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DESIGNERS’ DESK 

Brodie Neill 

Designs Remixed 

COVER STORY 

what’s 

cooking 

Image Courtesy:Bolefloor 

Mar - Apr 2012 

MARKET INSIGHT 

&TM 

E U R O P E 

in conversation with 

Cosmit President 

Carlo Guglielmi 

FOCUS

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Mar - Apr 2012 

ontents 

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COVER STORY 

&TM 

E U R O P E 

Know “What's Cooking” in the kitchen sector in the European 

arena. Frank Hüther of AMK, Germany, and Wolfgang Steib, 

Member of Management Board, Hettich elaborates about the 

industry now and its future. 

11 

FOCUS 

With concept of home décor changing drastically in the recent 

days, flooring has also gone beyond its definition and touched the 

zenith of creative impulse. Read the latest developments and 

trends in the flooring and floor covering sectors. 

30 DESIGNERS’ DESK 

Brodie Neill has fascinated the industry with his exciting use of 

form. The designer with an extensive list of prestigious clientele 

pours his heart out in an interview with us. 

47 MARKET INSIGHT 

Cosmit President Carlo Guglielmi has been associated with i saloni 

– the one-of-a-kind furniture show and the Italian furniture 

industry since ages. Sharing a few words with our readers 

notwithstanding his busy schedule before the show is something 

that we treasure. 

HOT PRODUCTS 20 

SHOW HIGHLIGHT 36 

SHOW REVIEW 44 

INDUSTRY NEWS 51 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 56 

Furniture & Accessories Europe 2012 

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Kitchen in India is considered as the warmest 

corner in a household. It is the centripetal force that 

keeps the entire home moving. Men of the family 

are still attended here with utmost care and 

women take the pleasure of serving them mouth- 

watering dishes. Though the modern kitchen does 

not restrict itself to any gender –based job distri- 

bution, still the cozy corner remains a motif for the 

feminine charm, and it's true universally. 

In a professional kitchen, however, the scenario is different. There's a 

tension underneath the perfectly garnished gourmets. Hurry and busy 

kitchen needs state-of-the-art appliances. It's amazing to see the latest 

modular kitchen designs which have not let go the hi-tech equipment. This 

major consumer sector deserves attention from different trade shows, 

especially in the European domain. Besides the specific kitchen shows, 

fair giants, such as Cosmit and imm Cologne are working as beacons in the 

industry. 

Talking about Cosmit, i saloni is once again ready to display the best of 

designs throughout the city of Milan. Cosmit President Carlo Guglielmi has 

spoken to us regarding the fair, its history, expectations from the upcom- 

ing edition and many other relevant details. We sincerely thank him for 

being so supportive despite his busy schedule. 

Pallabi Chakrabarty 

&TM 

E U R O P E 

PRESIDENT 

Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan 

VICE PRESIDENT 

Mr. Apratim Ghoshal 

EDITOR 

Ms. Pallabi Chakrabarty 

ASSOCIATE EDITOR 

Ms. Priti Shaw 

PUBLIC RELATIONS 

Chitralekha Banerjee 

DESIGN TEAM 

Mufaddal 

Amitabha 

Kaushik (Web) 

Rajat Singh (Web) 

CONTENT WRITER 

Rupsa 

CIRCULATION 

Mr. A.K.Sharma 

Mr. Kajal Mandal 

S-303, Ideal Plaza 

11/1 Sarat Bose Road. 

Kolkata 700 020, INDIA. 

Tel: + 91 33 3058 3350 

Fax: + 91 2289 4729 

email: info@furnitureglobal.com 


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COVER STORY 

&TM 

E U R O P E 

what’s 

c king? 


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COVER STORY FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EUROPE 

Consistent change is what design and innovation is 

based upon. Design is an intrinsic factor in the 

kitchen sector as well where convenience is expected 

out of innovation. The sector demands perfect 

amalgamation of functionality and design. Industry 

professionals have int roduced a stounding 

innovations and continue to come up with concepts 

high in design and values with features where 

functionality is not compromised at all. 

Paradigm Shift 

Kitchen is now the new living room. Kitchen has 

become central to one's 

house, literally. Frank 

H ü t h e r , C E O o f 

A r b eit sgem eins chaft 

Die Moderne Küche e.V. 

( A M K ) , G e r m a n y 

concedes this when he 

s ays, “K itchen ha s 

become a 'public area' 

inside the house; the 

theme is open, allowing 

the visitors and guests 

Frank Hüther 

t o l o o k a t t h e 

proceedings within it.” 

Kitchen is no more a secluded room in some corner of 

a house. Both style and standard of living have 

changed today and the modern day kitchen is an 

expression of contemporary trends of living. Current 

floor plans almost have no limits any more. Functions 

of various rooms are merging. Today's kitchen serves 

more as the centre of communication, the role 

previously served by the living room. 

The industry responded to the changing demand and 

today offers appropriate products for the changing 


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living situations. Hüther states, “The kitchen shows it is to be held from April 

an above average development compared to other 17-22 at the Milan 

furniture segments”. Kitchen, these days, has come Fairgrounds in Rho. The 

to represent itself as a status symbol. Importance of a show brings the best 

kitchen has become at par with owning a car. Huther from the sector with 

explains it's not just the body of a car which matters participants comprising 

but the motor and equipment it features, hold t o p i n d u s t r y 

significant value. For a kitchen, its features are m a nu fa c t u r er s a n d 

characterised by high-quality, multi-functional designers defining the 

appliances incorporated with modern design, which current and upcoming 

offers maximum comfort with self-opening and 

closing drawers and other innovative hardware 

t r e n d s . W i t h a n 

e x h i b i t i o n a r e a 

Wolfgang Steib 

technologies. expanding to 35,000 

The Europe Factor 

EuroCucina is a major biennial show, focussing on 

sqm and around 150 exhibitors, the show attracted 

297,460 professional visitors in the previous edition. 

kitchen furniture and fixtures, held in Italy. This year Wolfgang Steib, MD, Member of Management Board 


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at Hettich, tells that in terms of design, the whole of 

the world – apart from the US – looks to Italy where, 

every two years, EuroCucina leads the way. “With 

Italy still going through difficult economic times, 

this year's EuroCucina will focus more on sellable 

kitchen products rather than mere show objects. 

Expectations on design are set to grow, also in 

relation to fittings in the kitchen. 

Hüther is of the similar opinion. He says, “In times of 

uncertain financial markets, people rather invest 

their money in reliable material assets including 

modern kitchens”. German kitchens are popular 

and demanded all over the world. “The modern 

fitted kitchen, invented in Germany more than 60 

years ago, has proven successful and has 

continuously been developed further. The 

combination of international design and style, 

highly efficient production technology and 

logistics as well as best workmanship and product 

quality results in attractive, reliable and durable 

products. This quality is gaining ground. It can be 

appraised at trade fairs around the globe and in the 

showrooms of our manufacturers - and in the 

kitchens of many satisfied customers everywhere 

in the world”, Huther adds. 

Trend Forecasts 

Speaking about the trends reigning this season, 

Steib says that focus is currently on experimenting 

with vertical lines, i.e. high drawer fronts. Extrawide 

front panels will also continue to set the tone 

in the upcoming season. He adds, “In terms of 

materials, far greater use is expected to be made of 

glass and stone, coupled with a used-look and 

surfaces that give the impression of being very 

natural.” 

He forecasts, “Alongside handle-free fronts, highly 

characteristic handles will underscore kitchen 

styling towards one of the major four trends of New 

Modern (unadorned and sleek), Deluxe (opulent 

with shiny effects), Organic (natural and with 

dynamic lines) or Folk (retro style).” 

Hüther too believes natural looks and vertical lines 

would rule the season. “The trend for new kitchens is 

towards natural colours, especially in combination 

with structured surfaces. The rough-saw, almost 

natural wooden surface for panels for instance is 

coming on strong,” says he adding that lacquered or 


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foil-coated front panels might also be used which demand for high-end kitchens is supplemented by 

will heighten the visual allure. imports from Germany or Italy whereas in the large 

Asian countries, German and Italian manufacturers 

He explained that the use of combination of materials are increasingly finding themselves competing with 

is not merely attractive but also serve varying local, very much design-minded manufacturers.” 

demands, different utilisation and lends an element 

of individuality. There is another set of consumers who give 

preference to technology over design. 

Consumer's Delight 

Design and comfort ranks high when it comes to Steib enlightens, “Japan stands out in particular, in 

consumer's choice. “It's inbuilt in the popular culture accepting new technologies, where the subject of 

to share the planning and acquisition of a new electrification, e.g. in the form of move-down wall 

kitchen, a high-quality lifestyle product, with friends units, ranks first. Though there is a new kitchen- 

and colleagues. Customers deal in detail about buyer category with an affinity for technology 

innovative design and materials and features of emerging world-wide.” 

modern appliances focusing on comfort aspect,” 

says Hüther. The Market Now 

Market last year is assumed to be good. Steib says it 

Steib too believes in the role design plays in the has been good on the whole but some markets like 

sector. “Design is the predominant 

factor that sells kitchens from the 

h ig h- en d s eg m ent. However, 

implementing design trends in the 

various countries to a large extent 

depends on the way the kitchen 

furniture industry's structured,” 

says Steib. 

