Category Archives: Trends
Koelnmesse Unveils New Trade Fair Duo: imm cologne & Interior Design Days Cologne
The interior design industry is rapidly evolving, with changing customer preferences and faster purchasing trends. For years, imm cologne was Koelnmesse’s flagship event, featuring everything from affordable designs to premium collections. However, the growing gap between exhibitors’ offerings and visitor needs made it difficult to meet everyone’s expectations with one event. A new approach was needed to better serve the diverse market.
Koelnmesse, one of the world’s leading trade fair organisers, is setting a new course for the interiors industry with two exciting events coming in 2025 and 2026. The iconic imm cologne will be hosted as an annual event aimed at the consumer-oriented market segment with a refined and focused trade fair concept, starting in January 2026.
A brand-new, premium-focused fair—Interior Design Days Cologne (idd cologne)—will debut in October 2025. Its concept is carefully tailored to the specific market requirements of this segment. Developed in close collaboration with the furniture industry, the future duo of imm cologne and interior design days cologne is Koelnmesse’s response to the need to adapt traditional trade fairs to current market conditions with a flexible strategy.
A Fresh Take on Imm Cologne
Traditionally known for its wide-ranging offerings, imm cologne is evolving to better meet the needs of today’s market. With a new concept centered on consumer-driven trends, this annual event will showcase cutting-edge, market-ready products for home living. The four-day format, starting January 20-23, 2026, will focus on the international furniture trade, attracting retailers, online vendors, and industry professionals from across the globe.
Interior Design Days Cologne – idd cologne
Set to launch in October 2025, idd cologne promises to be an exclusive gathering for the premium interiors market. With a curated selection of high-end brands in residential and hospitality interiors, this bi-annual event will cater to architects, interior designers, and design aficionados. The inaugural edition, from October 26-29, will offer a highly curated experience for those passionate about luxury design and innovation.
Why This Change Matters
The interior design industry is evolving rapidly, with customer preferences shifting and new purchase channels emerging. The updated formats are Koelnmesse’s response to these changes, offering two distinct events to meet the varied needs of the sector. The aim is to provide tailored experiences for both premium and consumer-focused segments—ensuring greater value for exhibitors and visitors alike.
As the furniture industry continues to consolidate, these events will serve as key platforms for networking, inspiration, and growth in a highly competitive market. Both imm cologne and idd cologne will contribute to shaping the future of interior design, helping the industry stay ahead of the curve.
Mark Your Calendars
- idd cologne: October 26-29, 2025
- imm cologne: January 20-23, 2026
These exciting new formats are set to redefine the way we think about interior design trade fairs. Stay tuned for more updates as these dynamic events unfold!
Designers Look Ahead: Interior Trends for 2025
Six interior designers at the forefront of the industry share their insights on interior trends for 2025.
As we approach 2025, the world of interior design is set to embrace trends old and new – focusing on fresh ideas whilst continuing to honor timeless principles. From the resurgence of artisanal craftsmanship to the growing demand for sustainable, adaptable spaces, the trends that will define the future reflect a dynamic blend of innovation, individuality, and environmental consciousness.
Interior design trends for 2025 are increasingly focused on creating spaces that are personal, sustainable, and emotionally engaging. Designers are excited about the rise of story-driven interiors filled with meaningful and unique items that reflect individual identities.
To gain a more detailed insight into what the coming year will bring, we reached out to six leading designers, each of whom brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to their craft. Here they share what they are focusing on for 2025 and offer a glimpse into the future of interiors – one where beauty, functionality, and sustainability coexist in ever more meaningful ways.
Owl Design
“We’re really excited about the future of organic and sustainable materials like mycelium! The innovation in plant-based matter, natural dyes, and other groundbreaking materials makes this an incredibly exciting trend to watch. With new products emerging constantly, the possibilities feel endless.
