Event Report - imm cologne 2014

For 90 years, Koelnmesse has been bringing people and markets together. The success story of Cologne trade fairs began in 1924 with the opening of the first event on the exhibition grounds in Cologne-Deutz. During the "economic miracle" of the post-World War II era, the "Rheinische Messe" became a global trading center. Today Koelnmesse has the world's fifth-largest exhibition complex and organizes approximately 75 trade fairs in Cologne and all over the world. During its anniversary year of 2014, Koelnmesse is bringing its history to the public’s attention through numerous activities, publications, and exhibitions. 

The recently concluded imm cologne/LivingInteriors 2014 was another stupendously successful show in the annals of the organizers. imm cologne/LivingInteriors presented a multi-faceted and varied range of products once again this year, with 1209 (1179) exhibitors from 52 (49) countries. Overall, around 120,000 visitors came to the metropolis in the Rhineland, against 116,000 in 2012. Around 86,000 of those visitors came from Germany while more than 34,000 came from 129 countries all across the globe! There were particularly strong presences from the U.K., France, the Netherlands and Italy as well as from China and the USA, representing a one per cent increase in international visitors to the fair. The 2014 event also saw a slight increase in visitors from Russia. “The increased number of visitors from abroad underlines the importance of the export industry for our exhibitors,” says CEO of Koelnmesse, Katharina  C. Hamma. “And it proves that the market-orientated fair concept of the imm cologne, after 2012 and 2013, continues to impress the industry this year”. The fair saw impressive figures for the Opening Day itself, with around 40,000 consumers looking for ideas and inspiration in interior design.

Interior Design and Furniture Fairs set trends and predict popular choices for the year ahead. The forecasts for the year are determined by observation of shifts in fashion trends and buying decisions.

In contrast to the cool virtual world of the internet, people want comfort, harmonious shapes and colours and cosy accessories in their own homes. Objects are deliberately selected and placed to give that authentic feel.

Technology and health requirements clearly merge in the ideal bathroom. Designers have taken advantage of this natural symbiosis and created an oasis of well-being to replace the humble bathroom of the past.

In the bed and mattress sector as well as in upholstered furniture, the modern customer is moving away from the hard lying and sitting ideal, once so highly praised. Today, the customer associates comfort with coziness and a softer lying and sitting concept.

The colour white will still be available for furniture but is on the decline. Bright colours and a wide variety of colours are set to return. We are going to see a lot of blue, violet as well as teal and cyan tones. The whole spectrum of natural tones will play a large role, primarily in the wooden furniture range.