He describes, “Where Germany, say, 

is dominated by large industrial 

manufacturers that set huge store by 

producing efficiently and often only 

implement design trends within 

sp ecif ic conf ines dictated by 

production processes, smaller 

manufacturers in other countries will 

most likely be more willing to 

experiment.” 

He adds, “In the Middle East, the 


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Spain and Italy were slow. India is doing well and help to win back turnover from other segments.” 

turning into one of the key markets, making his 

company to invest heavily in India, both service and Hettich is in the process of launching its strategies for 

brand building sector. marketing the new ArciTech drawer system and has 

invested over € 80 million for this. The company has 

Market in the current year, Hüther believes, might expanded its development department on a 

suffer for the uncertainties in the financial markets significant scale and also installed an innovation 

and around the Euro. However, the situation might management activity. “As part of a network of key 

take a turn on a positive note if the consumers invest players from other industries, we are developing 

their money in material assets including high-quality, solutions that may sound like pipedreams today but, 

modern kitchen. in just a few years from now, are set to become 

reality,” says Steib. 

Steib too says that the indicators now point towards a 

downward slant for the sector with the speculations The further development of the sector will introduce 

of economy slumping further perhaps heading new materials and substances into the kitchen. “The 

towards recession. But the indicators in the industry issues of ergonomics, sustainability and energysuggest 

a positive way ahead. “Planning permissions efficiency will continue to gain in importance. 

in Germany are up by some 20 per cent. The financial Operating state-of-the-art appliances will become 

crisis has also made material assets more attractive. easier and more intuitional. Kitchen dealerships, the 

This mainly goes for bricks and mortar followed by kitchen planner and the installer will play an 

furniture. So, all told, a very mixed picture. We are important part in appropriately planning kitchen and 

assuming that the market will continue to develop safely transporting the products to end consumer,” 

more or less as it has done up to now. Aside from this, explicates Hüther. 

though, innovations will make the mood so 

buoyant.” 

The Road Ahead 

Development in marketing strategy 

is what Steib looks forward to. He 

points out, “Most kitchen sales are 

still based on rational decisions, it's 

emotions that sell fashion, cars or 

even multimedia technology. Saleswise, 

this is where the kitchen 

industry is losing out, both in terms 

of the value a kitchen represents as 

well as the frequency it's renewed in. 

This is where a different approach to 

marketing and multimedia or other 

emotional features in the kitchen can 


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FOCUS & 

E U R O P E 

Your Floor 

World 

TM 


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FOCUS FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EUROPE 

With concept of home décor changing drastically in economy collapsing, it will undoubtedly affect 

the recent days, flooring has also gone beyond its consumer spending. It will affect consumers' 

definition and touched the zenith of creative confidence.” 

impulse. 

Listone Giordano is the trade mark that established 

Laminate flooring, designer vinyls and other modern in the whole world the concept of "two layer 

materials have attained the credibility to be used in parquetry", which has now become the main point of 

multiple levels of applications. Similarly, wood, reference in high quality hardwood flooring. The five 

stone, ceramic and cork floors are attractive and layer plywood support base of Listone Giordano, 

versatile. New materials and products open up a host with its transversal layers of perpendicularly laid five 

of imaginative and daring solutions, while the millimetres grain finest hardwood, is the result of an 

traditional parquet flooring still remains 

hugely popular. 

The desire to be different, to express one's 

individuality at different levels is one of the 

main contemporary trends. This trend is 

particularly evident in interior design. 

Recently, we have come across some 

amazing designs that are not only remarkable 

but also highly functional. Here, we will be 

discussing some of our favourite options 

along with a detailed observation on the 

recent trend of floor coverings. 

No wooden floor is identical - the wide choice 

of different woods, colours and types of 

flooring facilitates unusual combinations and 

designs that suit diverse tastes and enable an 

original and customised effort in interior 

designing. Richard Catt, CEO, Contract 

Flooring Association, said in a conversation 

with us that he is a fan of natural materials as 

long as they come from a sustainable and 

well-managed source. Wood provides an 

ambience and “feel that is difficult to 

replicate.” Commenting on the market 

conditions, he said that the upcoming few 

months could be critical. He predicted, “If 

the Euro ends up in crisis with a major 


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accurate selection of raw-material and unique Cork (derived from Latin word 'cortex') is obtained 

processing technique, thereby assuring maximum from the bark of cork oak and is therefore 100% 

stability. regenerative and completely recyclable. This 

extraordinary natural resource is by its very nature as 

The unique cutting method and the innovative elastic as human skin. Millions of tiny cork cells 

drying process, based on thinner blocks, as well as absorb pressure and shock just like a mechanical 

an applied eight layer of acrylic ecologic and non- shock absorber, thus offering a comfortable walking 

toxic lacquer result in a material that, whilst striving experience. Through the cork surface and the cork 

for perfection, gains new value at every step. The underlay, noise and warmth are optimally insulated 

support base offers great resistance to the natural and the floors' resistance is additionally increased by 

expansion and contraction of the above mentioned a special UV finish. Until now, it was only available in 

hardwood layer. huge panels or tiles, but Kaindl has offered cork as a 

digitally coloured floorboard. This format also 

In the world of flooring where cork is gaining accentuates the inimitable visual advantages of cork. 

popularity like never before, Kaindl has come up in The collection comprises seven decors for narrow 

handy floorboard format. For the first time, cork boards and seven for maxi boards, which are 

floorboards can be digitally coloured directly. particularly easy to fit in. 


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A flooring option made entirely from leather belts 

has caught the interest of the flooring market with its 

attractive appearance and exclusive style. This 

product has not been created by any flooring 

manufacturer or supplier but rather a design 

company which produces luxury products ranging 

from fashion materials to products of interior design. 

The flooring is produced with a selection of leather 

belts which immediately arrests attention. These 

flooring tiles can also be used for walls or table tops. 

Belts are locally sourced wherever possible and are 

highly appealing to consumers looking for an 

unusual flooring design as well as those appreciating 

eco-friendly floors. This flooring is also described as 

'hardwearing'. Rugs are also available if the entire 

flooring with these vintage leather belts are not 

suitable in a certain area. 


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Floor covering 

“Carpets and floor coverings offer almost unlimited 

design opportunities,” says Dr. Andreas Gruchow, 

member of the Board of Deutsche Messe AG. "Today, 

customers can not only have a wide choice of 

materials, colours and designs – replace hyphen with 

a comma they can also find innumerable companies 

offering customised products. Today, customers 

have greater say in colour and design, and this has led 

to the creation of unique flooring that matches 

personal lifestyle 

and tastes of various customers.” 

Design options are endless - silk or wool material, 

traditional pattern or futuristic modern design, 

vibrant colours or subtle hues, modern carpets 

woven to customer specifications or carpets and 

carpet tiles arrayed in different shapes and colour 

combinations. It is easier today than ever before to 

achieve a unique and stylish effect. In earlier days, 

customers used to go for the floor coverings that 

served maximum utilitarian purpose with low 

maintenance. But these days, carpets and floor 

coverings have become core element of interior 

designing and everyone wishes to get the best for 

himself. 

The renowned Amsterdam-based textile designer 

Ulf Moritz agrees: "Today's customers can choose 

from a rich palette of off-the-rack materials, colours 

and formats, not to mention the customised products 

that a growing number of dealers are now offering. 

Customised solutions allow colour and design to be 

tailored as per individual taste, resulting in a one-ofa-kind 

floor covering that is fully in tune with 

customers' individual lifestyles." 

Moritz has identified three key trends for the 

2012/2013 season, "Primal Nature", "Urban Classic" 

and "Fashionable Rainbow”. 