“Our focus for 2025 is to continue creating joyful, sustainable interiors for both our residential and commercial clients. We’re eager to experiment with innovative materials and collaborate with the talented craftspeople we’re constantly discovering. Plus, we also have an exciting new product project in the pipeline, more to revealed early next year!”
Joyce Wang
”We have been captivated by the soft Industrial trend, blending the rugged, utilitarian essence of traditional industrial design with warm, inviting, and tactile elements. In particular, we are interested in latex, resin-like materials that can be concocted entirely by hand in a domestic environment. With some advantages over other toxic chemical and byproducts, we are keen to explore how these materials can start to filter light, provide comfort and act as an acoustic skin.
“Looking into 2025, we are excited to expand our reach and influence. Emerging markets such as the UAE present unique opportunities to infuse our designs with regional cultural influences while aligning with their fast-paced urban growth and modern sensibilities. Similarly, pursuing additional projects across America/ Europe to expand our global portfolio, blending diverse cultural contexts with innovative design. We are excited to draw on local vernacular architecture, materials, and craftsmanship, we are always thinking about material evolution – which honours the traditions and identity of the locations we work in but also pushes our material in various boundaries, creating a dialogue between global trends and local heritage.”
Brigitta Spinocchia Freund
“I’m most excited about the resurgence of interiors that tell a deeply personal story – spaces curated with collectibles, art, and design pieces that feel truly meaningful. This trend embraces individuality and celebrates the collector’s journey, focusing on rare and unique items that create a narrative within the home. It’s a shift towards design that reflects one’s passions and identity in a more intentional way.
“My focus will be on championing this approach by sourcing extraordinary pieces for my clients and creating interiors where every detail holds significance. I’ll continue blending my passion for modern craftsmanship with collectible design, striking the perfect balance between timelessness and individuality. The goal is to ensure every space feels as rare and unique as the pieces within it.”
Gemma McCloskey of Cupla Studio
“We don’t focus heavily on following trends from a stylistic perspective, however we strongly believe in the idea that interior spaces should go beyond their basic function which I think is becoming more important in our industry. A well-designed space has the potential to offer so much more, to inspire, connect and engage.
“For example, when is a store not just a store? When it becomes an experience, a place where storytelling, design and interaction come together to create something memorable and meaningful. This philosophy drives us to think beyond the conventional and push the boundaries of what an interior space can be.”
Kate Guinness Design
“I’ve been so delighted to see the rise of vintage lately, and hope that this continues to strengthen in the coming year. We’ve noticed that vintage and antique pieces are being used more and more, and as a result, there are many more second-hand and vintage dealers popping up. Hoping that alongside this trend we will have a rise in furniture restorers.”
Toni Black of Blacksheep
“In 2025, I’m most excited about the rise of independent boutique experiences in the hospitality world. These spaces bring a ‘home away from home’ feeling, creating lifelong or even fleeting but impactful moments that truly stay with you.
“My main focus will be collaborating with local craftsmen and championing smaller creators, as well as preserving old-school craft to bring these unique, meaningful experiences to life.
“As designers, we will also be embracing the use of AI further within the workplace to work smarter, streamline operations, and enhance productivity while staying aligned with creative and meaningful goals.”
Traditional Swedish Christmas Decorations in Victoria’s Cosy Home
There are just eight days left until Christmas—are you ready (if you celebrate)? I have to admit, things are feeling a little chaotic here. I’m way behind, but hey, at least the tree is up and twinkling away! That counts as a solid start, right? I’m holding out hope that in the coming week, a little Christmas magic will swoop in and get everything sorted.
In the meantime, I’m taking a deep breath—and a good dose of yuletide calm—from the beautiful Swedish kitchen and dining space of Victoria Oderland in Åsa, a small coastal village in the countryside near Gothenburg.
This cosy living area is brimming with all the charm of a traditional Swedish Christmas: an adventsljusstake glowing softly in the window, candle wreaths suspended overhead, and a warm glow from plenty of candlelight. But there’s one decoration in particular that really stands out—something quintessentially Scandinavian: the Julbock (Christmas goat!). Stay tuned for more on this festive icon!
