Cologne Abuzz: International Furniture Fair a Motivation Boost for the Industry
As in 2003, the 2004 Cologne furniture fair once again took the opportunity to usher in new design trends.Over 120,000 visitors were on hand at the imm cologne to see what 1,368 companies from 48 countries had to offer, confirming the furniture industry’s optimistic forecasts. The branch is looking forward to fair weather ahead, with sales expected to grow by 2 to 3 percent.
Tomorrow’s Trends Today
The trends on display at this year’s imm cologne underscored the focus on the individual, cultural influences and hybrid forms. And it seems that we haven’t yet got enough of "cocooning". Especially when designing their own homes customers show that they have lucid ideas and place clear demands on design, materials, workmanship, function and colour selection, with the spotlight trained on products and inspiration for individual design possibilities in particular.
Many manufacturers turned back the clock to revive nearly forgotten designs, and the general trend seems to be moving away from purism. Furniture is bulking up again and visibly gaining in sitting comfort. Clean patterns, simple shapes and large sizes in tables and upholstered furnishings remain the design juggernauts of 2004 as well.
Design Attracts the Public
The focus of the show, which featured high-class designer furniture to tried-and-true classics, was once again on design, unmistakably illustrated by the show’s numerous events: The "ideal houses cologne" of the two pairs of brothers Humberto and Fernando Campana from Brazil and Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec from France caused a singular sensation. Young, up-and-coming designers wowed the public with fresh and bold ideas in the international competition "inspired by cologne". For the "interior innovation award", the jury, made up of international and reputed design experts, selected not only the most innovative products, but also the best young designer. The lectures, trend reports and discussion forums held within the context of "informed by cologne" also proved to be a real draw. It seems design was, is and always will be "en vogue".
