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 Spoga+Gafa
Aug 31-Sep 2, 2008, Cologne, Germany |
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Garden Furniture and Barbecuing Trends in 2008/2009
Exquisite in look, filigree in form: trading-up in the garden
The garden as the "Fashion Mecca": instead of boring, low-cost furniture, exceptional lifestyle products are ensuring flair on the patios and balconies - and transforming them into an open-air living room. This is because the longer the summers become, the more frequently the German population spends time outdoors. And they are prepared to dig deeper into their pockets when it comes to designing and arranging their greenery. Last year plants, furniture and appliances accounted for a market volume of around 10.7 billion Euro - with a rising tendency. The manufacturers of outdoor furniture are responding to this trend with high-quality products, which thanks to new materials, impress both in terms of optics as well as quality. In this connection for example, high-tech materials such as polyurethane foam ensure an exciting look and a great deal of outdoor compatibility.
Natural living increasingly popular
An increasing number of German consumers have a heightened ecological awareness and want to purchase "honest" products. This trend towards authenticity and a close-to-nature lifestyle is taken account of by furniture in natural materials such as wood. What is also important is that the products look "real". For that reason the big movers in the garden sector are wickerwork variations in subdued natural colours. Sand, cream, cappuccino and mocca radiate warmth along with a "green identity" and also harmonize perfectly with steel or wood. The ideal complement: the green of nature. A special elegance in the garden is ensured by the latest copper and metallic tones, which lend the furniture its silky shimmering look.
Colours: a fresh kick with loud, bright tones
Cheeky and cheerful: after black and white have now asserted themselves on a broad front as the dominating colours in the outdoor sector, the manufacturers are now once again displaying a bold approach to vivid, intense tones - and not only when it comes to furniture covers. The armchairs and chairs themselves are scoring lots of points with stylish design. Very bright, loud tones are absolutely in demand. Be it as bold stripe combinations or in firery plain styles - the main thing: it must be striking. Even tabletops are now setting red or green highlights.
 Romantic elements making inroads
The garden as an idyllic place to withdraw: on the patio or balcony sun-seekers want to recover from their hectic, stressful everyday routine and relax in an atmospheric ambience. That is why they are transforming their greenery into an enchanting oasis in which they enjoy playful and romantic elements. In this connection, furniture with a Mediterranean flair will once again be a key theme for the coming outdoor season. This includes swing sofas, chaise longues in colonial style or swinging hammocks. In addition, numerous accessories exude a fairytale-like flair - for example light deco, vases and nostalgic elements such as old wash tables.
King Size - but filigree
As before, it is impossible to imagine the outdoor furniture scene without voluminous lounge models from the garden furniture departments - ranging from wide, expansive sofas through to outdoor beds up to "proper" living rooms. But apart from this, the new season is bringing us garden-conquering furniture, which although still large, exudes an airy and light charm. For example models with delicate, dainty frames and slender-designed seats - either straight-lined and clearly-defined in steel and wood or in soft-curvy style in the most diverse wickerwork variations.
Absolute trendy: barbecuing all the way!
Sizzling food on the hot grill - still the most popular leisure activity in this country in summer. On average each German citizen barbecues six times a year. And they have long ceased just using sausages. The absolute trend-setter is the creation of complete menus - including dessert. And the more the barbecue symbolizes lifestyle, the more strongly it develops into a status symbol on which a lot of money is spent. Becoming increasingly popular: the barbecue as a multi-functional cooker, an outdoor kitchen. In keeping with this trend, the sideboards, serving trolleys and cooking accessories product range is also growing.
But as the Germans also prefer to hold a barbecue away from their domestic garden and greenery, the manufacturers are offering compact, portable appliances - stylish decorative creations for the beach or park. Always close to hand they ensure that even the most spontaneous barbecue party is transformed into a gourmet experience.
Spoga+Gafa
International Trade Fair for Sport, Camping, and Garden Lifestyle
www.spogagafa.com |
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