Nolte at Living Kitchen - IMM Cologne 2019

The international furniture and interiors fair - IMM Cologne is held every year in Germany. This year the biennial event LivingKitchen, which is an international kitchen show and part of the IMM Cologne, sets the stage for all dimensions of the new kitchen world – from kitchen furnishings and built-in appliance to sinks, fittings, worktops, lighting and accessories.

LivingKitchen sets impulses of the holistic kitchen concepts and shows the latest trends. The rich and diverse blend of concepts and product innovations showcased at the event will transform tomorrow's kitchens into a tangible experience.

Trends to watch 

When it comes to colour trends, black is the new white in the kitchen.

Curated food was one of the themes that was explored at the LivingKitchen. The events "Future Technology", "Future Design" and "Future Foodstyles" showcased how our smart technologies simplify stocking or food planning or design cooking to be more mobile and more like an event.
One of the highlights in Future Design was how the kitchen will look in the future – made visible for the visitor via augmented reality.

Veggies are not the only thing that's green - kitchen furniture is getting more eco-friendly and sustainable as well. Not having a garden? Homegrown vegetables are a thing now. Indoor farming makes it possible. Thanks to agrilution, they showcased their plan cube. The compact device will allow the technology of the vertical farm, for home. From Salads to herbs to so-called Micro Greens (e.g. Carrots, broccoli, radishes) are all freshly grown all year round. Modern LED Technology, sensors, automatic irrigation and climate make it possible. By App, the device will report when it can be harvested.

Nolte at Living Kitchen

Every Biennial, Nolte participates in the event showcasing the quality and latest designs.

Smooth surfaces, trendy colours and sleek technology are the key ingredients in a Nolte kitchen.

For Nolte, all good things come in threes: Good intelligent planning, stylish design in materials and smart storage space solutions which are the basic ingredients of a contemporary kitchen.

When functionality meets comfort: Warm accessories with a golden glow and a fusion of kitchen and living room provide for a stylish but also a so cosy atmosphere.

Light is a powerful interior design element and can completely change the atmosphere of a room – and indirect lighting can provide for that special warm glow even in modern and stylish kitchens.

No need to hide: beautiful tableware or accessories deserve a place in the limelight. Open shelves showcase the most treasured pieces in a sophisticated way.

Would you rather live in the kitchen – or cook in the living room? Thanks to Nolte’s modern interior concept, now you can have the best of both worlds.

Watch the video for some highlights:

The Future of Smart Homes is here - An Installation At IMM Cologne

As the world becomes increasingly complex, there is a growing need among consumers for energy-saving devices, security, lifestyle, convenience, and entertainment. In this day and age, technology has shown its supremacy through smart phones, smart cars, smart TV, smart watch and now there's something called smart homes as well. This demands for designers who can simplify and streamline our lives. At the recently concluded IMM Cologne (Jan 15th - 21st, 2018), the most important international interiors show, “Let’s be smart” – the future of intelligent homes was a smart home installation displayed at the fair to showcase how a functioning smart home would really look like today.

The smart homes had forward-thinking exhibitors whose design work aesthetically dealing with future problems in unexpected ways. The installation showcased the current state of the art and future solutions in terms of products, projects, and real-time scenarios related to accessible living, the home office and lifestyle and entertainment.

The installation was in the form of a real house that is open for visitors to enter and explore. The concept was aimed to showcase smart home solutions for accessible living.

The fair comprehensively presented the upholstered and case furniture segment, the kitchen industry, the office furniture sector and outdoor living as well as the innovations of the furniture supply industry.

The smart home generally refers to the intelligent networking of electrical appliances in the home, including building services heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooling and sanitary installations as well as communications and security technology. The smart home can be controlled in the residence itself via built-in interfaces or on the go via a Smartphone or tablet for convenience. Self-learning devices  that adapt to their owners’ usage habits is what will be seen more in the coming future.

Many partners and companies collaborated on the installation, which ties in perfectly with the architecture-related ranges such as lighting and bathrooms. Partners who participated include Rehau, Rohr, smart3, smartblock, betula manus, VDM, THS, Connected-living, controLED, Clage, Grohe, Biffar, Miele, Artomé and Nolte.

Nolte was happy to be a part of the event and having presented modular kitchens that demonstrate how tomorrow’s future can be practically experienced today. Nolte kitchens presented innovative conceptual approaches in the area of Smart Living, bringing together technology and living space design. As a forward thinker in terms of kitchen living space, Nolte, with its concept 'Living in the kitchen' demonstrates the merging of design, comfort, and technology. The installed kitchens inspire and give a sense of having all the options open to the customers to design individual kitchens as a living space – and to achieve this independent of budget. Nolte Kitchens showcased an innovative ceramic worktop featuring an invisibly integrated induction hob. The unique worktop provides the ultimate in minimalist design. The robust construction allows the ‘hob’ area to be a multi-purpose zone, suitable for many different purposes other than cooking.

