Cologne
By Markus Majerus -- Gifts and Dec, 12/1/2009 12:00:00 AM
Imm Cologne, set for January 19–24, is one of Europe's cutting-edge home furnishings and interior design trade fairs. In recent years it has assembled an international panel of design experts to project key interior trends for the coming year. One key influence noted is the economic crisis and how different individuals respond to it. The panel presents four key interior design directions, each with a different aesthetic:
Trickery
This is "Design against Design" where products and furniture are driven by artistic rather than market-oriented motives; it is a rebellion against the slickness of the design world. Things look pieced together, maybe even primitive. There are hybrids between furniture types and plastics are combined with natural materials: bubblewrap or acrylic combined with recycled leather or wooden materials and cork. Colors are dulled down and more experimental. Key is a toned down shade of lilac, complemented by apricot or a reddish earthy brown, as well as succulent green, pistachio and a summery sky blue.
Rehab
Implying "Purism as Self-Therapy," this is a Back to Basics trend where furniture and rooms are stripped of all comfort and ornamentation. After this "rehabilitation treatment," what remains are skeletal forms and white walls; the naked form becomes the starting point for redevelopment using innovative materials and techniques. This trend is characterized by angular, functional shapes with an occasional experimental curve, and adjustable or folding features. The dominant color is muted yellow with a hint of curry against backgrounds of shades of white and gray.
Discipline
This is "A Return to Reason" where luxury is no longer sought in comfort but in formal and qualitative consistency. Forms are not only beautiful, but innovative and functional. It is characterized by Bauhaus classics and quality workmanship. Slender furniture is more rounded and has few edges. Materials are authentic: wood, leather, ceramic and woven fabrics. Key colors are antique pink going toward beige, accompanied by a dark green-black, deep ocean blue, gray with a light touch of lavender, tea-colored brown and sandy beige.
Comfort Zone
"Consoling and Cuddly," Comfort Zone provides a sense of retreat to a voluminous wing chair with a cup of tea. It includes elements of English nostalgia, motifs derived from scrapbooking and handcrafting influences and rounded shapes. It includes colorful, traditional ornamentation. Materials, such as shag carpets, crushed and quilted fabrics and ceramic tile, imply coziness as well as durability. Key colors are earthy brown accented with blackberry, mustard yellow, ruby red and finch green.
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Imm-Cologne
Jan 13, 2011 -
Cologne
Dec 1, 2008
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