FOR THE QUANTITATIVE

The 50th bi-annual Interzum international trade fair drew around 47,000 visitors from more than 130 countries to the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany between May 16 and 19, 2009. Industry leaders from all over the world presented future-oriented solutions and concepts for a global furniture market. The 1,370 suppliers from 63 countries accounted for a 5% increase in occupied exhibition area. 70% of suppliers and 65% of visitors came from outside Germany. According to independent visitor opinion survey, more then 90% of the trade visitors were involved in the decision making process for their companies.

FOR THE QUALITATIVE

Exhibitors from all segments were very pleased with the number and caliber of visitors to their stands. Many registered an increased number of architects, interior designers, designers and representatives of the mobile world, such as BASF, Lufthansa, Porsche and VW, who wanted to learn more about new products. According Frank Nessler, GRASS – Managing Director, Marketing/ Sales “In many aspects Interzum 2009 completely exceeded our expectations. We’re highly satisfied. We were extremely impressed by the high number and quality of the visitors.

FOR THE TREND-WATCHER

Hardware That Keeps Things Light

Blum’s gracious press brunch exemplified the philosophy that there is a very important emotional factor to successful sales. Instead of giving visitors promotional gifts, Blum invited people to sign a guestbook. For each signature, Blum donated 10 euros to the “Light for the World” organization, which performs surgery to give sight to children in the Third World.

Blum’s kitchen hardware technology is legendary, and they exhibited many intriguing things, such as a new color, Terra Black, for TANDEMBOX, which allows for designer materials to be inserted into the drawer sides. They also introduced a wee little hinge with a whole lot of technology inside. CLIP top Blumotion is a furniture hinge with a complete soft-close damper system built in. It even has a de-activation switch. Looking into the future, Blum exhibited a concept study that incorporates lighting into cabinets and drawers using the same platform as the fittings.

Grass kept things light with an elegant, modern and self-confident new corporate design. The exhibit’s handless white laminate surfaces (all the rage) were accented by green LEDs The exhibit showcased Grass’ outstanding work in sub-surface guide systems (Dynapro) and cabinet and flap systems. But wait, what’s that big green LED cube doing in the middle of the exhibit? Why, it is a feast for the senses for all who enter. Within the cube guests were treated to a musical introduction of Grass’ new hinge system, TIOMOS. A music video and accompanying light show within the cube somehow succeeded in stirring a real sense of passion for hardware. There is no doubt Grass is dedicated to the symbiotic relationship between internal movement functions and external design principles in modern furniture making. Now if the song was only available on YouTube.

Hettich also presented cubes of sensory light, but with the intention of illustrating the importance of lighting in architecture. The vast expanse of Hettich’s exhibit included a kitchen of the future, a live cooking show, award winning designs from a student contest and many areas full of drawers and doors just waiting to be touched. Hettich also received an award, for the “Hettinject VB insert,” a special connector designed for lightweight panel.

Lightweight Panel Has Arrived

What is strong, lightweight, easy to transport and available in myriad surface finishes? Its lightweight panel! And with a wide range of new developments in hardware and connectors, it is going to be everywhere.

Häfele has spent the last five years working to develop hardware for lightweight panel. “We are dedicated to ensuring every piece of hardware from Häfele can be applied to lightweight panel,” said David Winz, product manager for Häfele. Included in their solutions are carefully-calibrated screws, blocks that are inset into the panel itself and a new adhesive insert Aerofix 100, that connects both surfaces of the panel to the anchoring mechanism.

Another innovative approach to lightweight panel connectors comes from Nehl, and maximizes the surface area of the laminate to add stability to the connector.

Upcoming issues of Surface & Panel will feature a series dedicated to the emerging sector of lightweight panels and the network dedicated to bringing it to market.

White On The Edge

The white trend is undeniable. From Duropal’s award winning “Solid Color” HPL that has no visible joints or edges to Skai’s 3D laminate film “colore opaco” in matte Titanwhite, furniture surfaces are currently being adorned in pure white finishes.

The good thing about white is that it goes with anything, and it is particularly lovely in conjunction with woodgrain.

Renolit took the opportunity of Interzum to clearly define new product lines and brands of 3D laminate films following the company’s acquisition of Cova and Alkor. Renolit 3D Stock Range is divided into 2 distinct collections. Alkoren presents 170 solid colors (including the requisite white) and woodgrains. Renolit Covaren is the premier collection, which combines designs with superior surface textures.

For every trend there is a counter trend, and the laminate manufacturer’s came out in full color. Abet Laminati held true to its reputation for being an innovator in boutique laminates with high-fashion collections from well-known designers. Collection Digitalia is a new Décor by designer Karim Rashid, whose aim is to provide contemporary people with strong impressions, shapes, images, sings, lights and colors. Paola Navone’s new series of serigraphies have a Longline finish that suggests tactile sensation.

High Tech Printing

There should have been a notice at the Koelnmesse warning visitors not to stand still for too long, lest they be digitally printed on. Whether it’s wood derived panels, mineral panels, glass, edgebanding or paper, digital printing, which can be used for very small batches, is meeting the market trend toward customizable finishes.

In addition to Schattdecor’s new “Digital VISION” printing, the company displayed its innovative prowess in the field of tactile surfaces. The new Smartfoil High Gloss Collection and Postfoil 3D post-impregnated finish foil collection, feature three-dimensional surface textures that will open up new design possibilities for furniture manufacturers. Schattdecor’s stand displayed designs based on the degrees of intimacy within the home. “For All” showcased designs appropriate for areas where people entertain, “For Us” exhibited comfortable designs that would fit into a family area and “For Me” featured designs of self-expression.

Interprint’s laser-engraved designs have come to Interzum, well technically to the Design Post, a permanent interior design exhibit off-site but adjacent to Koelnmesse. Interprint chose to exhibit within an innovative, new environment to emphasize its commitment to inspiring people, not only in design, but in real life. There are many ways Interprint works to inspire people. Interprint’s laser-engraving capabilities bring unprecedented fidelity to décor paper designs. In addition the new “Paper Perfect” technology allows customer s to save up to 30% of resin during the impregnation process of décor paper. Interprint is also active in the “Fast Forward Partnership” with customers to promote new product collaborations. One result of this is a partnership with Pfleiderer and furniture supplier S-Prix to develop a surface with pictures for coloring that can be cleaned and re-decorated.