Germany

'Power consumers of the future'”, as future researcher Horx calls them, are paying more attention to the origin of products, and are prepared to pay extra for ethical products. They are acting responsibly as consumers — not just for their own sake, but for the sake of the environment and the next generation.

Furnishing and giftware manufacturers are targeting this market. Whereas some suppliers are re-adjusting to the theme of sustainability, others can claim an authentic tradition. Lambert, a German manufacturer of furniture and home accessories, celebrated 40 years in the business in July 2007. From its inception, the company has campaigned for the preservation of traditional craftsmanship, working with in-house designers and seeking manufacturers that produce the traditional crafts of their country. This creates a Lambert style that is constantly being redefined as somewhere between ethnic and country house.

Wood, leather and other natural materials are clearly dominant in the furnishing sector. In addition to gray, differing shades of brown, white and black are the dominant colors. Brass and copper are firm favorites where trendy colors and materials are concerned.

Parallel to a new naturalness, Baroque opulence and black, lilac and red products with a glamour factor remain popular. They are combined with ornaments, crystal, paste and silver. Kare Design includes two nostalgic lifestyle worlds in their winter collection, which takes a look at the metropolitan chic of the Thirties.

Aside from ethically correct products, the spotlight in decorative and gift items is on original, comical ideas. Here, the familiar is taken out of context, whimsically put to a new use, given a new function. A wall clock takes on the guise of a gold disc, high-class radios are encased in bright red foam covers, and expensive key rings get a traditional button fastening. Individual products with emotive messages are especially popular.

Claudia Herke of style agency bora.herke Berlin/Frankfurt knows that trends are far more than just new products. “Trends are the essence of a diversity of options — a cocktail of the most diverse style directions.” Based on this premise, creative brains Claudia Herke and Cem Bora have developed, out of the definitive trends and influences, four ground-breaking themes that will be presented at Ambiente 2008.

The trend themes for the year ahead are clean and pure, decorative and reduced, playful and intensive, and natural and innovative. Each finds expression in its own color and style mix, and is featured in both innovative and basic products.

Next fair: Ambiente Messe Frankfurt — Frankfurt, February 9–12, 2008. n