Comfort Cologne style
January 21, 2015"Women love pillows, men prefer clear-cut forms." That, in a nutshell, is the result of a study on interior design recently undertaken by the Hamburg-based Otto-Versand, a leading German online department store. And if you want proof you'll find it at the IMM Cologne furniture fair, where around 1,300 exhibitors from 50 countries are presenting approximately 100,000 pieces of furniture and furnishings until January 25.
The exhibitors are going all out to capture the attention of attendees - including visually overwhelming and raucous multimedia shows that rattle the furniture. It appears plain old bed and chair displays just don't cut it these days.
Some visitors may wonder whether living has only become possible in virtual spheres. However, interior design expert Ursula Geismann of the Association of German Furniture Industry argues otherwise. "People want to breathe at home," she said. "They withdraw from the hustle and bustle of everyday life."
Slowing down seems to be the magic word, according to Geismann. The major trend towards "coziness" should be seen as a reaction to globalization, terrorism and the rampant loss of regional identity, she argues.
Getting comfortable
So how does that translate in practice? In Geismann's view, customers seeking relaxation put a lot of emphasis on appropriate details such as the shape and other aesthetic properties of furniture. In vogue this year are warm colors and cuddly fabrics. Natural materials such as wool and wood are in high demand. Even floor tiles presented at the fair have a warm touch to them this year.
Also in high demand are large, soft couches piled with as many pillows as possible. That is believed to stimulate the senses.
Sofas and chairs have visibly lost some of the angularity and coldness which had been fashionable until recently. They have gained in gracefulness, their curved shapes and rounded silhouettes now somewhat reminiscent of the homely 1950s and 60s aesthetics.
And accessories are of course mandatory - such as small side tables, cushions, poufs and stools which are equally soft in shape and material. The trend very much confirms the slogan of this year's fair: "Design and comfort - it was never a contradiction!"
Cool was yesterday
The former rigor, austerity and coldness of furniture design has passed and comfort and coziness have made a comeback. The same applies to kitchen design: More than 200 national and international exhibitors from 22 countries are presenting their kitchen designs at the "Living Kitchen" exhibition of the Cologne fair.
They show all kinds of innovations for kitchens ranging from appliances, sinks and faucets to countertops, lamps and accessories. The dominant trend here: the kitchen as part of the "Smart Home" - aka, the computer-controlled home.
Another find from the Otto-Versand study was that furniture should not only look good but must also be practical. And, of course, price plays a crucial role. According to the survey, older couples without children are able and prepared to spend the most on furniture. On average, in five years such a couple are able to outlay around 10,500 euros ($12,000) for furniture, whereas a young couple can only spend around 6,100 euros.
Indeed, the furniture fair in Cologne has once again confirmed that comfort comes at a price.
The furniture fair IMM Cologne / Living Kitchen in Cologne runs until January 25.