Our Top 10 Highlights from IMM Cologne 2024
At Germany’s IMM Cologne in January, the focus was on crafting spaces for well-being with generous volumes, organic shapes — and the odd hit of neon.
As with the piece of infrastructure that inspired it, the Bridge light by Tonone founder and designer Anton de Groof features multiple evenly distributed supports that maintain balance along the linear design. The dimmable LED is sandwiched between two lengths of transparent recycled Plexiglas — in Fog White, Toxic Green or Lava Orange (shown) — and the power is conducted by the steel-cable suspension for an ultra-clean look. The pendant is available in spans of 110, 150, 180 and 220 centimetres.
Munich-based emerging designer Lukas Heintschel describes his charming Echo table for COR as resembling little mushrooms sprouting from the ground. The tone-on-tone toadstools come with three differently sized “stems” that are wrapped in fabric or leather and topped with a removable super-glossy glass “cap” that reflects its surroundings.
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Pallone Soft Seasons by Leolux
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of its distinctive ball-like chair, Leolux turned to Netherlands-based Studio Truly Truly to give it a makeover. Called Pallone Soft Seasons, the new version was inspired by the Earth’s orbit, the changing seasons and the transition from day into night, and features six new colour combinations, a super-soft bouclé seat (rather than the standard leather) and optional chrome-plated legs.
Designed for Schönbuch by Berlin-based Studio Terhedebrügge, Ezra elevates the humble bench with its graphic asymmetry. Offered in the brand’s range of matte or glossy saturated colourways (and two widths), the versatile seat also works as a spot for a decorative display or storage.
A semicircular backrest that gently curves inward adds an unexpected flourish to the otherwise understated and clean lines of the LOOP sofa by Werner Aisslinger. Created for ipdesign, the modular series has a timeless “unobtrusive nonchalance” and is lifted off the ground by its oh-so-slender legs.
Like a series of clouds stitched together, the Mia modular sofa — a first-ever from Freifrau — encourages prolonged relaxation. Designed by Germany’s Ilja Huber, the 11-module system is defined by generously oversized back- and arm-rests that can be adapted for personal preference and is offered in a range of upholstery fabrics.
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Elements Collection by Ethnicraft
Belgian brand Ethnicraft introduces a new material to its portfolio with the Elements collection: microcement. Combining minimal designs with beautiful texture, the two coffee tables, two side tables and streamlined console are artisan-crafted to a fine, earthy finish.
British studio Layer flips the conventional mattress with its foamless version for start-up sleep brand Mazzu. Individual hourglass-shaped pocket springs (in firm, medium or soft tensions) are cloaked in a 3D-knit textile and snap together to accommodate personal sleep positions on both sides of the bed. All materials — including the Base Matrix and Cushion Topper — are biodegradable or recyclable.
An eight-shaft threading repeat + 150 single-warp threads + 40 single-weft threads = the distinctive rhythmic pattern of Kvadrat’s Echo rug. The result of years of experimentation by mathematician and designer Jos Klarenbeek, the hand-woven New Zealand wool rug has an inviting tactility and vibrancy. Echo is available in six colourways — three with a white base (Chalk, Marble and Birch) and three with a black base (Shadow, Copper and Ink).
A collaboration between Hamburg porcelain manufacturer Dibbern and lighting designer Tobias Grau, the Lumen table lamp series features four porcelain cylindrical bodies that emit light and four interchangeable glass covers (in amber and grey) that play with that light. Switchless and wireless, the dimmable luminaire is activated through motion — lifting, tilting and setting back down.