interzum fair 2023, the leading international trade fair for suppliers in the furniture and interior design industry, which took place in Cologne from 9 to 12 May, ended with more than positive results, confirming itself as a platform for professional exchange and a great source of inspiration.
 

Some 62,000 trade visitors from 150 countries crowded the stands of the 1,600 exhibitors who, after four years of waiting, were able to showcase all their innovative solutions and latest products taking full advantage of the leading global event.

"The trade fair could hardly have shown its importance for the industry better," enthused Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse. "The success of the event is a clear signal that top-class flagship events like interzum are more vital than ever."

Highly qualified international professional visitors

The importance of interzum for the subcontracting sector was also underlined by the high presence of international trade visitors, as we said, some 62,000, from 150 countries. The largest number of visitors came from Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland. The number of Turkish visitors was very encouraging, having increased by 16 per cent compared to the previous edition of the fair. Likewise, the number of trade visitors from India increased. Given the current visa situation, the number of Chinese visitors was also satisfactory. Exhibitors appreciated the high level of expertise of visitors from all countries.

Towards a more sustainable future

The central theme of the fair was sustainability. With its focus on the overall concept of Neo-ecology, interzum wanted to bring sustainability, environmental awareness, resource efficiency and forward-looking planning to the forefront. The fair itself also actively engaged in measures to combat climate change; on the eve of the event, interzum launched an initiative to make the event more sustainable in the future. Based on this year's experiences, the fair will explore how to further integrate sustainability into future events.

Almost all exhibiting companies also recognised the growing importance of environmental issues, focusing on aspects such as intelligent materials, renewable energies or recycling and upcycling. These topics were also focused on in the Boulevard of Sustainability with the presentation of innovations for sustainable furniture and interior design, and were at the centre of the rich programme of events: interzum Trend Forum, interzum Product Stage and interzum Trend Stage. Here renowned industry experts discussed the most important developments, trends and emerging topics in the world of furniture, materials and interior design.

Interior Design Trend Barometer

As a barometer of interior design trends, interzum once again offered numerous innovation ideas for designers and architects, presenting a wide variety of ideas, inspirations and innovations, new materials and surfaces, innovative components and smart technologies. In addition to the theme of sustainability, interzum 2023 addressed other highly topical issues such as digitisation and generative production, shrinking living space, demographic design and green mobility.

Among the trends that emerged at interzum 2023 is minimalist design, a desire for simplicity of form, for rationalisation of components, which are increasingly reduced and invisible. The surfaces appear natural or handcrafted, with neutral colours such as black, anthracite or white in different shades; even the finishes express that desire for simplicity by focusing on a matt appearance and pleasant to the touch.