Facebook Pixel

Cologne and Paris Fairs

The first round of this year’s trade fairs did not disappoint - IMM Cologne was busier and more up-beat than in recent years and Maison & Objet in Paris was, as usual, full of the confidence and excitement of a fair growing in importance all the time with more major furniture brands than ever exhibiting.

Here are my highlights:

In Cologne, we tend to concentrate on German, Swiss and Scandinavian suppliers who may not show in Milan.

The German manufacturer COR introduced a very attractive high back version of their successful ‘Jalis’ dining chair.  And we were also impressed with the new, supremely comfortable ‘Cordia’ Easy Chair: a recliner with accompanying foot stool which also manages to get that difficult balance between beauty and functionality just right.

[caption id="attachment_538" style="text-align: center;" width="480" caption="Cordia Lounge Chair and Ottoman"]Cordia Lounge Chair and Ottoman [/caption]

The ‘Gordon’ Sofa is a great new addition to Walter Knoll’s upholstery range which has a higher than average back providing better neck support whilst keeping simple clean lines.  And, with the continuing trend towards solid wood dining tables, the introduction of their new ‘Tobu’ Table finished in solid walnut is very timely.

Gordon Sofa

Tobu Table

The archive of Hans Wegner’s designs has been revisited again by Carl Hansen as they re-introduce the ‘CH33’ chair.  Originally designed in 1957, it has all the retro Scandinavian appeal of the rest of their range but is well priced and makes a nice alternative to the best-selling CH24 ‘Wishbone’ chair.

CH 33 Chairs

Another high calibre Danish brand, Montana, have added new features to their iconic storage system.  Doors and drawers are now available to order with push-opening mechanisms eliminating the need for handles which should appeal to lovers of the minimalist aesthetic.  But, for those who prefer a handle, they are now available to order in all the colours of the current palette to match or contrast with the units.

New colours and new doors for Montana

At Maison & Objet (Paris), we liked the new, height adjustable, ‘Tom & Jerry’ Stools designed by Konstantin Grcic and the ‘My Storage’ range of shelving by Ineke Hans, both manufactured by Magis.

Tom & Jerry Stools and My Storage

We also saw a huge variety of brightly coloured, fun accessories including bags, bowls & ceramics and in the ‘ethnic chic’ hall there were some beautiful old kilims which would look wonderful displayed with our furniture.

Keep a look-out in the store and online for these new items soon.

RUTH ARAM