Three Layer Cake

Imm-Cologne 2007

Was there big change in the “Pure” pavilion of imm-Cologne 2007 over the last year?  Not much!  There’s a lot of sympathy for the argument that the big fairs, like Milan’s Salone del Mobile, would present much more innovative design if they took place every two years, relieving the push to put out something new each season as if interiors were catwalks.

 
The visual impact of the interiors proposed at this year’s fair communicated warmth and personalization.  Interiors look lived in, comfortable (soft), inviting.  There was less emphasis on luxury in most cases, and more on an interior which looks thoughtfully furnished and personal.

In the fair:

 
Colors:  black and white, berry, aubergine, lime green, red, orange, and turquoise, naturals (beige, sand, ecru) 

Surfaces:  Lacquered/high gloss, decorated (floral images), wood grain
 
Materials:  Wood (solid and veneers, dark and light, tinted and natural), ceramics, recycled materials, marble, crystal 

Motifs/Patterns:  flowers, layers (stacked effect:  Above, the counter from the Swedese stand which borrows an element of the Breeze side table to make a stunning visual effect), stripes, circles, ribbon, fringe, 1960s and early 1970s, contrasting stitching (contrasting stitching also used as the decorative pattern on an upholstered item)

Special mention:  tree shaped hat racks/coat stands, unique radiators, small round side tables (30cm – 50cm diameter), side tables, sectional sofas, poufs (ottoman)/foot stools (put your feet up!), fringed lamps, flat packed furnishings, loft living.  Last year’s laser cut theme has toned down considerably.  The flowers which were micro in dimension have now become macro— moving from decoration on smaller accessories to walls, flooring, and upholstery (incorporated within the weave, added on top, or digitally reproduced).

The Ideal Homes were futuristic (Hadid) and sterile (Fukasawa), not at all close to inspiring nor ideal… 

Outside of the fair and across the street from the fair (unaffiliated with imm) was Design Post.  The most memorable aspect of this large open space was Droog Design’s corner…

For more coverage and images of imm Cologne, visit MoCoLoco