To walk into a Maison Balzac store is to fall in love with a very special world. Where everyday objects become whimsical portals that can whisk one into a place of playfulness and adventure. We are delighted that Maison Balzac will be part of DESIGNER DISTRICT at Decor + Design 2026, 15 – 17 July at Melbourne Exhibition Centre. This will be a beautifully curated area featuring sought-after designers including Kate Nixon, Diane Bergeron, Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and Bonnie and Neil. Register now as a trade visitor and start planning your trip!

Founder of Maison Balzac, French-born / Australian dwelling Elise Pioch Balzac has built a globally recognised brand around whimsy, ritual, scent and the poetry of everyday objects. We asked Elise to tell us about her journey into homewares, her inspirations and how she has stayed true to her creative vision…plus what visitors can expect to see at the show!

Elise, tell us about your background in the design world before Maison Balzac…

I’ve always had a sensibility to details and an eye for pretty & unusual things – may it be in nature, fashion, interior or gastronomy. At the age of 22, after 4 years studying French Literature at university I decided to
embrace my passion and moved to Paris to study Fashion Management at The IFM school (French Fashion Institute). This is when I properly learnt pattern making, design, history of fashion, negotiation, textile and commerce.

Then aged 24 I entered the world of Hermes as one of their womenswear’s press officers. There I encountered an exceptional level of genuine story telling, craftmanship and poetry in design. I am quite adventurous so after four years at Hermes I moved to Australia and became a fashion buyer.

I was buying 200 collections per year so I had to take quick decisions in showrooms, which relied a lot on intuition as well as numeric forecasts. All these experiences gave me the confidence to finally start my own house in 2012, in Sydney, with the aim do translate a certain nostalgia for my very happy childhood in France into the design of objects for the everyday. Fourteen years later, I am still having so much pleasure in sharing my positive and playful emotions thanks to every collection we launch.

Maison Balzac began with a collection of candles inspired by moments from your life in France. How did the brand evolve from fragranced candles into a broader world of objects and experiences?

From the very first day I knew that I was building the story of my life through the medium of scents and other objects. This is why I named my brand Maison Balzac, “maison” meaning house in French. Year after year I move through the many rooms of my childhood house to recreate the enchanting and welcoming spirit
that my family infused in our daily lives.

I had to start with one category of products and perfumed candles felt like the most powerful choice. I was right! From there people really understood my story, my vision, so I gladly added other categories, with the same style and intention always.

There’s a strong sense of whimsy, joy and nostalgia running through your work. Why do you think people crave an emotional connection in everyday objects?

I think that people can detect genuine, authentic emotions/stories and once they find that, there is a beautiful element of trust and consistency between them and this narrative. It is becoming rarer to find brands with design integrity (i.e. who don’t copy other brands) and a personal point of view. I definitely offer that so people truly feel the sentiments and come back for more season after season. We all need a bit of joy, naivety and pure emotions!

Image: Maison Balzac

You have built a very distinct aesthetic and creative vision. How do you stay true to that as the brand expands and goes global?

As you can tell form my previous answers, my entire story is based on my personal memories, experiences and taste so as long as I stay true to this, Maison Balzac will continue to enchant domestically and globally.

I do not try to please customers based on different markets, I am only aiming to please the little girl inside me who loved telling stories surrounded by nature and a loving family.

What’s your favourite piece in your current collections?

Image: Maison Balzac

I am completely in love with our triple cube candle holder because it is so simple yet so powerful. Decorated with emerald green dinner candles, it becomes a focal point on any table.

Maison Balzac will be exhibiting at DESIGNER DISTRICT 2026. What can visitors expect to see at your stand?

I have imagined a very warm, inviting and slightly eccentric booth because – as usual – I would like to draw people
into my world. We have curated a collection that clearly tells who we are and we look forward to meeting new friends to share our stories with!

Don’t miss Maison Balzac’s magical stand at Decor + Design 2026, 15 – 17 July at Melbourne Exhibition Centre! Register now to visit and start planning your trip!