Furniture & Accessories Europe Europe 2012 2012 

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Primal Nature 

reflected in exquisite carpets featuring a wide range 

This trend is characterised by natural materials, such of stripe and staggered-stripe patterns with a strong 

as Tibetan highland wool, hemp, bast fibre and emphasis on black-and-white combinations. There 

cactus thread, as along with nature-inspired visual are also a number of classic fashion textile patterns, 

designs. The aesthetic language of nature finds like Vichy, herringbone and checks that offer 

expression in organic forms, patterns and surface exceptional stylish look to the rooms. Urban Classic 

finishing. Laminate flooring and resilient floor also extends to carpets, laminate and resilient floor 

coverings, too, have the look of natural authenticity coverings adorned with sublime marble and vintage 

in them. Parquet and solidwood flooring products tile patterns as well as traditional ornamental and 

made mainly from light-coloured woods like oak, floral motifs. Classic blacks, whites, muted grays and 

maple, and birch tell a rich history written in cracks, gray-blues are combined with vibrant colours like red 

unfinished surfaces, natural oil pigments, repair and neon yellow. Refined dark-brown walnut tones 

patches and even burn marks. Designs featuring make the ultimate elegant parquet and solidwood 

torn, washed-out, patinated and fragmented flooring. Here, traditional laying patterns like 

patterns bear witness to the transient nature of all herringbone are making a comeback to lend any 

things. Coarse, artistically woven carpets, handwoven 

kilim rugs, and fur-patchwork rugs lend 

room a touch of classic elegance. 

rooms a rustic, old-world charm. Fashionable Rainbow 

At DOMOTEX in Hannover, Germany, XENTRYS 

Urban Classic 

presented itself not only as a specialist for high 

Urban Classic is celebration of the timeless elegance quality carpet yarns but also as a partner for greater 

with homely, sensual overtones. This trend is sustainability in the building sector. Based in Leuna, 


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Germany, XENTRYS is the first carpet yarn resilient floor coverings. Unconventional patterns, 

manufacturer to obtain an Environmental Product such as stains and paint splatters, and colourful rag- 

Declaration (EPD), issued strictly in accordance with rugs evince a courageously imperfect aesthetic. This 

EN 15804 and verified by the IBU - Institut Bauen und season, there is also a huge range of smaller rugs to 

Umwelt e.V. (Instit ute Const r uct ion a nd try hands on. Multiple rugs of the same kind can be 

Environment).People in quest of colour and joy in life used as carpet tiles People aspiring for creative stuff 

are bringing home fashionable flooring designed as can combine different designs and colours to 

per the contemporary trend. Whether one is seeking compose their own magically individual and easily 

for traditional style or fashionable range, -friendly reconfigurable floor décor. Patchwork rugs are also 

vibrant combinations and bold colours like pink, "in". These include patchwork overdyed Oriental 

sulfur-yellow, cobalt-blue, grass-green, turquoise, rugs, but with new colour combinations and patch 

petrol and rust-red can transform carpets and floor segmentation. Some even have partially printed 

coverings into the eye-catching centerpiece of any areas and high-pile sections that create a playfully 

room. Kaleidoscope effects, vibrant colour shaggy, frayed look. The rainbow theme also works 

gradations, photo prints and ethnic ornamental for parquet floors and laminate flooring with woodmotifs 

- Fashionable Rainbow has it all as it plays effect finish, extending the colour palette beyond 

with colours and patterns to create exciting new natural wood colours to more lively shades. 

designs for rugs, carpets, laminated flooring and 


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At DOMOTEX in Hannover, Germany, 

XENTRYS presented itself not only as a 

specialist for high quality carpet yarns but also 

as a partner for greater sustainability in the 

building sector. Based in Leuna, Germany, 

XENTRYS is the first carpet yarn manufacturer 

to obtain an Environmental Product 

Declaration (EPD), issued strictly in 

accordance with EN 15804 and verified by the 

IBU - Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. (Institute 

Construction and Environment). 

The trend towards sustainability and “green living” 

is more pronounced than ever – and this is evident in 

many areas of life. Organic, natural foods and 

clothing, textiles and home furnishings – the trend 

towards green products remains in vogue. 

It has been predicted that 2012 will see traditional 

patterns combined with bold colours. Oriental 

carpets and classic designs will be re-interpreted. 

The new fashionable effects might involve decorative 

patterns appearing obscured, washed out or faded; 

with other designs it might look as if colours have 

been splashed over motifs. 

In contrast to classical Oriental patterns, more 

arbitrary or random patterns could be seen, as well as 

striking shapes and forms. The new carpets will 

feature bold stripes and colour blocks, frequently in 

black and white. Timeless patterns such as gingham, 

candy stripes and checks have become popular once 

again – and it is a trend that also includes floor 

cover i ng s. Su bdued t a r t a n-s ty le ch e ck s, 

sophisticated marble-effect designs, historical tile 

designs, classical ornamental and floral motifs will 

rule. 

The patchwork look – achieved either by using 

various smaller carpets or carpet tiles or even by 

combining individual carpets in bright colours – can 

be dramatic, stylish and fun. Wool, silk, sisal, plant 

fibres – the list of natural yarns used in traditional 

carpet– making over the centuries is long and 

diverse. 

Floral elements are still very popular and a common 

feature in dyed Oriental carpets. Modern carpet 

design has developed this theme, featuring new 

colour combinations, patterns and partially printed 

pile to create a special frayed effect. 

Carpets with unusual textures and structures are 

currently in demand. Strong long fibre yarns or 

smooth tightly woven carpets can magically 

transform a room. Natural theme is not simply 

expressed by the use of environment-friendly fibres 

and colours, but also by the use of natural images in 

carpets and rugs. 

Luxurious Oriental carpets make cool rooms seem 

warmer and more sensual. They create an inviting 

retreat. Rich decorative patterns have inspired young 

designers to produce exciting new creations. 


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HOT PRODUCTS 

&TM 

Cole & Son unveiled its latest range of wallpapers- Albemarle which derives its name from a 

Bohemian club in London. The damask patterns on the paper is inspired by the 18th and 19th 

century and lend Victorian element to an interior - ideal for creating a light and airy 

atmosphere. The collection comprises primary designs such as decadent damasks and 

refreshing tile-effect papers in metallic finishes. 

The company with a vast archive of damask print experimented with various printing 

techniques to create relevance between heritage patterns and contemporary design trends. 

E U R O P E 


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CALENDAR HOT PRODUCTS OF EVENTS FURNITURE FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES & ACCESSORIES EUROPE EUROPE 

Furniture and interior designer Reinier De Jong 

has created the coffee table- REK, which can be 

expanded in size, needed. The design element of 

the expanding table comes with built in stops as a 

safety measure which bars extension of the sliding 

parts to a limit. The designer has used HPL for the 

top and two sides of the table. The edges are 

available in three distinct finishing viz. oak, birch 

and beech which are bevelled to provide grip. 

Dimensions: 60x80x30 cms (in collapsed state) 

Furniture & Accessories Accessories Europe 2012 

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HOT PRODUCTS 

FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EUROPE 

Brussels-based design studio Ahsayane of Marcial 

Ahsayane has created this chair using red and white fabric 

with ruffles and swirls which is symbolic of the flamenco 

dresses from south of Spain. The fabric in the chair is 

handmade by 120 bicolour balls. 


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HOT PRODUCTS 


Boris Berlin and Aleksej Iskos of the Iskos-Berlin design studio wanted to 

create a compact and comfortable family of sofas on the lines of classic 

soft furniture style and came up with Snoopy. This sofa has got just two 

elements - a horizontal "pillow" for a seat and a vertical "duvet" as the 

back rest that wraps around the seat forming the sides. The designers 

have used marked piping in the upholstery which accentuates the shape 

of the sofa. 

Austria-based designer Philipp Aduatz's 

Melting Chair is crafted to resemble either a 

solid chair melting away or part-solidification 

of liquid. To create a realistic illusion, and 

create a transient transformation within a 

sculptural object Aduatz studied the 

solidification of fluids as well as the melting of 

solids with modern 3D animation software. 


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HOT PRODUCTS 

Flip Sellin and Markus Dilger of Berlin 

based design studio Coordination 

designed the Lean Tables drawing 

inspiration from traditional craftsmanship, 

joining three units- a wedge, legs and 

hexagonal boards of oak wood to form a 

table. The slanted legs of the table give an 

impression of the tables leaning against 

each other. 

The contemporary design in natural 

material suits myriad interior designs. 

Available in two sizes, the table adds an 

individual look to the interior. 

Dimensions: 36/45 x l 94 x w 63 cms 



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HOT PRODUCTS 


Cor, a pioneer in manufacturing 

upholstered furniture launched 

Bahir sofa. The sofa is marked for 

its large surface which allows one 

to relax. The design stands out for 

no classic division into seat and 

backrest. The quilted cover is 

simple to remove and easy to 

clean. Its seams underline the 

clear basic structure of the piece. 

Bahir is also available as a chair 

and complemented by a stool. 

Interlübke's Bookless not only provides an 

atmospheric light, but also a valuable 

orientation. This has proved to be a 

genuine gleam of hope for those who 

have got a chaste sense of erudition. The 

special design highlight created by its LED 

backlit rear side adds an extra charm to 

the product. 


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HOT PRODUCTS 


Leaves table from Draenert is ideal for 

flexible usage. Derived from the elemental 

basic pattern of a triangle within a circle, its 

possibilities are endless. The top is made of 

oiled solidwood (American walnut), the base 

is of powder-coated steel. Three tables, for 

instance, can be arranged in a circular 

formation, as a flower or in a freeform 

pattern. Leaves can be used as a coffee table 

or an occasional table. 

