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Special Theme
Premium Living
Photo: Koelnmesse, Oliver Wachenfeld Photo: Koelnmesse, Oliver Wachenfeld
Photo: Koelnmesse, Ludolf Damen
Photo: Koelnmesse, Ludolf Damen
Design made in Germany According to the German newspaper Die Welt, no other country spends as much money on furniture, such as beds, armchairs or cupboards, as Germany. However, this does not come as a surprise when you look at the vast diversity of premium, award-winning furniture German designers have brought to life. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
Statistics by the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) reveal that, in 2013, the average German spent around 390 euros on furniture. Second came the Austrians with 360 euros and Sweden followed with 340 euros. Ursula Geismann, trend expert of the VDM explained in the run-up to the international furniture fair imm cologne: “People know that they’re home for 340 days a year and thus, they want to make their homes as comfortable as possible.” Interestingly, the growth of the premium segment already lay significantly above 12 | Issue 42 | September 2016
the furniture sector’s average in 2004. Apparently, factors like brand recognition, emotional associations, the perfection of appearance, aesthetics and, of course, design play crucial roles here. It is apparent that consumers turn away from the accumulation of furniture and turn towards more premium products instead as the design factor has become increasingly important for the majority of people. Therefore, we have collected some of Germany’s great designers and their products to give you inspiration for your own home in this month’s special theme.
How about modern outdoor furniture, modular furniture systems, energyefficient designer lamps, highly innovative room division systems with integrated acoustic solutions, design wallpapers that are sure to turn every wall into something rather special, timeless furniture or functional yet beautiful floor and table coverings? We have got you covered. Photo: Koelnmesse, Oliver Wachenfeld