imm cologne opens its doors from 13th-19th January 2014. Thanks to the participation of major innovation drivers, market leaders and brands, it is not only the first choice for renowned international exhibitors but also for a broad spectrum of visitors, attracting well-informed decision-makers from all over the world. By showcasing inspiring interior design ideas for trendsetters, it provides markets with new impetus. The imm cologne is the meeting place for the entire interiors industry and, in even-numbered years, is complemented by the trade show format LivingInteriors, which stands for holistic interior and furnishing concepts. At the imm cologne 2014 and the LivingInteriors fair that is held parallel to it, a total of more than 1,100 companies from 50 countries will be showing what they have to offer.
The imm cologne is continuously branching out in new directions with its numerous formats. With the aim of targeting visitors in the design sector, the trade show has developed new and specialised platforms such as Pure, Pure Village and Pure Editions, as well as the brand new Pure Elegance and PureOne-Design Injection formats that will be premiering next year. But in addition to that, the event is also modifying, expanding and strengthening other hall areas such as the Sleep segment or Hall 10. In fact, Hall 10 is a very good example of how important it is for even the most successful hall to be refined and adapted to changing interests on a regular basis. The new creative concept will enhance Hall 10 even further in order to appeal to new international target audiences.
Next year the area that focuses on design will include Halls 1, 2.2, 3.2 and 11. Hall 11 is and will remain the traditional heart of Pure. In future too, it will serve as the starting point and backbone of the Cologne design trail. It is followed by Pure Editions in Hall 3.2, the format for visionary furniture and interior design concepts that got off to a very successful start this year.
Continuing along the design axis, visitors will come to Hall 2.2, the new home of Pure Elegance. With Pure Elegance, the imm cologne 2014 is creating an offering in the luxurious high-end segment. With its broad-based structures, the new format is designed to create generous spaces for brand worlds whose exclusive product ranges will be staged in lavish booth designs that allow them to unfold their decorative, modern and luxurious character in an ambience of timeless elegance. On the other hand, Pure Village – which is also located in Hall 2.2 – will again be providing the setting for unconventional brand and product scenographies. Here, premium providers from all areas relating to interior design who aspire to first-rate design quality will be showing a comprehensive mix of product ranges.
Since 2012, Pure Village has also been home to 'Das Haus – Interiors on Stage'. The spectacular design project is a walk-in simulation of a house – half visionary blueprint, half designer portrait. Based on the plans of the new designer who is nominated every year, 'Das Haus' shows a structure consisting of architectural elements, interior spaces and outdoor areas, as well as arrangements of furniture and furnishing elements for an individually configured interior design. This time round, the project is being implemented in collaboration with Louise Campbell. The Danish furniture and lighting designer with an English instinct for interior design is undoubtedly one of the leading protagonists in a new avant-garde generation of designers who are evolving the grand tradition of Scandinavian Modernism not only with respect but with new-found self-confidence as well.
In Hall 1 on the west side of the exhibition centre, another new segment by the name of PureOne-Design Injection will be dedicated entirely to the theme of young design. The name PureOne-Design Injection stands for the pool of creativity emanating from e.g. colleges and universities. Besides providing sufficient space for the presentations of the selected D3 Contest participants again, it also offers additional scope for other installations and formats dedicated to portraying the newcomer generation. Here visitors can experience idea labs that have a concrete influence on the furniture industry.
The Smart segment in Halls 7 and 8 is already booked out: approx. 100 companies have registered to show their innovative interior concepts under the "Young Lifestyles" label here. Smart combines the practicality and versatility expected of furniture for young lifestyles with up-to-the-minute design in the living room, self-assembly and bedroom categories. The Sleep segment in Hall 9, where our exhibitors showcase their wide-ranging spectrum of sleep-related furnishings, has grown continuously in recent years. Because our exhibitors' space requirement this year again far exceeds the capacity of Hall 9 where this segment has traditionally been accommodated, this segment is being expanded by assigning Hall 5.2 to it as well. This has enabled the imm cologne to attract two major players back to the trade fair: Tempur and Recticel, both of whom will be presenting their products in Hall 5.2.
In the Comfort segment in Halls 6 and 10.2, the imm cologne shows the entire spectrum of upholstered furniture: suites, armchairs, divans, stand-alone sofas, couches with special functions and sofa beds. The product ranges located in the Comfort segment combine quality with trend-conscious looks and a high degree of practicality. Both Halls are virtually booked out.
Taken as a whole, the imm cologne is one of the biggest and most international upholstery shows in the world – across all quality and design categories.
Prime in Halls 5.1 and 10.1 interprets classic and family-oriented home furnishings with modern, stylish aesthetics and consistently high quality for all range categories based on tables, chairs and beds.
The Global Lifestyles segment that was launched in Halls 2.1, 3.1 and 4.1 this year is like a new world waiting to be discovered: here, individual exhibitors and group presentations from all over the world showcase a broad, sales-oriented spectrum ranging from self-assembly furniture and classic living room and bedroom furniture all the way to lighting, accessories and unusual, sculptural items.
In the furnishing sector, good sales are increasingly being made with holistic interior concepts. Flooring, wall coverings and lighting complement furniture and thus help create interesting and attractive interior design concepts. In the bathroom, individual areas of the home are merging – the bathroom is turning into a private spa. imm cologne is responding to this interior ambience and market development with the LivingInteriors event in Hall 4.2. With their vivacious, varied and interactive presentations, national and international exhibitors will be showing holistically interpreted interior and furnishing concepts that create an appetite for interior design.
Various event zones will be presenting variations on furnishing styles, solutions for modernising bathrooms, natural and highly functional flooring products, creative wall coverings and striking lighting scenarios. As well as trade visitors and consumers, this format also very specifically targets planning professionals such as designers, architects and interior designers. The more than 120 exhibitors it has attracted – far more than at the premiere – underline the high level of acceptance LivingInteriors enjoys in the industry.