Spanish furniture manufacturer Gandia 

Blasco's outdoor sofa Tropez grabs attention 

for its unpretentious appearance and lightness. 

The sofa is based on an aluminium frame 

structure and can be equipped with various leg 

elements. Tropez can easily take the comfort of 

living room furniture out into the open. 


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HOT PRODUCTS 


Dutch designer Gerard Vollenbrock's 

Mundo's Leolux has ten combinations of 

fabric and leather – some of them with piping. 

The legs of the armchair feature a “satin 

chrome” finish – a special process that gives 

the chrome a slightly matt appearance. 


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HOT PRODUCTS 


German-based designer Karoline Fesser's 

Woonling Collection is a furniture series with 

flexible design concept as each piece can be 

placed in conformity with changing interiors. The 

concept lends its idea from green algae which 

form various shapes while it moves from its 

location. Each piece with ports between 

radical facets lets connect the various pieces in 

the collection to form one furniture piece of 

furniture. Cushions can be used as ottoman and 

taboret while two cushions can be placed to 

create a chair and similarly sequenced to create 

a sofa which can be arranged accordingly to 

extend in size. 


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&TM 

brodie 

neill 

Designs Remixed 

E U R O P E 

Brodie Neill is a name synonymous with innovation. 

In his hands form meets perfection. An Australian 

by birth, he is a dynamic designer capturing the 

attention of the international design scene with his new and 

exciting use of form. His rapid rise to success has resulted in 

an impressive collection of international achievements and 

an extensive list of prestigious clientele. 

His underlying interest in form was first explored at the 

University of Tasmania followed by a progressive digital 

approach developed during his Masters degree at the 

Rhode Island School of Design. His career- graph rose 

rapidly after his successful stint with top brands in New 

York. 

Brodies progressive approach has created the muchcelebrated 

design E-turn and the @Chair; a design so 

enigmatic to be honoured as Time Magazine's most 

influential designs. Other projects of acclaim are the 

Remix chaise longue and the Reverb chair- both 

progressive designs that fuse material form with 

advanced technologies. A gem of creativity, he had 

partnered with the late fashion maverick Alexander 

McQueen for ICFF New York, back in 2009. 

However, his most recent stand out design Clover - a 

sculptural light form inspired by nature was 

launched at last year's Milan Furniture Fair. 

Eventually, Brodie established his current 

studio in London's East End, where he 

applies his seamless, fluid-like 

designs to a range of objects 

from production items to 

special edition pieces. With 

an extensive record of 

international exhibitions, 

Brodie continues to attract 


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top manufactures with his unique fusion of technology 

and a progressive aesthetic. 

He opens his heart as we indulge in a conversation with 

him. We share it with you! 

FAE: How would you define design? 

Brodie Neill: Design is organic, experimental, sculptural 

and form orientated. It's about having shapes and 

surfaces that are more human with look and feel of real 

materials. 

FAE: What / who inspired you to become a designer? 

BN: Since childhood, I have always been creative so I was 

bound to be a painter, sculptor, or fine maker of things. 

Design seems to be merged in all the aspects of 

creativity into one open-source discipline, where you 

can cross boundaries and blur borders, taking influence 

from each and everything the world has to offer and unit 

it within beautiful livable objects. 

FAE: Till date, which design is the closest to you and 

why? 

BN: There are many and they are all different. Clover is 

special because it is widely loved by all around the 

world. E-turn is known for being unusual and unique. 

Reverb is special for its amazing material and of course 

Remix for its amazing visual impact. Maybe Remix is my 

closest, for it brings together so many aspects of my 

work, both new and old, digital and handmade. 

FAE: What inspires you to create a new 

design? 

BN: Creating a new design comes 

@chair 

A continuous morphing loop in the 

form of a single seating chair 

remix 

An organic shaped chaise lounge CNC carved from a 

random mix of reclaimed and sourced materials. The 

multicoloured pin stripe pattern includes plastics as 

well as a range of man-made wood products. 


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pop 

A dynamic table consisting of one seamless ribbon stretching 

from either end to form the complex configuration of a table 

with an almost fuse like friction. 

scuba 

A contouring lounge consisting of a single surface rolling and 

wrapping to create both form and function. 

usually from a challenging material or process, 

but also often by adapting interesting forms to 

functions gives birth to new design. 

FAE: What are the projects that you are 

currently working on? 

BN: I am launching soon a new bench seat 

with Riva 1920 that is carved out of one 

piece of wood. It is simple, elegant, and 

merges technology with the natural tone of 

timber. I am also working on a summer 

installation for London's Southbank that will 

take place in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations 

as well as the Olympics and Paralympics. All up, 

the installation will be in place for the four 

months for summer in what will be a fantastic 

year for London. I am planning an exhibition 

from London Design Festival. 

FAE: What are your plans this year? 

BN: Besides working on the above, I am soon 

traveling back to Tasmania, Australia to visit 

family and to give various talks at Universities 

across Australia. I don't plan ahead too much for 

things can change very very quickly. 

FAE: In which fairs can we expect to meet you 

this year? 

BN: I have already been to imm Cologne this 

year and I will certainly be attending Salone in 

Milan. I will be attending the London Design 

Festival as a Londoner and I will travel back to 

New York to visit friends during ICFF. I'm sure 

others will pop-up but as of now these are 

the main stops for 2012. 

FAE: You have been in this industry for 

quite some time now! What changes 

can you notice since you began? 


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BN: The industry has grown a lot and expanded out, FAE: What is your dream project? 

but of course, there has been a slight shrinking with BN: I don't have one dream project but there is so 

global markets struggling. much that I would love to design, from a pen to a car, a 

mobile phone to an entire building. My ideas are 

FAE: What is the greatest appraisal you have ever 

received from anyone? 

limitless. 

BN: That would be a manufacturer believing in my FAE: Whose work do you like the best among your 

design and investing the in brands in future on my contemporaries and why? 

ideas. With this comes a lot of pressure and BN: There are so many but I guess I like aspects of 

expectation but that's all part of the job. When my different designers, like Ron Arad's experimental 

first production design was confirmed I was only 25 playfulness, Ross Lovegrove's form refinement, 

and a group of Italian businessmen invested 

thousands into the idea of a wall light. That is indeed 

a great appraisal and thankfully the design is still in 

production and selling well. 

Starck's storytelling etc. 

A dual layered wall light featuring a dimple like 

undulation. The two thermoformed diffusers, one 

transparent the other translucent, mimic one 

another as they morph into their organic form. 

intro 

a black gloss seat with smooth undulating surfaces containing 

three window-like apertures that merge with fluid-like 

transition 

morphie 


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reverb wire 

A wireframe network of handformed and mirror polished stainless steel rods 

map out the expansive conical geometry of the Reverb Wire Chair 

reverb 

Hand formed and mirror polished, the Reverb chair is a single continuous skin 

of metal, expanded and inverted to create both structure and seating surface 


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SHOW HIGHLIGHT 

&TM 

IN 

DEMAND 

E U R O P E 

st 

he 51 edition of the isaloni, from April 17-22, 

2012 at the Milan Foregrounds, Rho will 

Tshowcase thousands of high quality products 

st 

organisation.. The 51 edition will be no exception. 

The Saloni – which will cover more than 210,000 

square metres of exhibition space at the Fairgrounds, 

destined for the global market, reaffirming Milan's with the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, 

rightful place as the international capital of EuroCucina / The International Kitchen Furniture 

furnishing. The layout will stay the same, with the Exhibition, the International Bathroom Exhibition, 

design sector arranged so as to create an itinerary the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, 

that dovetails perfectly with the Kitchen and and SaloneSatellite – are set to win the visitors heart 

Bathroom Furniture biennials. as always . 

The varied proposals from about 2,500 exhibitors This year EuroCucina will again be accompanied by 

range from furniture to furnishing accessories, from FTK (Technology for the Kitchen), the exhibition 

kitchens to bathrooms to the prototypes conceived devoted to technological innovation in built-in 

by the under 35s, all bearing the distinguishing domestic appliances and cooker hoods, in Pavilions 

hallmarks of quality and innovation that have earned 9, 11, 13 and 15, in total synergy with the 

Milan its place as the capital of furnishing. Every International Bathroom Exhibition, opposite it in 

April, over 300,000 visitors beat a path to the Salon Pavilions 22 and 24, where the emphasis is on natural 


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SHOW HIGHLIGHT FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EUROPE 

products for accessories and coverings, crafted by 

leading international designers. The synergy 

between kitchens and bathrooms also takes in the 

design section of the Salone Internazionale del 

Mobile in Pavilions 16-20, dovetailing perfectly not 

just with the two biennials but also creating an ideal 

itinerary, leading from classic design to cutting 

th 

edge. This 15 edition of SaloneSatellite is devoted 

to “DesignTechnology” pursuing its vocation as 

a talent scout for the most promising international 

designers, offering them visibility and an 

opportunity to contact with the exhibiting 

companies. Alongside the exhibition, there is the 

competition for the three most outstanding kitchen 

and bathroom products in each of the two sectors in 

Pavilions 22 and 24. In response to market demand, 

the organisers – Cosmit and FederlegnoArredo – are 

throwing the Saloni open to the public all day on 

Saturday this year, in addition to the traditional 

Sunday opening, which last year saw over 32,000 

visitors pass through the gates. 