Nolte partnered with Sony mobile to present the Xperia Projector which received a lot of attention from the audience at the fair. The Xperia Projector is compatible with many different apps so the projector can create totally new interactive experiences, e.g. gaming, cooking, travel planning or enjoying music together. According to Nolte, the projector was presented in various everyday scenarios on its stand illustrating how this unique smart product can transform the kitchen habitat by providing a totally new way to communicate and interact. Overall, the kitchens were an innovative combination of technology and living space working together in harmony. Showcasing the versatility and flexibility of the range in the various styles was one of Nolte’s declared aims at the fair.

Nolte bedrooms were also a part of the smart homes installation. One can summarise the bedroom experience to 'A place for everything'. When it's a Nolte bedroom you're never short on choice. A bedroom that's personalised to your taste - comfortable and robust beds, wardrobe and cabinets available in a choice of colours, finishes, and fronts to match your decor. Embedded LED lights, motorised doors, more storage, more space and more style. The options are limitless.

Other eye-catching smart technology includes ‘Mygdal Plantlight’ by Nui Studio, smart controller Nuimo by Senic, ‘Masa Table’, ‘Mark II’, ‘Meta Side Table’ by New Tendency, ‘The Frame TV’ by Samsung, ‘Angle’ Coat Rack, ‘Clock Bin’, ‘Colour Wood Side Chair’, ‘Scout Chair’, ‘Colour Wood Table’, ‘Castor Dining Bench’, ‘Castor Stool’, ‘Castor Low Chair’, ‘Soft Triangle’ et al, by Karimoku New Standard.

Nolte Kitchen: The highlight at the IMM Cologne 2017

When we say flexibility, living comfort and quality living, we’re referring to around 700 square metres of floor space taken over by Nolte Küchen (Nolte Kitchen) booth at Living kitchen (part of IMM Cologne 2017) in Germany. Living Kitchen which concluded recently is the core of IMM Cologne 2017 international design event and a worldwide event in the realm of kitchen industry.  Just as hundreds of brands presented their new collection and design, Nolte was happy to be part of it too exploring the undiluted kitchen lifestyle. For those of you who missed the event, here’s what Nolte came out with.

Nolte Booth at Living Kitchen

An attractive stand, enthusiastic visitors, keen media attention is what one would've noticed at the booth. Feedbacks from the visitors include “inviting” and “imaginative” and visitors acknowledging a successful presentation true to the motto “Living in the kitchen”. Showcasing the versatility and flexibility of the range in the various styles was one of Nolte’s declared aims at the fair. The intention for both trade visitors and end consumers was to take home with them one thing above all: inspiration and the sense of having all the options open to them to design individual kitchens as a living space – and to achieve this independent of budget.

This year no less than twelve kitchen designs were spread across the booth floor which also proves extreme versatility with a never-seen-before continuity and a feel of atmospheric open-plan stand.  One of the main themes of the stand is the interpretation of conceptual product line Nolte Neo. The modular approach results in fresh ideas for individual kitchen designs that, while making a statement, remains totally affordable. Moreover, due to systematic additions the Nolte core range has reached an unprecedented level of continuity and versatility.

Characterful hybrid designs with Nolte Neo

The Neo series from Nolte gives the kitchen an interesting metropolitan vibe, featuring designs with polished and mirrored surfaces complemented by classical and bohemian accents. The designs are focused on simplicity and the sensual contrasts between different materials, finishes, textures and forms. One of the main themes of the stand is the interpretation of conceptual product line Nolte Neo which includes Loft, Chalet, and Salon. The Neo kitchens give a new meaning to the idea of cohesion, the series being more focused on harmonious contrasts and similarities. With Nolte Neo, kitchen designers will experience a great planning freedom and new options. Regardless of the customer’s respective environment: By integrating neo-modules into core range designs experts will be able to realise characterful kitchens on a mid-price level also.

More flexibility in the core range

Further designs show the many facets of the Nolte Kitchen core range itself. The exhibition booth in Cologne will make it clear that there is no need for customers to trade off design and comfort for price when keeping an eye on the budget. Not only does this freedom of choice involve the colour and material trends of the new season, the consistently extended range of units also adds to the options. The 900mm base unit height for example was showcased in various ways, with the new drawer variants thrown in for good measure.

Smart life in the kitchen

Design freedom, with all the little pieces fitting together, makes Nolte Kitchen an ideal partner in the area of ‘Smart Home’. Nolte presented innovative conceptual approaches in the area of Smart Living, bringing together technology and living space design which was showcased with its cooperation with Sony Mobile on the occasion of the fair. The exclusive presentation of the Xperia Projector received a lot of attention and put an emphasis on “Living in the kitchen”.  In addition, as a highlight during the public visiting days, Nolte Kitchen brand ambassador Eva Brenner was also present.

