The simple art of living
At the imm international furnishings show in Cologne, designers are showing off their latest creations. Individuality, creativity and naturalness are in the spotlight this year.
Setting up camp
Over-the-top styles and tone-on-tone color on their way out, according to the imm furnishing fair currently in Cologne. The new interiors tell stories - tales of travels to distant lands, of desires, of people. A north Afghani yurt inspired the Kargah Tent, created by Alexander Seifreid for the German company Richard Lampert. The principle: You can live wherever you pitch your tent.
Like in a dream
The artist Jane Worthington created an oversized swing in the form of a sofa for the Dutch manufacturer Leolux. Her cushy design took the Interior Innovation Award at the imm furnishings show in Cologne, and will be on display there through January 19, 2014.
A timeless classic
The armchair was designed by Charles Eames and his wife Ray more than 60 years ago, and it continues to be reinterpreted by new designers. Using wire mesh, Dieter Thiel has created his own outdoor version of the chair for Baden-Württemberg-based furniture manufacturer, Vitra.
Striking Danish designs
Their presence was sorely missed in 2013, but this year they're back in full force. Gubi, Muuto, Norman Copenhagen and many others have unveiled the latest in Scandinavian design. Their trademarks? Natural materials and lots of wood. There aren't any XXL seating landscapes, instead expect small-scale furniture that can actually fit into a real living room.
Dramatic lighting
It's been exactly 50 years since Verner Panton (incidentally also a Dane) had considerable success at the Cologne show with his lamp "Fun." His creation was celebrated by some and mocked by others, but today it's still a best-seller for design company Verpan.
Green living
They're green and sprouting up everywhere at the imm in 2014 - indoor plants are once again in vogue. Canadian manufacturing house Bocci combines two megatrends in this creation: an installation using lights and a sense of naturalness.
Green sleeping
The model Shine, by Italian designer Capo d'Opera, seems to make a statement against the trend towards luxury beds. Instead, the mattress looks like it's in the middle of the jungle. The intentionally crumpled linen creates the impression that its inhabitants have only just got out of bed.
Creative vision for the bathroom
The company Hansgrohe is known for its innovative designs of what was formerly known as the washroom. Here, the German manufacturer turns a shower into a true work of art. Why hide the copper pipes behind a wall, when they can be turned into a sculptural installation?
Hard times
Showers made from copper, lamps of brass - the trend of using metal as a material for interiors is certainly on the way up. Italian company de Castelli has crafted this coffee table from acid-treated iron. The result is a very unusual surface texture, with each new table guaranteed to be completely unique.
Concrete inspiration
This guaranteed weatherproof chair by German company Concrete Urban Design is made from fiberglass concrete. The innovative technology makes it possible to produce furniture without a steel skeleton, creating models that appear light and delicate.
Lighting the way
The Serbian designers behind Supermarket have taken LED technology one step further. They've developed a light filament made up of one surface, instead of lots of individual light sources. At a price of around 50,000 euros, this prototype isn't cheap.
How will we live in the future?
For the third year in a row, the furnishings show has invited a young, international designer to deck out the interior of a whole house. In 2014, Danish-English designer Louise Campbell came up with the concept of one big open area, with no rooms or separate functional spaces. This kitchen, for example, could also be a workshop, suggesting that ultimately cooking is also a type of craft.