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Proposte 2012- 

Passion Parameter 

textile editors, contract operators, manufacturers of 

upholstered furniture, wholesalers, big chains of 

distribution, converters. Proposte is the most 

roposte, organised and promoted by Proposte important B2B event in the interior decoration textile 

srl, scheduled on May 8-9, 2012 at the Villa world, reserved to approx 100 European exhibitors 

PErba – Cernobbio, Como, Italy is a specialised with a high-level production. We only exhibit 

event organised in the form of a world premier for the furnishing fabrics, curtains and trimmings. 

textile industry. Spoken to Chiara Arduino of Studio 

Michelangelo, the press office of Proposte, our 

editorial team has managed to get some information 

in details. Hope it will help you. 

From left to right: Paola Motta, Sandra Mastrosimone, 

Chiara Arduino, Lorena Villa, Vittoria Ceriani 

FAE: Is there something innovative/off-track 

product any participant of Proposte 2012 trying to 

exhibit? 

FAE: What are the expectations of the organisers 

CA: The contract market is getting more and more 

important every year, compared to the residential 

from Proposte 2012? 

one. So, we believe the participants will offer a great 

Chiara Arduino: We expect more or less the same number of flame-retardant collections for hotels, 

number of visitors we had last year: some 6300 yachts, theatres and so on. The small companies with 

visitors from approx 70 countries. Only six kinds of handicraft structure will of course confirm the 

companies – on invitation only - can visit the fair: production of very rare silk fabrics and curtains much 


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requested from museums of ancient furniture, quality as we always do. We have to promote the 

private or public historical houses (White House in sustainable production taking care of both human 

Washington, Buckingham Palace and similar) etc. sources and ambient sources. 

The most innovative companies will show state-ofthe-art 

articles with special blends of natural, 

artificial and man-made fibres with new design and 

finishing. But, it is difficult to say what exactly the CA: Of course not. I Saloni – which is only one brand 

exhibitors will exhibit because Proposte is a surprise of the Design Week - is a huge event which not only 

every year! involves hundreds of thousands of operators but also 

FAE: Please inform us about the recent trends to 

which the exhibitors are focussing upon. 

revolutionises the entire city of Milan. Even private 

citizens rent rooms in their houses to young 

designers and journalists coming from all over the 

CA: Since Proposte is a world preview, we have no world because all kinds of hotels, from 1 star to 7 are 

idea on what exactly the companies are focusing fully booked one year before the event. I Saloni has 

upon these months. For the same reason we do not so many products on show, so many are the countries 

have a trends area as many other textile fairs have of origin of the exhibitors, so many are the architects 

with samples and technical descriptions. The trends visiting the showrooms in and out of the exhibition 

are defined DURING the fair by a team of textile centre… it is a sort of public celebration of design. 

experts going around the stands, collecting ideas, Moreover it is focused on furniture, not on interior 

pictures, information and then writing together a decoration textile. 

sort of report which later the press office distributes 

to magazines and to operators through the website Proposte, on the other hand is a business to business 

www.propostefair.it. The real trend is the whole small fair in the very exclusive exhibition centre Villa 

Proposte. Erba in Cernobbio, Como Lake, open only on 

FAE: What are the exhibitors and organisers' view 

about the Italian furniture industry, with special 

reference to the contribution of Proposte in the 

world of Italian furniture? 

CA: According to the latest World Furniture Outlook 

issued by CSIL, Centro Studi Industria Leggera which 

is the Italian Light Industry Studies Centre, Europe 

will suffer for a three-year crisis in this field, while 

Asia, Latin America and USA will recover first from 

economic depression. Made in Italy furniture is still 

much exported and appreciated in Russia, China, in 

the East-European countries, while the domestic 

market is not helping at the moment. We have to be 

patient, invest in innovation, research, design and 

FAE: Do the participants and organisers of Proposte 

consider themselves as the competitors of I Saloni? 

invitation to the most qualified companies in the 

world, the public is not admitted! 

One more thing: Proposte is organised by a private 

company owned by the exhibitors themselves, it is 

not organised by a fair organiser with the aim of 

selling exhibiting space. This is another important 

difference, to our opinion. 

Next 9 May at Villa Erba we will celebrate the 

twentieth edition of Proposte with an extraordinary 

concert with the Soloists of the Wiener 

Philharmoniker. I sincerely hope you can join us! 


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AN INTIMATE 

NAME FOR 

FURNITURE AND 

INTERIOR DESIGN 

he International Exhibition for Furniture and 

Interior Design - INLIFE plays a pioneering role 

Tin the region where it contributes to fulfilling 

The accelerating development in construction and 

real estate sector, and the launch of many 

construction, commercial and tourism projects, are 

the needs of local markets, and forms an important factors that led to an increase in local demand for 

gathering for top local and international companies, furniture and interior decoration supplies of all 

especially after it has affirmed its position as one of kinds, where both consumers and companies that 

the leading furniture and interior design exhibitions function in this sector have developed a need to get 

in the region due to the great success it achieved in its acquainted with the most advanced and best 

previous editions. solutions, designs and innovations in the world of 

furniture, interior design and accessories for homes, 

The seventh edition of The International Exhibition offices, hotels, tourism establishments, landscape 

for Furniture and Interior Design - INLIFE, which will 

be held from April 26 - 30 2012, at Damascus 

design and gardens. 

Fairground, Syria, will witness an increase in the To keep pace with the increasing interest in 

number of exhibitors, the diversity of exhibits, the 

th 

decoration and furniture in modern life, the 7 

number of visitors, and the number of specialised edition of the 'International Exhibition for Furniture 

delegations that involve traders, importers, & Interior Design - INLIFE' comes with a fresh look in 

purchasing committees, décor engineers, and other all aspects after it established itself to be one of the 

interested parties. leading furniture and interior design exhibitions in 

the region. 


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he Office Exhibition 2012 will see a return 

of some of the world's top designers of 

Toffice furniture. The Middle East's 

leading and largest industry platform for office 

design and fit-out solutions has confirmed the 

participation of some of the most sought-after 

brands from Europe, America and the Far East. 

the Office Exhibition 2012 will take place at the 

Dubai World Trade Centre from 15-17, May 2012. 

Responding to the increased demand from 

international and regional manufacturers, the 

2012 exhibition will enjoy 30 per cent more floor 

space than the previous year. With 60 per cent of 

the show already sold, event organiser dmg :: 

events says exhibitors are optimistic about the 

growth opportunities in the region's commercial 

fit-out market. “We're definitely seeing renewed 

confidence in the UAE market among exhibitors. 

Even though the local real estate sector has 

slowed, The Office Exhibition is very much 

viewed as the gateway through which to tap 

commercial fit-out projects across the region, 

Furnishing And 

Growing At Its 

Full Length 


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particularly in the GCC,” said David Wilson, Event Director of 

The Office Exhibition. 

Among the top brands returning to the show is Japanese 

manufacturer Okamura, widely celebrated for its game changing 

Contessa Chair – an elegant and ergonomically designed mesh 

chair with a synchro-reclining mechanism. It will be Okamura's 

first exhibit in the Middle East since 2007 and the manufacturer 

plans to demonstrate that it has much more to offer than just 

seating. Following the success of the 2011 show, which attracted 

the largest contingent of North American manufacturers on 

record, the US Campus this year will double in size. Over 30 

brands will be present at the country pavilion. European 

manufacturers are also eager to strengthen their foothold in the 

Middle East with The Office Exhibition 2012. 

Over 5,000 visitors attended the 2011 show from throughout the 

Middle East. The 2012 edition expects even more visitors are 

expected to come from around 56 countries including the UAE, 

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt and Syria. 


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SHOW REVIEW 

&TM 

NTERIORS UK 2012 reported a storming success. 

Held at Birmingham's NEC, this year's show had a 

Iline-up of expert seminar speakers, a host of 

inspiring signature spaces curated by top designers and 

stylists, several important industry awards ceremonies 

and an innovative Designersblock Design Village to 

celebrate up-and-coming, cutting-edge design. 

Eight enormous halls were packed full of exhibitors' 

stands, displaying everything from lighting to flooring. 

