As a London based interior designer the two most important design exhibitions on the calendar are IMM Cologne, in mid January and the Salone de Mobile, Milan which normally coincides with the Easter period. At the start of the year it’s important to get an idea of what the latest trends are going to be and renew contacts with the different brands. IMM Cologne is a platform for furniture, accessories and lighting and as all designers are aware good lighting is key to a successful interior design project. That’s the reason I particularly look out for Vibia, the Spanish lighting company. Their collaborations with some of the most renowned lighting designers have produced some of my favourite lamps over recent years and I always look forward to seeing their creations.

This year my schedule was packed and so in order to see everything I wanted I prepared a detailed itinerary beforehand. Of course that list included MDF the Italian contemporary furniture manufacturer, a must-visit for any interior designer.

 

 

This year I was delighted to see that two of my favourite Vibia lamps had been incorporated within the stand which this year recreated a living area within an enclosed space that also had a reception desk at the entrance.

 

 

There the built-in version of Lievore, Altherr, Molina SKAN pendant lamp was used to great effect, in a triple composition. Its elegant silhouette reflecting the clean and modern lines of MDF furniture.

 

PIN by Vibia is a contemporary classic lighting collection, one that I have used in my own design projects. The Ichiro Iwasaki designed lamp has a familiar and almost traditional feel but is only made possible because of its Led technology, the MDF stand used the collection to dress the living area with the floor and sconce versions.

 

 

I fell in love with the sconce version because of its capacity not only to provide a tenuous but characterful indirect light but also for its artistic possibilities, converting walls into a canvas for light. The floor version with its elegant stem and diminutive shade with pin to pivot the light is practical yet decorative, the perfect combination for any lighting collection.

 

 

My other highlight at Cologne this year must be the GAN stand, with its youthful and innovative approach to the design of rugs and accessories I love to see what they come up with every year. Their choice of designers is inspired. This year new products by Patricia Urquiola and Front were on display and to my surprise the Lievore, Altherr, Molina SKAN collection of lamps was also incorporated into the stand.

 

 

This simple black frame and the subtle lines of Skan which were organised in a floating configuration between the carpets set the tone for these exciting collections; Garden Layers and Parquet. That’s one of qualities of Skan that I like most, it’s a lamp that is effortless without drawing too much attention to itself, again based on Led technology to achieve its refined silhouette.

 

 

Now it’s back to work, but with the inspiration of IMM Cologne and the different new products that I discovered I’m excited to make use of them during the coming year and introduce them to my clients. And of course I have Milan to organise.