imm cologne 2020
New living ideas for the new decade
New Year’s resolution: more mindfulness. Easier said than done. After all, it feels like the world is turning at supersonic speed in 2020 already. The new decade of the 21st century has only just begun yet the first international furniture fair of the 2020s has left visitors breathless once again.
imm cologne 2020 was attended by 1,233 exhibitors and over 128,000 visitors from all over the world, and ended in the Rhine metropolis on 19th January. But what does the enormous show for the international furniture sector leave behind? Countless impressions. Exciting sources of inspiration. And the gratifying recognition that many furniture manufacturers have once again thrilled the public with avant garde thinking and progressive design.
Yet again, Rolf Benz was a breath of fresh air in the cathedral city with initial furniture concepts for a new era. Here’s an overview of the highlights.
Black Forest quality and Italian chic
At the international furniture fair in Cologne, the Rolf Benz stand was a must for anyone looking for trendsetting living areas. Not least because of its visionary Living Concept, Rolf Benz LIV. Even before the trade fair, Rolf Benz LIV won the Stylepark Selected Award for imm cologne 2020 which serves as an important trade fair guide.
Consisting of modular sofa elements, shelving and coffee tables, Rolf Benz LIV exudes cosmopolitan attitude with a touch of luxury. The Living Concept, which was premièred in Cologne, was created together with Italian design office Nichettostudio. “We wanted to create a sofa system that adapts to the multiple requirements of contemporary living rooms. It should offer endless possibilities so the right combination can be found for every situation,” explains designer Luca Nichetto. The ultra-flexible sofa system combines geometric precision with relaxed comfort. Seat cushions, sofa backs and side sections can be individually configured while integrable shelving offers versatile design options.
A coffee table that harmonises perfectly with the new sofa system was also presented in Cologne. Rolf Benz 901 picks up skilfully on the geometric design vocabulary of Rolf Benz LIV and is available in a square or rectangular version in two heights. The Rolf Benz 902 side table, which can easily be moved with one hand, also fits in perfectly with the overall image, presenting itself as a flexible everyday companion in any area of the home; just like Rolf Benz 902 it offers table tops made of natural stone or clear glass.
Deluxe dining
The hunger for new dining concepts was also satisfied at imm cologne 2020. The cosy yet elegant Rolf Benz 600 shell chair and its almost sculptural table equivalent, Rolf Benz 929, catered to the discerning public’s taste. Design duo Hoffmann & Kahleyss from Hamburg were responsible for designing the attractive dining ensemble.
The designers gave the classic shell chair a new, unique look whilst ensuring consistently high levels of ergonomic comfort. The seat shell is available in umbra grey or anthracite plastic – or alternatively in five possible colour variants covered with full-grain leather – and comes with stitched seat and backrest cushions. The shell can be combined with a fixed or rotating wood or metal frame as required. Different cover and frame versions provide plenty of freedom to express your personal taste.
Just like the Rolf Benz 600 shell chair, the Rolf Benz 929 dining table is a real showstopper. The table top is available in solid wood or natural stone and comes in three sizes. The table column made of perforated metal in umbra grey, black or steel (matt finish) has a subtle transparent impact and conveys a charming sense of lightness.
Performing art
Let’s go from supper to servant. Inspired by Pablo Picasso’s line drawings, the valet stand which Cologne-based design studo kaschkasch designed for the Rolf Benz Accessoires collection can almost pass as a modern work of art. The Rolf Benz 908 flexible servant is available in three different finishes and consists of a single skilfully bent, well-proportioned steel tube. The two ends of the tube are located in a solid steel base. Whether it is used as a blanket or lamp holder, as a stand for the dressing room or wardrobe, or as a holder for scarves or bags, the flexible servant successfully performs all of its tasks with grace whilst always cutting an exceptional figure.
We’ve made a start. What else will the 2020s have to offer when it comes to interior design? We will remain mindful and keep you informed.