1 213 companies from 48 countries participated in the Imm Cologne/LivingKitchen 2011. They included 521 exhibitors and 32 additionally represented companies from Germany as well as 614 exhibitors and 46 additionally represented companies from abroad. Foreign companies accounted for 54 percent of exhibitors.

There were 138 000 visitors from 128 countries attending. That�s an increase of 38 percent of visitors since last year.

Dirk Uwe Klaas, Chief Executive of the Association of the German Furniture Industry says:
- It was by far the best furniture fair we've had in the last 10 years: more visitors, more contracts signed and an excellent mood. An excellent start to the 2011 furniture year for our national furniture industry and a huge success for Koelnmesse.

This years trends:
* When it comes to covering fabrics, plain colours dominate. Colourful stripes or abstract graphics are popular choices for accentuation. White remains the megacolour. In the leather segment, thick, barely treated natural leathers with a tactile, inviting character are particularly popular.

* LED lighting technology has made its breakthrough. The majority of wardrobes, wall units, sideboards and display cabinets are being equipped with this energy-saving lighting technology. LED fulfils two functions: brightness and atmosphere.

* Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in furniture construction too. Wood is becoming more and more popular, not only for storage and kitchen furniture but for comfortable chairs and loungers and as a visible component of sofas. Wood is reclaiming its former status in the furniture sector. One striking development: the many items featuring untreated oak, sometimes even complete
with bark.

As part of the opening ceremony for Imm Cologne, the Best of Best in this year's Interior Innovation Award were announced on 17 January 2011. In addition, the three best international up-and-coming designers were presented with the Interior Innovation Award.

1st place
Product OLA (table)
Designer AKKA, Oscar Terbom and Petter Danielson

2nd place
Product Pressed Chair 
Designer Harry Thaler

3rd place
Product Moody (sofa)
Designer Hanna Emelie Ernsting

Since 2011, participation in the Interior Innovation Award competition is no longer limited to Imm Cologne exhibitors. All companies in the interior design industry with products from the segments of furniture, bathroom, office/workspace, building equipment, wall/floor/ceiling, kitchen/household, lighting and textiles were eligible to apply for the 2011 Interior Innovation Award.

Source: interiornews.com.