Have you seen one of these guys before? The Julbock (yule goat) is a Scandinavian Christmas tradition with roots in Norse mythology and pagan harvest rituals. Initially linked to Thor’s goats and fertility symbols, it later became part of Christian Christmas celebrations. Traditionally made from straw and tied with red ribbons, the Julbock symbolized good fortune and holiday spirit. Today, it is a cherished holiday decoration, and can be seen on tables, windowsills and doorsteps. Do you have something like this in your country?
So pretty! I love the atmosphere, I so hope my house can feel like this by the end of the week.
Oh, and did you spot the guy on the kick sled? This form of transport is particularly popular in the countryside further North where they get plenty of snow, it’s a great way to get around!
Have a happy start to the week!
Craftsmanship and simple design by Kamaro’an
After first discovering them at Ambiente 2018 I recently came across Kamaro’an again and love to show you some of their lights in this blogpost. Inspired by Taiwanese culture, Kamaro’an focuses on pure craftsmanship and simple design. The name comes from the Pangcah language, meaning “the place to live.” Pangcah is one of Taiwan’s indigenous ethnic groups. Every product is handwoven by native craftsmen in their studio,
With a name referring to the Sun Cidal Light 28 seems like the perfect minimal addition to our home.
Below pictured in a ceiling light version.
Riyar means ocean, it is weaved as rolling waves on the geometric structure. Riyar looks unique in every angle
"Friction is at the heart of creativity" says panel at The New Standard talk
Promotion: brands and studios must be willing to embrace difference and tension while creating space for dialogues, said panelists at a talk about collaboration hosted by Dezeen in New York.
The talk took place at the offices of The New Standard in SoHo, a design collective founded in London, UK that includes Universal Design Studio, Made Thought, and Map Project Office.
The panelists voiced their concerns around the risks of designers talking in echo chambers and avoiding conversations with disagreements.
It was the second in a series of talks put on as part of a collaboration between Dezeen and The New Standard, the first of which took place at the Ace Hotel in Brooklyn during NYCxDesign in May.
Moderated by Dezeen’s US editor Ben Dreith, the panel included Universal Design Studio principal Jason Holley and Made Thought strategy director Michaela Crompton.
They were joined by New Balance global marketing director Chuck Mauro and Brooklyn Museum contemporary art curator Kimberli Gant to discuss the need for a new era of collaboration in the design and art worlds.
According to the panellists, creating space for an honest exchange of ideas and expression is essential to the success of companies in an era of complex problem-solving and the proliferation of brand partnerships.
“I don’t think creativity can happen in a vacuum,” said Crompton.
“I think I have good ideas, but great ideas come from conversation and dialogue and interconnectivity between different disciplines and different teams, and I think being together under one group is a really important component there.”
Crompton added that creating spaces for vulnerability and honest exchange within and between companies is essential to fostering these dialogues.
Holley agreed, adding that a certain degree of tension and friction underlying different viewpoints and approaches should be prized in order to create good work.
“Engaging with others who have different perspectives, different opinions can be uncomfortable,” he said. “That friction, for me, is at the heart of creativity.”
He went on to say that finding common ground and languages should always be the first step when embarking on any collaborative venture. He cited an example where his studio worked on a project with tech firm IBM, where the parties had to use visual metaphors to understand each other’s disciplines.
Mauro, who has partnered New Balance with a number of distinct brands for collaborative ventures, also said that making space for different perspectives is important, but emphasised the need to “let go” of control and take risks.
“There are some brands that don’t take any risks at all, and then they either fail or become part of a meme,” said Mauro.
“Risk is really everything,” he continued, adding that brands should make sure at least some values align. “Letting go is a necessary part of collaboration.”
