Garden Furniture:Top Theme = Material Mix - spoga Cologne 2001 presented the trends for 2002

Furniture World Magazine

Garden furniture trends for the 2002 summer season were presented by 664 of the total of 1,234 companies from 50 countries in September at spoga Cologne 2001 - International Trade Fair for Sports Goods, Camping Equipment and Garden Furniture. Demand focused on high-quality products – the trend is towards collections which are also suitable for indoor use. The dominating theme was material combinations, at the forefront metal and wood – primarily aluminium and teak – or wickerwork in natural materials and plastic. For long seated sessions, there is increasingly ergonomically formed seating, and "Keep swinging" is the motto increasingly heard not only in the hammock sector, but also as far as swinging chairs are concerned. Teak is clearly the number one wood for the outdoor sector – solid, frequently however in lattice form, longitudinally or laterally finished, arranged in short rods inserted on metal or arranged in a chessboard pattern. Ergonomically correct bending ensures comfortable teak seats and chair armrests. For tables, there is the perfect retractable system. Even when extended to a bar or standing table, teak models met with a very good response. Trend towards straight-lined modern design The trend is generally towards straight-lined modern design - especially in combination with metal. Here, Aluminium is the most important partner. The lightweight material appears in the most varied of forms: matt, shiny, lacquered, anthracite-coloured or silver-dyed. Aluminium is also combined with rattan which has long since ceased to be exclusively synonymous with Colonial style. Wicker work is incidentally not restricted to the tropical creeping plant. "Loom" is the basic material for the particularly fine wickerwork look. Also partner for aluminium is the weather-proof hularo fibre, which is also made of plastic. Aluminium trend having an effect on plastic The aluminium boom is also having an effect on the exclusively plastic sector – be it through material combinations or through colour trends. "Grey will establish itself", reported the plastic specialists in the high-quality category. White remains the most important colour, blue and green are asserting themselves, bordeaux is in decline. There is demand for comfort and products with long life cycles: stable, comfortable furniture, which even after many years of use, does not turn yellow or fade. Covers: Mediterranean colours and stripes Furniture design is being followed by the manufacturers of upholstery covers with their latest range in which discreet subdued colours are adapted to the wood-iron environ-ment. Mediterranean touches are clearly evident in many cases. In terms of the patterns, clear stripes are the trend-setters, a nostalgic iron look can also be combined with English checks. Floral patterns are not experiencing a blossoming period. A high utility value is required: removable and washable covers, fabrics, which neither fade nor go mouldy. En vogue: swinging together The hammock has developed into a stable segment in the garden furniture sector. In this connection, the suppliers are registering a strong demand for the double lounger. In addition, the absolute trend setter: the swinging chair. Frames in iron, mostly powder coated, dominate. Luxury wood versions are, apart from pine, also available in eucalyptus wood. In 2002, spoga Cologne, International Trade Fair for Sports Goods, Camping Equipment and Garden Furniture will be held parallel to gafa, International Garden Trade Fair, from Sunday, 1st to Tuesday, 3rd September.