On all four days, visitors filled the aisles and business 

thrived. All the biggest names in retail were present, 

including buyers from Debenhams, DFS, Dreams, 

Dulux Design, Feather & Black, Furniture Village, 

Harrods, Heals, Home Retail Group, House of Fraser, 

Ikea, John Lewis, Laura Ashley, Marks and Spencer, 

Next, Osborne & Little, Sainsburys, Selfridges, Tesco 

and The White Company. 

Textile artist Ptolemy Mann transformed the centre of 

Hall 1 into a breath-taking Fabric Pavilion with huge 

sails of Ikat fabric in bold colours suspended high 

above a luxury bar. Lighting companies joined 

together to create a stunning Lighting Pavilion in Hall 

3, while Designersblock designers opened a pop-up 

pub called The Local and curated a Design Village, 

packed full of fresh talent. Highlights included a 

special Bed & Breakfast installation with room sets by 

House of Hackney, Donna Wilson and Studio 

Myerscough. 

The INTERIORS UK 2012 seminar programme was 

crammed with expert speakers, including Shaun 

Clarkson, Dan Hopwood, Oliver Heath, George Clarke 

and Hannah Malein. With the recent announcement of 

e x c i t i n g n e w s i s t e r s h o w I N T E R I O R S 

LONDON(launching 19-21 May 2013), and the 

confirmation of INTERIORS UK 2013 to be held again 

in Birmingham (20-23 Jan 2013), next year looks more 

promising. 

Designing 

E U R O P E 

the Brit Way 


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SHOW REVIEW FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EUROPE 

On January 22, 2012, the imm cologne and 

LivingInteriors drew to a close in Cologne 

with an awesome result. For seven days, 

1,157 companies from 54 countries showed the the 

interior design trends for the coming year. Including 

estimates for the last day of the show, the trade fair 

duo lured 115,000 visitors to Cologne. “Cologne is 

the key business platform for the global furniture 

economy – as this trade fair has once again 

impressively demonstrated,” summarised Gerald 

Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse. “This year we were bang 

on course. We had more exhibitors, were more 

international – the Italian contingent was stronger 

than it had been for a long time – and visitors got to 

see lots of genuinely new products. All in all, a result 

like this means we are again playing at the very top of 

furniture sector's premier league,” continues 

Böse. 

With his statement, “This year's furniture fair 

exceeded our expectations yet again,” Dirk Uwe 

Klaas, Chief Executive of the Association of the 

German Furniture Industry (Verband der Deutschen 

Möbelindustrie), put on high accolades on imm 

cologne 2012. “With this kind of momentum, 2012 

may well be a very good year for furniture- and as far 

as Germany is concerned, our furniture industry may 

well become the engine that drives consumption,” 

said the Chief Executive. 

A total of 115,000 attendees visited the metropolis on 

the Rhine – 14 per cent more than at the last 

Exciting 

& Fabulous 


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SHOW REVIEW FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EUROPE 

comparable event in 2011, even w it hout new trade fair format, which was held together with 

LivingKitchen. With foreign visitors accounting for the imm cologne for the first time, showcased 

42 percent (based on the trade visitor days), the imm perfectly staged interior worlds consisting furniture, 

cologne has once again proved itself as a very bathrooms, floors, walls and lighting that met with 

international trade fair. There were far more buyers an excellent response from trade visitors and 

from Europe, especially from the Russian Federation consumers alike. 

and Italy, besides, a slight increase in the number of 

visitors from North America and Asia. Around 

40,000 consumers came to seek inspiration from the 

interior worlds on show. “We see this result as proof 

that our many and varied activities, aimed not only at 

national and international trade visitors but at 

consumers as well, have been successful,” uttered 

Katharina C. Hamma, Chief Operating Officer of 

Koelnmesse. “The imm cologne 2012 has thus 

established itself as an order-writing and 

information platform,” boasted the COO. 

At the imm cologne, these worlds come together in 

an ideal fashion. With last year's pure textile show 

and the new LivingInteriors format at this year's fair, 

the trade show has consistently pursued the imm 

cologne's evolution as an interior design fair. The 


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MARKET INSIGHT 

&TM 

The Saloni are what they are 

because they have behind 

Italian culture- which is a 

culture of beauty – and a 

craftsmanship tradition very 

specific. In particular, the 

area near Milan, known as 

Brianza, is the cradle of 

carpentry and furniture since 

many centuries. 

E U R O P E 

osmit President Carlo 

G u g l i e l m i h a s b e e n 

Cassociated with isaloni – 

the one-of-a-kind furniture 

show and the Italian furniture 

industry since ages. He is the 

man who knows every bit of it. 

Despite his busy schedule, he 

had been extremely supportive 

in sharing few relevant details 

for our readers and this is 

something that we truly 

treasure. 


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MARKET INSIGHT FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EUROPE 

FAE: Keeping the gates open to all for one more day, 

does it draw in more visitors? 

Carlo Guglielmi: Yes, every year we have an 

impressive turnout of both visitors and general 

public: 32,870 in 2011, 32,103 in 2010, 30,000 in 

2009.Design 

Design Dance is a project by Michela Marelli 

and Francesca Molteni. It is a perrformance 

narrating the marvellous story of design. 

FAE: What's the concept of Design Dance? 

Carlo Guglielmi: The event is dedicated to those 

people, companies and, in particular, to those 

hundreds of factors that laid the ground for the 

Italian design system and its aspirations. 

FAE: What are the exclusive plans for 51st year? 

What will be your expectations from the coming 

edition? 

Carlo Guglielmi: Besides our biennials dedicated 

to kitchen and bathroom- there will be a wellness 

area in the last one. The Saloni will carry forward 

its cultural campaign with some events, like 

“Design Dance” and “skybook” linked to 

products and their culture. 

FAE: Dubai and Singapore are coming up with the 

city-centered event model as well, how do you plan 

to keep yourself one step up? 

Carlo Guglielmi: We never try to be one step up, 

but we always try to present the best in us. I 

believe that it is impossible to copy the original in 

its true essence, which in other words means that 

it is difficult to copy the quintessence of Saloni in 

its true spirit. 

Saloni is what it is because it has the rich Italian 

cu l t u r e a n d i n i m i t a bl e t ra d i t io n of 

craftsmanship. In particular, the area near Milan, 

known as Brianza, is the cradle of carpentry and 

furniture since ages. It is difficult to copy the past 

or the traditions. 


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MARKET INSIGHT FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EUROPE 

FAE: If you have to trace the trend in furniture, how 

would you go about it? 

Carlo Guglielmi: Quality and innovation- these 

two elements are what truly define Italian 

furniture. The trend is set by the general public 

may it be in colour, shape, design etc. 

FAE: Automation or hand-crafted, which one 

according to you represents the true Italian brand 

image? 

Carlo Guglielmi: Italian design has originated 

from a strong tradition of handicrafts and this is 

the reason why till now, in the modern industrial 

world, it commands such importance and value. 

FAE: Do you have any plans for Indian subcontinent? 

Carlo Guglielmi: At the moment nothing specific 

yet, but we are keeping an eye on India which is a 

dynamic country with a potential market. As you 

can see Indian visitors have increased in the past 

3 years: 

2009: 3030 

2010: 3165 

2011: 4429 

Salone Internazionale del Mobile 

The Salone del Mobile is the global benchmark 

for the Home Furnishing Sector. The Salone 

made its first appearance in 1961, designed to 

promote Italian furniture and accessories the 

export market, and it has continued to do so 

impeccably. 

In 1965 the leading furniture companies were 

brought together in one single commercial 

exhibition for the very first time. The 50th 

edition of the show that was held in 2011 was 

attended by 282,483 trade operators; 177,964 of 

whom had come from 154 countries; 32,870 

general public and 5,967 communication 

operators. 

This year's Saloni is scheduled from 17-22 April. 


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INDUSTRY NEWS 

&TM 

E U R O P E 

Four High Profile Events Design Centre (NDC). It was first launched in the 

At Idéo Bain 2012 

year 2009 and is supported by Malaysian 

Idèo Bain, the leading Furniture Promotion Council (MFPC). The name 

bathroom trade show, 'NexTus' is taken from the word Nexus which 

was scheduled from means connection, tie, link, integration or 

February 7 to February 12, 2012 in Paris. The succession. It aims to provide a platform for 

sixth show has been given a new visual identity maintaining continuous interest in the furniture 

and a new communications campaign that takes 

"Let's imagine a bathroom that's like you as its 

industry. 

theme. 

Nextus Furniture Design Competition 2012 is a 

student-category furniture design competition. 