New features

Quite exciting and revolutionary this year, was the induction worktop of Nolte kitchens. Nolte showcased an innovative ceramic worktop with invisibly integrated induction hob, which has been newly added to the product range for 2017. This compelling solution was used live at the fair for catering purposes and was met with keen interest from all sides. The work surface in the kitchen becomes the demand of hot plate, which works on the principle of induction.

The open-plan kitchens are getting more popular combining kitchen and dining space, Nolte is well versed in this area with its wide collection of open plan kitchens.

Style Perfection with Nolte kitchens

The Nolte kitchens revive the country style and give it a modern twist. The country style of today is infused with contemporary details and aims to create inviting decors with pleasant and relaxed atmospheres. The designs featured in this series transform the kitchen into a natural center of the home. The Nolte kitchens are simple and with a profound timeless character resulted from a blend of styles. Simple and clean lines and angles are complemented by unexpected touches of color or intriguing accent details. Glass-front cabinets bring nostalgic flavour into the kitchen, reviving a trend specific to country designs and traditional spaces. The elegance and familiarity of subway tile backsplashes is revisited and given a modern twist.

The experience

CEO Eckhard Wefing delighted with the successful presentation: “Nolte Küchen received a lot of attention at the fair and our visitors felt comfortable throughout. The stand got to the heart of what our range is capable of, which our retail business partners confirmed. For the team this was of course very motivating; the atmosphere was great.”

Marketing Director Axel Brinkmann: “The world is changing under the influence of digitisation that affects all areas of life. This of course doesn’t stop at kitchens. Leading the way with innovative concepts we at Nolte Kitchen actively proceed with this subject matter also. At the fair we demonstrated how tomorrow’s future can be practically experienced already today.”

Watch Video:

A beautiful experience as it was, we can’t wait for what’s in store next year. See you at IMM Cologne 2018.

Smart, Innovative, and Sustainable Kitchen Designs at IMM Cologne 2017

The design enthusiasts, renowned interior designers and architects who are always on their feet in search of new trends couldn’t resist what the first design fair of the year had in store for them. IMM Cologne 2017, one of the most important furniture and decoration platforms worldwide, concluded recently. Parallel to the furniture fair and a topic of much interest to us, the kitchen event - 'Living Kitchen 2017' also took place which happens every two years in Cologne. The kitchen trade fair this year ran by the adage: “Inspiration and innovation”.  'Living Kitchen 2017', a worldwide central meeting point for the kitchen industry, had around 200 exhibitors from more than 20 countries this year. Like every other year, the fair showcases the very latest kitchen designs and features and this year too a vast range of new products and innovations were unveiled.

Image Credits: LivingKitchen

The kitchen, long considered far more than simply a place to eat, has become the focal point for communication and self-expression in today’s homes.  It is quite clear that technology and design went hand in hand, smart homes were big, clever devices were designed and manufactured.

The technology:

Innovation in technology is predominant when it came to kitchen features. Smart homes with Smartphone driven kitchens peaked with technology offering to preheat the oven from the mobile phone, controlling heating and light, to access cooking recipes with video instructions or to view the list of ingredients for different dishes and serving sizes. The number of features easily controlled with the aid of a smartphone or tablet is endless.

Raised appliances have become standard issue. They enable even amateur cooks safe and convenient access to foods prepared in the oven. Intuitive stove and oven controls simplify handling. Modern ovens usually feature a pyrolysis capability. This high-temperature self-cleaning process is bound to become the standard for every oven. Ovens with integrated microwaves or steam cookers continue to rise in popularity. The demand here seems to tend towards speed and convenience. When it comes to low-temperature food preparation however, there is a clear trend towards healthy, vitamin-conserving cooking.

Image Credits: LivingKitchen

Another new feature consists of LED lighting, integrated into the oven or the extractor hood. This mood lighting exemplifies the importance of a comfortable, cosy kitchen. Entirely new are sound systems that can turn every kitchen into a concert hall or party. These concealed electronics turn virtually every surface, whether it is stone, glass, wood or wood-based material, into an exceptional resonating body. The sound emanates directly from the wall or floor unit, the countertop or the table. No additional speakers are required –a feature not only for technology enthusiasts. After all, contamination by grease vapours, for instances, is eliminated, and when it comes to protection against theft, the speaker systems are entirely invisible. Light and sound can easily be controlled remotely, quickly comfortable and flexibly via one’s own smartphone or tablet.

