural artistry and customization. Crafted from olive tree roots sustainably harvested from the Mediterranean, the Conti reimagines what lighting can be. The material is carefully cleaned, smoothed, and shaped to retain its organic texture while showcasing the wood鈥檚 rich, earthy tones. What sets the Conti apart is its modular design鈥攅ach pendant consists of 17 root pieces that can be assembled in various ways.

鈥淵ou can configure the pieces like a necklace,鈥� Lafuente explained, 鈥渃reating a light that is entirely unique to your space.鈥�

Each arrangement transforms the lamp鈥檚 look, allowing users to craft their own sculptural masterpiece, making the Conti both an artistic and functional addition to any room.

Conti. Courtesy of Let's Pause. — Conti. Courtesy of Let’s Pause.

A Heartfelt Tribute: The Hummingbird Collection

While Let鈥檚 Pause鈥檚 catalog dazzled visitors, one particularly emotional collection holds special significance for the brand. The Hummingbird Collection, inspired by the vibrant hues of the tiny bird, serves as a tribute to a long-time team member who passed away after a decade of dedicated work.

鈥淚n many cultures, hummingbirds are symbols of love, hope, and positivity,鈥� Lafuente shared. 鈥淲hen someone you cherish is no longer with you, seeing a hummingbird reminds you that their energy and love are still present.鈥�

The collection, rich with vibrant colors and fine craftsmanship, embodies this sentiment. The hues mimic the bird鈥檚 iridescent plumage, creating a line of products that feel both joyful and deeply personal. Though it debuted last year, the collection remains close to the team鈥檚 heart.

鈥淓very time we work on the , it feels like we鈥檙e keeping his spirit alive,鈥� Lafuente said.

For visitors at Maison&Objet, the collection offered a powerful example of how design can transcend utility, connecting deeply with human emotions and memories.

Lighting the Way Forward

Leaf Couro. Courtesy of Let's Pause. — Leaf Couro. Courtesy of Let’s Pause.

Table Couro. Courtesy of Let's Pause. — Leaf Couro. Courtesy of Let’s Pause.

Through its thoughtful designs, Let鈥檚 Pause champions an ethos of sustainability and artistry.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 just create objects; we tell stories,鈥� Lafuente said.

The brand鈥檚 commitment to plant-based upcycling鈥攚hether through the sturdy roots of an olive tree or the protective petals of a palm flower鈥攐ffers a glimpse into a future where design harmonizes with nature. Each piece, handcrafted and sustainable, challenges the fast-paced, disposable mindset of contemporary consumerism.

As Maison&Objet continues to set trends and inspire innovation, Let鈥檚 Pause stands out as a beacon for environmentally conscious craftsmanship. Their collection proves that sustainability doesn鈥檛 have to compromise beauty or functionality鈥攊t can enhance both, lighting up spaces while illuminating a better path for design鈥檚 future.