Four high profile events set the pace at the 2012 The shortlisted entries will be showcased and 

show. ModesdeBains, a totally renewed, judged during EFE Exhibition in March 2012. The 

visionary exhibition space for the first time objective of this competition is to create a 

hosted four teams of designers casting a creative healthy competition amongst design students 

look forward at the bathroom at the show. The for continual improvement of the national 

Hotel Bathroom Prize was presented to an furniture design scene. Besides, 'NexTus' can 

internationally renowned French designer who also be read as 'Next'-'Us', which supports the 

offered us his or her vision of the ideal hotel aim of this competition in creating and 

bathroom. The "Immersion" space by UNIFA, identifying future generations to whom the 

with the support of the VIA offered the visitors a 

look at the bathroom 

baton will be passed to. 

spaces of tomorrow. A 

Fira Reduces Carbon 

Forum Space was featured 

Footprint By Working 

at Idéo Bain for the first 

With Recycling Furniture 

time. 

Ltd 

Since FIRA began working 

N E X T U S F o r t h e 

with Recycling Furniture 

Generation Next 

Ltd last summer, it has 

NexTus 2012 is an annual recycled over 400 pieces of 

f u r n i t u r e d e s i g n f u r n i t u r e , t o t a l l i n g 

competition organised by 16, 218kg s. T h i s ha s 

M a l a y s i a F u r n i t u r e resulted in a saving of 

Entrepreneur Association staggering 21,855kg of 

(MFEA) and National carbon. 


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INDUSTRY NEWS FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EUROPE 

Recycling Furniture can recycle 98per cent of any O n e of t h e s e fa i r S i s 

item of furniture that they collect from FIRA, Ma lay sia n I nt er nat io na l 

breaking down the products into each of its Furniture Fair (MIFF), a 

different components for recycling. Furniture is recognized fair in Asia for the 

notoriously difficult to dispose of, especially furniture sector. UBM plc has 

products such as office chairs which contain acquired outright the MIFF exhibition on behalf 

many different elements and can be difficult to of UBM Asia from its private owners. The 

disassemble. acquisition of MIFF enhances UBM's strong 

position in the furniture exhibition market, 

Fira With A New European Standard For School complementing Furniture China in Shanghai, the 

Furniture 

Index fairs in India and Interiors in the UK. In 

The new standard for 2011 the event generated revenues of 

school furniture replaces approximately RM 20m (£4.1m). The business's 

the previous 2006 version 

with immediate effect. The 2006 version 

gross assets as at 30 November 2011 were £5.4m. 

assumed that the only fixed height chairs David Levin, Chief Executive Officer of UBM plc 

without arms were used in schools. The new said: "These acquisitions build on our well- 

standard covers more product. The key changes established strategy of acquiring strong events 

in the new standard are: 

that serve structurally growing markets and 

l A requirement that any chair or table has been communities, and particularly events which 

assessed to appropriate sizemark requirement operate in growth economies. We see attractive 

of EN 1729-1. 

growth prospects for each of these events and 

l Addition of requirements for swivel chairs look forward to those prospects being enhanced 

l Addition of requirements for chairs with arms 

l Additional requirements for chairs with 

footrails 

l Removal of impact stability test for tables 

In general, test loads and cycles have not 

changed, and therefore most products that have 

previously been assessed to EN 1729-2: 2006 will 

meet the requirements of the 2012 version. 

UBM Acquires MIFF 

UBM plc announced acquisition of four 

tradeshows for a total cash consideration of 

£19.4m and deferred consideration of up to £4.4m. 

as they join the UBM family of events.” 

For Furniture With Design Shaker 

This year´s For Furniture trade fair brings a new 

project called Design Shaker. Goal of this project 

is to support the topic of design – by exhibiting 

chosen products of Czech or foreign exhibitors in 

a special hall, or by discussions at round tables 

with participation of the most important 

designers and theorists of design. Also the 

Czech artist, architect, designer and university 

professor known worldwide – Bořek Šípek 

promissed his participation at this trade fair. 


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Chinese Kitchen Manufacturer Om Home Wins 

First “Colour Road Star Award” 

Chinese kitchen manufacturer OM HOME is the 

proud 2011 winner of the first “Colour Road Star 

Award”, offered by the RENOLIT DESIGN 

business unit in Deidesheim, Rhineland- 

Palatinate. The company's innovative and stylish 

use of 3D films from RENOLIT DESIGN's 

extensive range including Colour Road 2011/12 

collection trend colours, as well as the overall 

form and distinctive kitchen concept played a key 

role in the jury's decision. 

the constant contact with the numerous 

architecture and interior design firms located in 

the territory, with which Arper has established 

great relationships and shared visions over time. 

The opening party was crowded with the design 

community. Guests could preview the new chair 

“Juno” designed by James Irvine, which will be 

officially launched in April 2012 at the Saloni del 

Mobile in Milan. 

Latest Trends At Manila FAME March 2012 

Manila FAME reveals the 

latest global trends -- 

Paradiso, Tribal Fusion and 

Stone Age. These trends 

will reflect the products to 

be featured in the March 

2012 edition of Manila 

FAME, Asia's second longest-running trade 

show and the country's premier trade event for 

furniture and furnishings, holiday and gifts, and 

fashion. 

With its exciting use of the Makassar Natural 

high-gloss film on the carcass of a boat-shaped Slated on 14-17 March, 2012 at the SMX 

kitchen island, OM Home presented a kitchen Convention Center, Manila FAME has been 

idea which, in spite of its highly innovative instrumental in the development of the 

surfaces and overall design, did not lose sight of Philippine home and fashion lifestyle industries 

the functional aspect of a kitchen. 

since it was launched in 1983. It is the only event 

in the country approved by the Union des Foires 

Arper Opens New Showroom In Stockholm 

th 

On 7 February 2012 the opening of the new 

Internationales (UFI), a Paris-based association 

of trade fair organisers. 

Arper showroom took place in Stockholm, the 

creative hub of Nordic design. 

Tribal Fusion is motivated by appreciation for the 

beauty of native tribal weaving from all sides of 

The Swedish capital was chosen to strengthen the globe which is continuing to take the stage 

on the fashion runways and in the home. Tribal 


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Fusion's signature patterns also take their cue Wood for the coming season is the good old oak 

from tribal weaving as well as from animal life. as it has got a “real value” by its unbreakable 

Global appreciation for mementos from the past property. The walnut, however, is going to retain 

also plays a role in this concept translating into its important position. 

looks involving repurposing, recycling or 

reinventing clothing, jewellry, furniture and 

lighting. The uniquely handcrafted products in 

this collection satisfy today's consumer's need to German Furniture industry sales increased by 6.4 

express their individuality. percent. Sales of the entire German timber 

industry rose to 7.8 percent last year, according 

Gray is steadfastly becoming the new black in to Dirk-Uwe Klaas, chief executive of the 

the signature collection, Stone Age. All shades of Federation of German Wood Industry (HDH). 

gray are blanketing home furnishings, giftware 

and fashion while other colours stippling into the The home furniture (dining and bedroom 

palette are peridot, amethyst, and aquamarine. furniture and upholstered furniture) were able 

Technology And Nature Goes Together For 

Furniture 2012, Reports VDM 

to grow by 3.7 percent, the kitchen furniture 

industry recorded an increase of 5.9 percent. 

In the timber industry also in the sawmill and 

Association of German Furniture Industry wood products industry, the wood packaging 

E .V . ( V E R B A N D D E R D E U T S C H E N and construction-related field (prefabricated 

MÖBELINDUSTRIE E. V.) has planned for new construction, flooring, windows, stairs, doors), 

trends in the world of furniture. Furniture for the sales rose last year by 9.4 percent to 15.0 billion €. 

year 2012 will be smaller, much in accordance to 

the recent trends and needs of the twenty-first The German timber industry last year employed 

century. Just as the technology will be 153,072 workers in 972 factories. The number of 

significantly smaller, even the furniture of the employees will be increased again by 1.4 percent 

coming season will also be much smaller than over the previous year. 

what it used to be. 

Natural products like untreated wood are going 

to be used as the raw-material for furniture. 

People are going to experience real moss as a 

mural, cork floors or hardwood floors, a wooden 

tub. Leather and more real animal fur will be 

used as a reference material, obviously in a 

modern way. 

German Furniture And Timber Industry Sales 

Increased 


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Small and Independent 

Stores Rules Industry in 

Asia 

A new report prepared by 

Canadean and published 

by Market Publishers Ltd 

o n t h e A s ia-Pa cif i c 

u p d a t e s t h a t h o m e 

furniture and housewares 

retail channel, apart from 

J a p a n , i s h i g h l y 

fragmented and primarily 

s e r v e d b y s m a l l , 

2013 Paves Way for INTERIORS LONDON independent, family-run stores. 

Show 

I N T E R I O R S Nitori Co., Ltd. was the top performer among the 

UK team has leading home furniture and housewares retailers 

decided to launch an additional boutique edition in t he region. T he company's st rong 

show for London. The INTERIORS LONDON performance was driven by the high scores 

show will provide the mid to high end contract received for scale and growth and operational 

and design led retail sector with an edited efficiency pillars. Nitori was also the strongest 

version of the long-established show. The event performer under the financial performance 

will be a presentation of the best of British and pillar. However, the company's performance was 

international design displaying an array ranging comparable to the channel average. The weakest 

from latest launches, unique designs and cutting- of all was BALS CORPORATION, whose poor 

edge products. performance was driven by the low scores 

received across all the pillars. 

