In 2017, the imm cologne will once again take place at the same time as LivingKitchen – the leading communications and business platform for the kitchen industry. An ideal opportunity for architects and interior designers therefore to obtain a comprehensive overview right at the start of the year.

In recent years, the kitchen has increasingly become the focal point of living, and in the commercial sector, too, it is increasingly forming part of the spatial concept for modern open-plan offices and hotels, which alongside traditional single and double rooms also wish to include apartments for long-term guests. The range is enormous, extending from the mini-kitchen, which is little more than a piece of furniture, to large-scale solutions. Added to this are the latest innovations in kitchen equipment. For architects and planners working in this field, LivingKitchen, which is held jointly with the imm cologne, is an ideal starting point for learning about the latest trends and possibilities in interior design.

Specialist providers able to supply high volumes and bespoke quality are, with their expertise and experience, ideal partners for the contract sector. In the Living Kitchen area, fascinating kitchen worlds are brought to life as holistic installations – ranging from kitchen furniture and built-in appliances, to sinks, taps, countertops, lighting and accessories. For each of these product groups, the main industry protagonists are represented in Cologne, making the event, which covers an exhibition area of 42,000 square metres, the largest contiguous kitchen trade-fair in the world.

One look at the trend barometer shows that in the kitchen, like in the bathroom, colours are making a comeback. Thus, coloured furniture fronts and washbasins made of colourful ceramics can now be used to create highlights. Wood can be used to give a homelier feel, with an elegant or rustic design, and also combined with other materials such as glass, stone, porcelain or concrete. Also becoming increasingly important is light as a design element and electronic features, such as network-enabled home appliances that can be controlled via WLANs and mobile devices with the corresponding apps installed.

An attractive programme of events rounds off the exhibition concept and makes cooking a real experience. In an own show-kitchen, top TV chefs and celebrity guests will show off their cooking skills and the various ways in which the latest kitchen appliances can be used.

Fotos © Koelnmesse

Text: Katja Reich