The latest trends from Cologne - by Marc Th. van der Voorn.
23-1-2013 | Traditionally, IMM Cologne is the first design fair of the year. Although I've once heard Marcel Wanders say that the 'design year' starts in Milan and ends in Milan. Referring of course to the most famous event: Salone del Mobile. But this is a different topic I should perhaps enlighten in a separate article.

The IMM Cologne is a genuine exhibition for professionals and retailers. Towards the end of the week, the doors are also opened for consumers. Very different from the largest home and living fair in the Netherlands (Woonbeurs Amsterdam), the goal of IMM Cologne is business, or should I say, sales. As a designer it's a great event to do some networking and become directly in contact with the brands. Last but not least, the novelties are always worth making the trip.

Round wood
Last year's trend continues. Rounded soft-looking shapes and natural materials seem very popular. The Pole chair (Odesi) by Paul Nederend fits right inside this trend. The ‘Splinter serie’ chairs by designstudio Nendo from Japan was one of the highlights at Cologne. Many thought so as it received some special prices. This chair almost seems as if the wood had grown right into this shape. But it must have taken the makers a great deal of craftsmanship to manufacture these chairs.

Pettable
From young talents Linn Kandel / Dimitri Bähler / Ismael Studer, a series of carpets named 'Fanions' were presented. I was much impressed by these because they look as if they're printed right on the floor. Graphical and very powerful.

Balance
In the area of lighting I was surprised by the lamps from Ligne Roset. It reminds me of one of my own design I once developed. The fixation also positioned asymmetrical. It's a shame it never made production Grrr... too late!

This lamp is very nicely equipped with LED light sources, the only shame is that the balance seemed to slightly off.

Summary
I'm glad to have visited the IMM, as always a sound fair. If you ask me, the 'design year of 2013' has officially begun. I'll still keep looking forward to Milan as most of the brands seem to save their biggest revelations for this event.

Written by Marc Th. van der Voorn

Marc is a designer for Odesi and enjoys writing article's for several blogs. To keep himself up to date of new developements and trends he regularly visits fairs and events. On the Odesi blog he shares his vision on novelties from the world of interior and design.

› More about Marc Th. van der Voorn

THE HAGUE, June 26, 2012 - Odesi introduces the Pi & Up: two attractive side tables. Both tables have, besides their beautiful design, somthing extra to offer. 

Designer Marc Th. van der Voorn about the Up: 
"In the design I searched for a gesture of servitude. Therefore, the table is on tiptoes, and offers itself to its owner. Also, it refers to how a waiter holds a tray on the tops of his fingers.

The Up has a bit more space than a normal side table. Most side tables have a tabletop of 40 by 40 cm. And it is quite obvious."

The Up costs € 285 and is available entirely in matt black or matt black base and a white or red tabletop.

Table Pi is an all-rounder

Marc Th. van der Voorn about Pi:
"Perhaps I could have named the Pi differently. PA, Personal Assistant. Pi is always there for you. It is a side table, magazine rack and a fine appearance in one! Timeless and multi-purpose, that is his strength. "

The Pi costs € 285 and is available entirely in matt black or matt black base and a white or gray sheet.