Image Credits: Home Connect

Integrated, flush-mount induction hobs will be standard. This ensures both energy savings and vitamin preservation. Induction hobs without separate fields are still gaining popularity and will be standard issue in modern kitchens. The concept of energy efficiency and energy savings has become generally accepted in the market. Electricity and water consumption is optimally reduced. LED lighting technology is employed for modern kitchen lighting. White goods are already divided into clearly delineated energy efficiency categories. The most energy-efficient products have, and they have a clear positive influence on the customer’s purchase decision. The bottom-line being, modern kitchens are steadily becoming user-friendly and making user’s life easier by integrating all the electrical appliances to be able to be controlled via smart terminals. Apps for tablets and smartphones is something widely seen across all platforms.

Image Credits: LivingKitchen

Materials:

Natural materials such as solid wood was seen everywhere. It flared with a combinations such as wood with metal or stone, dark, high-grade woods with glass and stainless steel, smooth white drawer and door fronts with open shelving units in warm wood tones.
Even metal is huge and shares the same highlight as wood in terms of appearance, but in a way more understated and matte than before.
The current product range of kitchen furniture employs mostly varnished fronts. Both matte varnishes as well as varnished laminate are popular. High-gloss varnish is decreasing in popularity; wood and wood look are maintaining their popularity. Especially favoured are combinations of a matte single stage varnish and real wood veneer or matte single stage varnished laminate and wood imitation. Solid wood kitchens are preferred among highly health-conscious target groups, but are far from being mainstream products.

The trend towards black is still ongoing. Black is being used for electrical appliances, for fitting solutions, for interior elements and for ceramic sinks as well as for complete cabinet and refrigerator fronts. Materials employed here encompass printed glass, varnish and laminate as well as slate.
There is also a rather strong trend towards ceramic or ceramic-look countertops. Ceramic sinks are equally important and popular. Ruggedness and longevity are the main benefits of this traditional material. This year the possibility of being able to fit a fully functional, invisible induction hob below a ceramic countertop took everyone by surprise. This innovation will certainly lead to widespread adoption. It will totally change the classical kitchen arrangement, and it will certainly be a must-have for purists and neatness enthusiasts. Solid surface materials are exceptionally popular when it comes to countertops. There is also a trend towards the use of stone finishes and granite. The use of stainless steel and glass, however, is decreasing.

Colours:

Coming to the colour, whether in a high-gloss or ultra-trendy matte finish, grey is a popular base colour in all areas of interior design and it is seemingly endlessly variable. White and grey remain strong traditional choices. The grey colour gives a concrete look and is highly favoured by some target groups, yet remains a niche within the big picture. Combinations of different front colour schemes and materials are generally popular. Moreover, the kitchen manufacturers place value on the picture as a whole and offer a colour palette to support the overall harmonious design of the home. Particularly sought after at present are subtle grey tones and materials such as silver oak and concrete.
Other colours that dominated in the event include aquatic blues and greens, vibrant orange and a continued use of mustard yellow and green.

Image Credits: LivingKitchen

Ergonomics:

The average height of people keeps increasing while proportions are changing. For people who enjoy cooking, an optimized arrangement and height of countertops are of paramount importance. Therefore, in almost all cases, a free-standing counter, accessible from all sides, is preferred. This counter is often vertically adjustable in order to be used as a bar table as well. Often, the wall units are mounted along a single wall. Due to increases in storage optimization, this is sufficient in most cases. All available space is utilized and every floor unit equipped with an intelligent drawer system or, in corners, with a carousel-type system.

Especially popular are paneled walls, visually camouflaging the kitchen furniture so only their fronts can be seen. Apart from the stylish appearance, solutions of this type are exceptionally easy to clean. Ergonomic kitchen planning also encompasses the arrangement of stove and sink, if these are integrated into the kitchen unit. A distance of 90 centimetres between hob and sink facilitates an optimal workflow.

Other trends:

At Living Kitchen, you’ll find modern, minimalistic kitchens as well as more traditional country style kitchens. Combining kitchen furniture and living room furniture or vice versa is a new trend. It combines kitchen and dining spaces, adjacent to the open living room which creates a spacious living experience. The flowing transition between kitchen and living room will remain in the trend and will help even more, to transform the modern kitchen in an active and comfortable residential zone. Also trending is the emphasis on sustainability and individuality, twists in the kitchen island, writable surfaces in the kitchen, multi-depth kitchens which use all space for storage without wasting space.

Image Credits: LivingKitchen

Overall, the modern kitchen design is understood as a part and parcel of living space which not only allows appliances, work surfaces and space to be used efficiently, but which is equally welcoming as a place to linger, to chat, and prospective social life. Design has become a key driver for the trade fair: good concepts, the integration of technical and multimedia features, the use of new materials, collaborations with renowned international designers and architects – LivingKitchen this year is a true highlight in terms of smart, innovative, sustainable and modern design.