September is a time of change and renewal, so alongside the falling leaves and golden colours, it’s when the world of design descends upon Germany, coming together for the KuchenMeile trade fair spreading across North Rhine-Westfalia and Lower Saxony to engage, inspire, and discuss the emerging trends.
This is a destination for the tastemakers of the world, so naturally, the Nicholas Anthony team was in attendance, and were delighted to see some truly game changing ideas, materials, and innovations on show, from spectacular colour systems to expressive veneers, and technological game changers. Here are some of our standout observations.
Forward-thinking finishes and colour systems
There was a big emphasis on new finishes and colour approaches, which optimise the use of modern materials to make a significant change in design opportunities for clients across a range of budgets. In particular, SieMatic presented their new colour and surface system featuring 16 new colours and five new surfaces, expanding the portfolio for distinctive and high-quality spaces. Their launch of SimiLaque Plus delivers improved material quality for an attractive price, and they will now offer the chance for bespoke veneers, giving homeowners and designers an enhanced ability to put their personal stamp on spaces for both practicality and high-end aesthetics.
Metallic mood
Metallics are continuing to grace the most stylish culinary spaces, with cool silver, bold chrome, brushed gold and brass, as well as so-called ‘melty metallics’ permeating the zeitgeist. The fusion of traditional tones such as gold, copper, and brass, sit well alongside the cool and contemporary silvery finishes, forming statement pieces as well as accents in interiors, from lighting and furnishings to full cabinet fronts, sinks, and feature walls.
Low-key luxe
There’s an increased move towards soft, curved surfaces and edges, as a number of manufacturers led the charge away from sharp angles. This ties in with the rise in more expressive countertops and frontages, often mimicking natural textures with precision expertise, enabling both form and function. We saw exquisite worktop details, and the market is responding to demand for luxury touch points across different budgetary parameters. The result is a deeply textural approach, and something of a race amongst leading brands to define the space in a low-key luxe approach to kitchen finishes.
A new benchmark in robotics
Perhaps the star of the show was when Bosch (BSH Home Appliances Group) presented their groundbreaking, built-in vacuum and mopping robot in partnership with ECOVACS. The ultra-slim appliance is designed to be concealed within a kitchen unit, set in motion as required. Turning tech into the ultimate home helper for improved lifestyle experiences, it is connected to the mains for automatic water refills, featuring a hygienic mop care with hot water washing and hot air drying. It also has smart navigation, object detection and app control via Bosch Home Connect. Unlike its predecessors it offers invisibility, effortlessness, and sets a new benchmark in home robotics.
Overall, the show delivered on its annual promise to invite designers into the world of manufacturers to see where they are providing opportunities for enhanced living and aesthetic appeal. The importance of offering both functionality and style in everything from appliances to finishes is markedly prominent, perhaps in recognition of how culinary spaces really are at the heart of the home and of our lifestyles.
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