imm Cologne 2004

red dot online Presents Current Colors, Forms, Materials and Innovations 

The International Furniture Fair Cologne, "imm", traditionally is the leading industry trade fair alongside the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan – undisputed in terms of business, in clear competition with Milan with regard to design, but also with the International Biennale in Kortrijk, Belgium. This year, the number of visitors matched the level of last year: approximately 120,000 people (international professional audience and, on the weekend, all those interested in interior design attended the Cologne fair) this year from January 19-25.

The mood is in sync with the economic trend: the overall situation is improving, the bottom of the economic cycle appears to be over and all signs point to an upswing. While quite a few of the large manufacturers were still absent from the fair, other renowned companies returned with their booths or came to Cologne for the first time to show off their wares.

As expected, the manufacturers presented a wide variety of product innovations. The product carousel continues to go round and round. In this context, a clear trend emerged: the focus of many innovations is on the processing of materials. Innovations in the materials used, in the combination of materials and in the processing technology dominated the presentations of the new products. The observation that refined and perfected processing quality is the focus of the manufacturers agrees with this trend. The motto is "competitive advantage through quality". Attention is given to details. Naturally, design takes on a key role. In addition, young designers get an opportunity to provide the companies with new vitality.

Another prominent trend dominating all facets of the furniture industry was the fact that, in general, companies mainly seem to be upgrading their models or expanding their product lines by re-editing classics or designs from the pop era that are now recognized as classics (with contemporary processing methods and modern materials). The catchword is revitalization.

Elmar Schüller paid a visit to the Cologne Furniture Fair for you and has compiled this new trend report derived from the moods, innovations and presentations. Here, you can read about everything that's important about the colors, forms, materials and innovations in Cologne.

Trendgalerie "Colors in Cologne"

Trendgalerie "Forms in Cologne"

Trendgalerie "Materia in Cologne"

Trendgalerie "News in Cologne"