Paul Anater, a designer and blogger of impeccable taste had the great fortune of attending the IMM in Cologne, Germany. Thanks to Houzz for providing an excellent forum for “idea books” for all of our inspiration!

Paul’s post…

Last week I was one of 100,000 design fans from around the world who descended on Cologne, Germany for the Internationale Möbelmesse, or IMM. Along with the Salone di Mobile which is held every year in Milan, the IMM is considered to be the world’s premiere furniture and design trade show.

IMM is a massive show, much larger and better organized than its counterparts in the US. It was a trend watcher’s amusement park, and although much of what I saw may never cross the Atlantic, many of the overriding themes and trends I saw will.

I was one of six U.S.-based design bloggers brought to IMM by Blanco, a German sink and faucet manufacturer. I took these photos as I walked around the show on Thursday and Friday last week. Can you see any of the trends I’ll identify here working their way into your design? If you’re a member of Houzz’s international community, are any of these trends already part of your country’s design scene?