Trends and new products in the Living, Dining and Giving sections, as well as an impressive programme of events with famous stars and designers, were the defining features of Ambiente 2015, which was organized in February with an increase in the number of exhibitors and a record level of internationality on both the exhibitor and visitor sides. This year, the proportion of trade visitors from outside Germany reached 53 percent (2014: 51 percent) – more than ever before. The top ten visitor nations after Germany were Italy, France, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Spain, the USA, Switzerland, China, Turkey and Poland. There was an increase in the number of visitors from important European consumer-goods markets, such as Denmark, France, Portugal and Spain. Above average increases were also noted in the number of visitors from the Middle East and Asia, especially from the world’s most populous consumer-goods markets, China and India. Due to the prevailing political situation, there were, as expected, fewer visitors from Russia and the Ukraine.
For five days, exhibitors in the ‘Living’ section showcased new ideas and products for the home: from small items of furniture, home accessories and lighting, through home textiles and decorative objects to room fragrances, they presented up-to-the-minute trends and concepts for the home. The focus was on ways in which the home can aid relaxation, recharge the inner batteries and provide an escape from the mad round of everyday life. Manufacturers showed how this can be achieved with their creative presentations of products and themes. Smaller retailers used this opportunity to the full, putting their emphasis increasingly on niche positioning and distinctive and independent sales concepts.
The high-end market for home accessories is focused on Fair Trade and handmade items. Manufacturers personally oversee conditions of production on the spot, pay fair wages and often look after their workers’ families. In addition, many stages of production are once again being carried out in Germany. Customers are demanding handcrafted items of the highest quality made individually for them. A lot of things are now made to order and can be delivered quickly, in spite of this, because of the proximity to the customer.
Natural materials, with wood at the forefront, predominate in terms of the materials used. Wood in all its original beauty dominates home design, whether in its raw state or sanded and polished. Few products will do well without at least a bit of natural material. Marble and brass are also flying high.
Many manufacturers seek inspiration in tradition and offer new ideas for digital nomads in terms of small furniture items. Furniture with easy-assemble, quick-fit joints or, at the least, with very few screws, is offered with a background of solid and robust workmanship. In addition, stackability, flexibility and lightness play an important role. The new shelving units, tables, storage racks and chairs are easy to move about and fit into just about every ambience, thanks to their often delicate construction and unfussy design. Moreover, the digital lifestyle also inspires fanciful decorative ideas. Loudspeakers are hidden away in and behind sculptural objects of all kinds and shapes. Brightly-coloured tablet cushions decorate sofas and armchairs while they are not in use.
The picture market is demonstrating a clear trend towards nostalgia in the shape of the revival of the picture canvas: new interpretations of historic artworks are booming and are enlivened with glitter and the like. Besides that, multifunctionality is enjoying great popularity. Picture magnets with or without memo boards are very much in fashion.
The prevailing mood in the living room is for muted colours. A hint of Scandinavia characterises the current trend. Pastel shades, such as blue, lilac, mint and frosty green are the on-trend colour palette, alongside the still very dominant white and grey tones, creating a fine balance between Nordic tradition and the trends of the moment.
The next Ambiente will take place from 12 to 16 February 2016.