Crompton added to Mauro’s point, reiterating the need for vulnerability. “True collaboration is a vulnerable act,” she said “It requires you to throw down your ego, throw down any sort of posturing.”
Gant stressed that company culture is important and that certain parameters need to be set in order to create space for dialogue between staff and collaborators.
“When you’re going working with a lot of people, you don’t always get the time to actually listen to them and take the feedback and make things better,” she said. “Unless you’re in a culture, in a situation, that allows for that.”
Gant spoke about her work on an exhibition showcasing the archive of film director Spike Lee, saying that “listening” to the needs of all actors involved in a large project was an essential aspect.
She also cautioned against top-down collaboration, emphasising the need for dialogue amongst people at all levels of a project.
Latching onto the point about complex systems, Holley noted that the architectural fields tended away from embracing the “messiness” that is inherent to multi-party projects.
“Architecture as a discipline has, unfortunately, retreated from an engagement with the messiness of the world, the messiness of people.”
Crompton reiterated a need for messiness and informality in open collaborations.
“There’s something to be said embracing the messiness,” she said.
“Embracing informality doesn’t always have to be a creative review, which sounds intimidating. It can be a kick around for a chat, a conversation, sharing ideas and listening to each other.”
“Increased the messiness a little, throw stuff at the wall and see what you get.”
The New Standard is a creative collective comprising renowned design studios Universal Design Studio, Map Project Office and Made Thought.
The photography is by Louis Kassam
Partnership content
This article was written by Dezeen for The New Standard as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
The post “Friction is at the heart of creativity” says panel at The New Standard talk appeared first on Dezeen.
The Most Popular Home Tours of 2024
Hej friends! With just a few days to go before the Christmas holidays, it’s time for the big blog round-up!
When creating each post, I carefully select homes that truly capture my heart—but that still means a wonderfully wide variety of styles, locations, and interiors. Looking back, it’s always exciting to see which tours resonated with you the most throughout the year. And this year’s top ten is just as eclectic as ever: from Swedish summer cottages and a snowy cabin in Finland to a colourful and elegant Stockholm apartment.
But the list doesn’t stop there! It also features gems from farther afield, including Igor’s chic Berlin apartment, a vintage-filled cottage in California, and even a dreamy ocean-side retreat in Tasmania.
Ready to dive into the top ten most-loved posts of the year? Let’s start from the bottom and work our way up. Drumroll, please…
10. A perfect Swedish summer cottage for Midsummer’s Eve
These beautiful homes are just the tip of the iceberg—there’s so much more to explore in the archives! If you find yourself with a little downtime over the holidays, or you’re craving a peaceful moment filled with inspiration, why not dive in and discover even more treasures?
Have any homes stolen your heart this year—or even in years past? Perhaps one has sparked ideas for your own projects, or maybe a particular detail resonated with you. I’d love to hear about it! Please share in the comments below so we can all revisit!
A heartfelt thank you for being part of the My Scandinavian Home community in 2024. Your positivity, kindness, and enthusiasm have truly made this a wonderful space to share and connect. To everyone who has read my books or given them as a present—thank you so much! I’m deeply grateful and hope they’ve brought joy, inspiration, and maybe even been passed along for others to enjoy too.
I’ll be back on Friday with one final post for the year. Until then, sit tight—just a few more days before we can all relax and savour the holiday break!
x
1. Svenskfastighetsförmedling, 2.Länsförsäkringar Fastighetsförmedling 3. Bjurfors 4.Interior design – Colette Miller, photography – Lynda Kennedy 5.@thevintagerose_ 6.@pienimaalaistalo 7.Emma Sundh 8.SvensktFastighetsförmedling 9.Photography: Mia Borgelin Styling: Thomas Lingsell For: Historiska Hem 10.@igorjosif 11.@beatanison
Louis Poulsen – lamps that shape light
We have added an exclusive addition to our portfolio – the Danish luxury lighting brand Louis Poulsen. Their portfolio is packed with classic Danish design icons from renowned designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Paul Henningsen and Verner Panton. And what makes Louis Poulsen lamps so special?
