Modern design retains center stage in Cologne
By Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, January 29, 2006
Cologne, Germany — The big furniture fair here is best described as a crossroads of trends and traffic. Modern design continued to dominate the contemporary Mecca this year.
Many of the crisp upholstery offerings were dressed in such toned-down tropicals as warm oranges or a yellowed-asparagus green, rather than the apple or pear greens of past markets. In case goods, subtlety prevailed, characterized mainly by understated, clean looks.
As the second largest furniture trade show after High Point, Cologne appeals to a wide cross-section of producers and buyers, mainly from Europe and the Middle East.
Attendance was on par with 2005, with 1,333 exhibitors, some 65% of them from outside Germany. Italy fielded the largest number of foreign exhibitors at 144, followed by Denmark (80), China (75) and The Netherlands (57). Ten U.S. companies had displays, including Lexington, Century, Stanley and Ashley.
Peter Robinson, group president of Robinson & Robinson Group/LeatherTrend, said, "You can shop the world in two days."
Erik Stammberger, co-CEO of German-based W. Schillig Worldwide and president of Schillig USA, said Cologne is an important show to reach a global market, including Asia, the Middle East and Russia.
Schillig displayed several sofas with flexible armrests and headrests — the third generation in a series of popular styles — and will bring the line to High Point this spring.
"There is a big movement toward motorized and moving parts that adds comfort and ease to your lifestyle," Stammberger said.
Along those lines, Keyton, a Spanish company, introduced an upgraded recliner with three motorized functions that scan the body electronically for anti-stress, relaxation and shiatsu massage needs.
Krauss & Weinbeer (K+W) offered a double loveseat that converts into a lounge chair and also offers a motorized recliner mechanism.
The company also introduced Silaxx, a dining banquette incorporating soft upholstery, plus wood tables on steel legs.
Skovby, a casual dining specialist from Denmark, did well with a new dark walnut finish.
Many of the European manufacturers use the show as a testing ground for products or gallery concepts they may later present to the U.S. marketplace.
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