imm cologne 2019 a roundup of what to see.
We are fast approaching the start of 2019, so a new year calls for new inspiration.
As an interiors blogger, I’m always on the look out for the next new trend, in the world of home and interiors.
I’m so excited to be attending imm cologne in January.
If you are new to imm cologne, let me give you a quick rundown.
It is one of the largest interior show for the international furnishing market.
Over 1200 exhibitors from more than 50 countries will be exhibiting from January 14th to 20th 2019, at the Koelnmesse Fairgrounds, in Cologne, Germany.
I’ve attended imm cologne once, but only briefly.
I recalled being in awe of the Kitchen section, with all its new technology and design.
LivingKitchen will be taking centre stage this year, and there you will find endless inspiration from product or lifestyle innovations in kitchen design and food production.
With my kitchen due for refurbishment, I would be keen to explore the Future Design part of LivingKitchen in Hall 4.2.
I hear it will be an experiential space, that will showcase a vision of kitchens of the future.
Embracing the theme of Future Design, LivingKitchen will be presenting the work of renowned designer Alfredo Häberli.
The preliminary kitchen plan above is the start of a space that he will be designing.
I can’t wait to experience the architectural possibilities of that space.
I’m keen to see how the space will enhance social interaction and stimulate our senses through materials.
It’ll also be interesting to see how design will work alongside new technological innovations.
Surrounding Alfredo Häberli’s holistic vision, will be numerous other exhibitors showcasing their kitchen designs and concepts.
I think I could easily spend a whole day at LivingKitchen.
(Photo Tanita Klein; Koelnmesse)
Another area that I am keen to explore is the Pure Talents section.
imm cologne has been host to the Pure Talents Contest for the past 16 years, each time with up to 926 products from all over the world being entered into the competition.
This year’s finalists will be presented at imm cologne 2019.
The Pure Talents Contest is aimed at designers who are still pursuing, or have just completed their studies. This is a brilliant launchpad for their careers.
This year, there is a separate talent prize for the LivingKitchen selection too.
I can’t wait to see what’s on offer, and so far two kitchen innovations have caught my eye.
Tanita Klein’s kitchen above is called the TSL kitchen, and her concept is to have the kitchen as a centrepiece, with the units away from the walls.
Her hope is to create a kitchen that is both interactive and flexible. 
(Photo Maxime Augay; Koelnmesse).
The above Portable Kitchen Hood by Maxime Augay also caught my eye.
It is a small handy extractor fan that intercepts cooking fumes and vapours directly above the frying pan or saucepan.
How cool is that? Absolutely adore its retro looking design too.
imm cologne is not all just about kitchens, there are halls packed full of furniture and furnishings too.
The furniture and interiors section have been divided into 6 areas based on their character and product offering. This will help customers navigate their way through the fair.
The 6 sections are Pure, Comfort, Prime, Smart, Sleep and Global lifestyles. You can find the definitions for these sections here.
The image above is of the Muuto stand at imm from last year. I love that Muuto Mimic mirror.
In fact, I’ve already bought one in Midnight blue for my daughter’s bedroom. So, as you can see, imm cologne is not just for design inspiration and stocking, it’s for future shopping potentials too.
( Photo Koelnmesse)
I’m totally feeling the flutter of excitement now as I write. I can’t wait to see all the new trends in sofas, chairs, beds and more.
Check out those wonderful chairs from last year’s fair.
What type of fabrics, textures, patterns and colours do you think will be big in the upcoming seasons?
I can’t wait to find out, and report them live via my instagram and other social media channels in January.
( Photo Anna Maria-Nilsson; Koelnmesse)
Going back to the Pure Talents Contest, I have picked two interior pieces that have caught my attention.
The magazine storage rack above is by Anna-Maria Nilsson.
I can see this doing well in mainstream shops. I love the fact you can do a double spread display of your favourite magazine for inspiration.
( Photo : Julian Ribler; Koelnmesse)
This is Cleo, a table and chair ensemble by Julian Ribler. It represents a new type of school furniture for alternative living spaces. It challenges traditional school furniture typologies that generally force children to adopt an upright, static position.
Isn’t it beautiful? I love how he has boldly combined powder blue with red.
There is so much to see and explore that this post has barely scratched the surface.
One noteworthy mention is ‘Das Haus’ which is the ‘Interiors on Stage’ installation of a simulated house, in the theme of “Living by Moods” by Studio Truly Truly.
This conceptual house is a space that is not dictated by walls or conventional room functions, instead it has zones that reflect every mood.
The above image is an artistic concept of what we will see at the fair.
This concept of Home, space and mood brings me to the subject of #zuhausesein or #beingathome. During this press trip, we will get the opportunity to explore what being at home means to us.
It could be a quiet space at home, or for others it may be the noise of family. It could be a scent, colour or texture. I’m looking forward to reporting back on this.
Finally, do have a scroll through imm cologne’s site to see what’s on offer. Travelling there would be a lovely way to kickstart the design and interiors season in 2019 don’t you think? Will you join me there?
Hope you’ve enjoyed the post. I will be back in the next day or two with more festive offerings. Meanwhile, I hope your holiday preparations are going well?
( All photography are provided by Koelnmesse. This is a paid partnership post with imm cologne but all views are my own.)