Louis Poulsen was founded in 1874 in Copenhagen and initially most of the lamps were designed for specific projects. However, it happened many times that these pieces then became part of exclusive Louis Poulsen lighting ranges.
A light can also take the shape of
The Louis Poulsen brand sees light as a material that can be shaped and bent. They make sure that their products strike a balance between light and dark, form and function, and modern and classic. Louis Poulsen brand uses exceptionally high quality materials to make their lamps, not only because they so easily withstand the ravages of time and are then handed down from generation to generation, but they are also convinced that the quality of the material is closely related to the quality of the light.
The PH collection by Poul Henningsen
In 1926, one of Denmark’s leading designers, Poul Henningsen, developed a highly sophisticated light source shading system based on the principle of three layers (lamellas). The pendant lamp collection has received new additions over the years and is now available in many shapes and colours, the most popular of which are the PH 5 and PH 5 mini lamps.
The monumental icon – the PH Artichoke pendant lamp, which is made up of 72 metal plates – is built on a similar principle. These again confirm the shading system, which does not dazzle you from any angle, but creates a perfect play of light inwards and outwards and a pleasant atmosphere. The Artichoke lamp was designed in 1958 for Copenhagen’s Langelinie Pavilion restaurant, where it still dominates today.
AJ lamps by Arne Jacobsen
The AJ collection by Arne Jacobsen, who needs no introduction, hides lamps originally designed in the 1960s for the iconic SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Whether they are floor, table or wall lamps AJ are works of art as much as they are functional lighting elements in homes, hotels, galleries and restaurants.
The Panthella lamp collection by Verner Panton
Another important designer in the house of Louis Poulsen was Verner Panton, whose signature is characterised by organic shapes and bold colours. He created the iconic Panthella lamp collection for the brand. Floor-standing, table-top and now also portable, they retain the characteristic morphology of the original icon, which was created in 1971.
Let yourself be carried away by the beautiful curves and the wide range of colours and designs of Panthella lamps in our online shop. Or explore other design gems from the workshop of Louis Poulsen.
Timorous Beasties opens new showroom in the heart of Clerkenwell, London
Timorous Beasties, the internationally acclaimed design studio has opened a new flagship showroom in the heart of Clerkenwell, London. The new space on Britton Street is situated a five minute walk from Farringdon station and joins the vibrant creative scene of the area, recently named the best place to live in the capital.
The new showroom, originally built in 1916 as a five-storey warehouse, previously operated as a lithographic and typesetting printworks and resonated with Timorous Beasties heritage and echoed the craft of the brand’s Glasgow handprint studio. Timorous Beasties were additionally drawn to Britton Street due to the rich history of craftsmen and makers who lived and worked on the street.
The impressive 2,300 sq ft space is arranged over the ground floor and lower ground floor levels, both flooded with natural light. Customers will be able to browse and purchase Timorous Beasties’ entire collection of wallpapers, fabrics and accessories as well as smaller gift items for the home.
Products will be displayed within lifestyle settings with comfortable zones to sit, relax and browse sample books and discuss interior schemes with the Timorous Beasties team. Timorous Beasties will also offer a Design Consultation service within the showroom as well as a meeting space for trade clients.
Alistair McAuley, Co-Founder of Timorous Beasties comments, “We are delighted to open our new London showroom in the heart of Clerkenwell’s design district. This destination space will allow us to showcase the full breadth of our wallpaper and fabric collections. In addition to selecting unique products for their home interiors and receive one to one design and colour advice from our team, we want our customers to enjoy their showroom experience and gain a better understanding of over 30 years of Timorous Beasties pattern and print heritage.”
Material Cultures turns woodland waste into sustainable sheet materials
For the V&A museum’s 2024 Make Good installation, design and research studio Material Cultures has developed alternatives to plywood and OSB made from underused woodland resources including pine needles and birch bark.