The first edition of show will be held from May, 

19-21, 2013 at the London Excel. INTERIORS UK 

Brand Director, Tony Crinion commenting about 

the launch said, “As a leading global design 

capital, we felt London was the ideal location for 

a boutique, version of INTERIORS UK. With 

hand-picked, up and coming exhibitors who are 

shaping the future of the design industry, 

INTERIORS LONDON is set to make its mark on 

the interiors calendar in 2013 and beyond.” 


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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

&TM 

Mar. 01-04, 2012 

MODEF 

Bursa, Turkey 

Inegol Fair Organizations 

http://www.modef.com.tr/ 

Mar. 04-07, 2012 

KBB BIRMINGHAM 

Birmingham, UK 

UBM 

http://www.kbb.co.uk/birmingham 

Mar. 05-08, 2012 

MEBLE POLSKA 

Poznan, Poland 

Poznan International Fair Ltd. 

http://meble.mtp.pl/en/ 

Mar. 03-11, 2012 

EXPOCASA 

Torino, Italy 

Lingotto Fiere 

www.expocasa.it 

Mar. 05-08, 2012 

HOME DECOR 


Poznan International Fair 

http://www.homedecor.pl 

FAIR 

Mar. 06-10, 2012 

MIFF-MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL 

FURNITURE FAIR 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

MIFF Sdn. Bhd. 

www.miff.com.my 

E U R O P E 


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Mar. 06-10, 2012 

FERIA DEL MEUBLE 

Yecla, Spain 

Feria Yecla 

http://www.feriayecla.com 

Mar. 09-11, 2012 

SALONE DE HABITAT 

Le Mans, France 

Le Mans-Centre des Expositions 

http://www.salondelhabitat.com/ 

Mar. 10-18, 2012 

CASAIDEA 

Rome, Italy 

Fiera Di Roma 

www.casaidea.com 


Mar. 07-11, 2012 

EXPORT FURNITURE EXHIBITION 

Serdang, Malaysia 

EFE Expo Sdn. Bhd. 

http://www.efe.net.my 

Mar. 09-12, 2012 

INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR 

SINGAPORE 

Singapore 

International Furniture Fair 

Singapore Pte. Ltd. 

http://www.iffs.com.sg/ 

Mar. 10-18, 2012 

WOHNEN & INTERIEUR 

Vienna, Austria 

Reed Messe Wien GmbH 

http://www.wohnen-interieur.at 


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Mar. 11-14, 2012 

IFFINA 

Jakarta, Indonesia 

Dyandra Promosindo 

http://www.iffina-indonesia.com 

Mar. 13-16, 2012 

TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL 

& LIGHTING FAIR 

Taipei, Taiwan 

TAITRA 

http://www.tils.com.tw/ 

Mar. 14-17, 2012 

MANILA FAME INTERNATIONAL 

Manila, Philippines 

CITEM 

http://manilanow.ph 


Mar. 11-14, 2012 

VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE & 

HOME ACCESSORIES FAIR 

Ho Chi Minh , Vietnam 

HAWA Corporation 

http://www.vifafair.com/ 

Mar. 14-17, 2012 

KIEV INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE 

FORUM 

Kiev, Ukraine 

KMKYA 

http://www.kiff.kiev.ua/ 

Mar. 16-18, 2012 

ARREDO 

Bolzano, Italy 

Fiera Bolzano Spa 

http://www.fierabolzano.it/arredo/ 


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Mar. 16-Apr. 01, 2012 

IDEAL HOME SHOW 

London, United Kingdom 

Media 10 Ltd. 

http://www.idealhomeshow.co.uk/ 

Mar. 18-21, 2012 

CIFF-HOME FURNITURE 

Guangzhou, China 

China Foreign Trade Guangzhou 

Exhibition Corp. 

http://www.ciff-gz.com 

Mar. 22-25, 2012 

FOR FURNITURE 

Prague, Czech Republic 

ABF a.s. 

http://www.forfurniture.cz 


Mar. 17-19 & 23-25, 2012 

SFEER 

Flanders, Belgium 

Artexis Exhibitions 

http://www.sfeer.be 

Mar. 21-25, 2012 

DECOREX DURBAN 

Durban, South Africa 

Thebe Exhibitions 

http://www.decorex.co.za 

Mar. 27-29, 2012 

DOMOTEX ASIA CHINA FLOOR 

Shanghai, China 

Deutsche Messe AG/VNU Exhibitions Asia 

http://www.domotexasiachinafloor.com 


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Mar.27-30, 2012 

FURNICA 


Poznan International Fairs Ltd. 

http://www.furnica.pl/en 

Apr. 17-22, 2012 

SALONE INTERNAZIONALE DEL MOBILE 

Milan, Italy 

Cosmit Spa 

http://www.cosmit.it 

Apr. 18-21, 2012 

INTERIOR HOME MADRID 

Madrid, Spain 

Feria de Madrid 

http://www.ifema.es 


Apr. 15-17, 2011 

SPRING IDEAL HOME SHOW 

Dublin, Ireland 

SDL Exhibitions Ltd. 

www.idealhome.ie 

Apr. 18-20, 2012 

DESIGNEX 

Sydney, Australia 

Diversified Exhibitions Australia 

http://www.designex.info 

Apr. 20-22, 2012 

SUNDAY MAIL HOME LIVING EXPO 

Adelaide, Australia 

Kym Jones Exhibitions 

http://www.kymjonesexhibitions.com.au 


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Apr. 24-27, 2012 

EUROEXPOFURNITURE 

Moscow, Russia 

MVK Holding Company 

www.eem.ru 

Apr. 26-29, 2012 

HIA HOME IDEAS SHOW 

Melbourne, Australia 

DMG World Media Australia 

http://www.hiahomeideasshow.com.au 

Apr. 27-May 08, 2012 

FOIRE DE PARIS 

Paris, France 

COMEXPOSIUM 

http://www.foiredeparis.fr 


Apr. 26-29, 2012 

DECOREX CAPE TOWN 

Cape Town, South Africa 

Thebe Exhibitions 

http://www.decorex.co.za 

Apr. 27-29, 2012 

INTERIOR 

Tallinn, Estonia 

Estonian Fairs Ltd. 

http://www.fair.ee 

May 04-07, 2012 

FURNITURE FORUM 

Minsk, Belarus 

ExpoForum 

http://www.expoforum.by 


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May 08-10, 2012 

PROPOSTE 

Proposte Srl 

Como, Italy 

http://www.propostefair.it 

May 15-17, 2012 

THE OFFICE EXHIBITION 

Dubai, UAE 

DMG World Media Dubai LLG 

http://www.theofficeexhibition.com 

June 05-07, 2012 

LUMIVILLE 

Lyon, France 

CDO 

http://www.lumiville.com 


May 11-14, 2011 

MEBELTECH 

Plovdiv, Bulgaria 

International Fair Plovdiv 

http://www.fair.bg 

May 31- June 03, 2012 

HIA SYDNEY HOME SHOW 

Sydney, Australia 

DMG World Media Australia 

http://www.sydneyhomeshow.com.au 

June 08-11, 2012 

CHINA FURNITURE & WOODWORKS 

Dalian, China 

Dalian Northern International 

Exhibition Co. Ltd. 

www.sinoexhibition.com 


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une 22-24, 2012 

HOME FASHION & DÉCOR 

Beijing, China 

Adsale Exhibitions Services Ltd. 

http://www.homefashionbj.com 

July 8- 11, 2012 

CHINA INTERNATIONAL BUILDING 

DECORATION FAIR 

Guangzhou, China 

China Foreign Trade Centre (Group) 

http://www.cbd-china.com/ 

July 19-22, 2012 

FURNITEX 

Melbourne, Australia 

Australian Exhibitions & Conferences 

http://www.furnitex.com.au/ 


August 24-28, 2012 

TENDENCE 

Frankfurt, Germany 

Messe Frankfurt 

http://tendence.messefrankfurt.com/ 

July 4-7, 2012 

DESIGN TOKYO 

Tokyo, Japan 

Reed Exhibitions Japan 

http://www.designtokyo.jp/en/ 

July 15-18, 2012 

MANCHESTER FURNITURE SHOW 

Manchester, United Kingdom 

Waypoint Exhibitions Group 

http://www.manchesterfurnitureshow.com/ 

August 8 -12, 2012 

DECOREX 

Johannesburg, South Africa 

Thebe Exhibitions & Projects Group 

http://www.decorex.co.za/ 


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