The Woodland Goods project was developed for the V&A’s Make Good: Rethinking Material Futures programme, which investigates the use of natural, renewable materials in design and architecture.
Material Cultures was invited to explore how British woodlands might be able to supply the construction industry with environmentally responsible materials beyond standard processed timber.
The studio focused on exploiting the natural properties of three underused materials: bark, natural glues and pine needles. These formed the basis for research into building materials for a post-carbon future.
Material Cultures collaborated with woodland experts Evolving Forests to identify suitable tree species for the project, while fabricator Erthly helped transform the materials into products that could be used as alternatives to plywood or chipboard.
One of the issues the studio identified in its research was the reliance on coniferous trees for construction, which can lead to monoculture forestry that harms biodiversity, depletes water systems and destroys native species.
The designers proposed a different approach that makes the most of the varied building materials that could be harvested from more regenerative and biodiverse woodlands.
“These exciting materials centre ecological thinking, showing how the status quo can be transformed,” said the studio, which has previously focused on using multi-species timber and hemp-based materials for projects such as an experimental low-carbon house in Somerset, England.
“Changing the way we grow trees could affect how we make buildings, for example by shifting to using mixed species that might be lower yield but more sustainable,” Material Cultures co-founder Summer Islam told Dezeen.
Some of the panels produced for the exhibition are made from silver birch and redwood bark, which both have naturally waterproof properties that make them suitable for use as cladding.
The solid sheets were made by layering strips of bark in alternating directions before compressing and heating them. This process activates the lignin in the bark, which acts like a natural glue and binds the material to itself.
The studio also experimented with bark chips and pine needles, which did not respond to heat and pressure so were instead combined with bio-resins to produce composite sheet materials.
“These are materials that are typically regarded as waste in wood production,” Islam pointed out. “In sawmills, bark is just chipped off and discarded but the sap it contains is a great natural adhesive so we found a way to use it.”
Bark would typically be sold off as mulch, biofuel or composted, while pine needles left to decompose after tree felling can make the soil in single-species forests overly acidic.
Responsibly harvesting these materials and giving them a practical purpose in construction could support the creation and management of resilient woodlands capable of surviving the changes currently impacting our climate.
To demonstrate how their sheet materials could be used, the designers adapted Alvar Aalto’s iconic Stool 60, adding tops made from pressed birch and sequoia.
The prototype sheet materials are being presented at the V&A until autumn 2025, alongside some of Material Cultures’ experiments and a film documenting the studio’s research.
Material Cultures was shortlisted for Dezeen Awards 2023 emerging architect of the year and previously collaborated with Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari on a pavilion made from wood and reeds that demonstrates flood-resilient building methods.
The photography is courtesy of the V&A Press Office.
Jennifer’s Elegant Home Sparkles with Christmas Touches and Easy Ideas to Steal
Hej! Happy December friends—one of my favourite times of the year!
Today, we’re off to a delightful destination I stumbled upon last night: the white clapboard house of Jennifer Zimmerman in Bavaria, Germany. With its charming wreath and fir trees adorning the entrance, her home makes a welcoming first impression. Step inside, and you’ll find spacious, light-filled rooms exuding elegance with just the right touch of festive charm.
Imagine STOFF nagel candle holders with delicate tapered candles, soft velvet bows adorning pendant lamps, and inspiring Advent displays—so many ideas to borrow! Beyond its holiday magic, this house is a year-round sanctuary and combines some of my favourite designer pieces (love the Gubi Pacha armchair) with antique and vintage finds, creating a tranquil yet character-filled space.
Most importantly, it’s a relaxed, lived-in home, featuring a harmonious blend of furniture styles and eras, thoughtfully curated bedrooms and bathrooms, and an inviting atmosphere which is perfect for a little calm, no matter the season.
Welcome to Jennifer’s world!
