Trendshow at spoga+gafa: Interview with Susanne Brandherm

Together with her office brandherm + krumrey Susanne Brandherm is the curator of this year's Trendshow at spoga+gafa. We talked to her about basic developments in outdoor design and her expectations for future trends.

Susanne Brandherm, which basic developments are you observing with regards to the design of outdoor areas?

The outdoor area is turning more and more into living space - both in private gardens, on balconies and terraces as well as in public spaces such as parks or squares. In the private section, people are placing increased value on their individual lifestyle. Green oases are being created in big cities even on a low budget. The products themselves are partly becoming more compact, because there is only a limited amount of space for the "micro living" on the city balcony. On the other hand, spacious lounges on the terrace or in the garden are still popular. Many users don't want to do without this luxury.

Which qualities do you especially appreciate in outdoor furniture?

That it is comfortable and easy to care for. But plants also play a key role in the outdoor qualities. Many people would like the opportunity to have beautiful plants, but don't have green fingers. The manufacturers of the garden industry offer great ideas here.

What do you expect with regards to outdoor design for the future, also in comparison to interior design?

Both sections are merging more and more with each other. So, I think the "living trend" for the outdoor area will become even more accentuated. A development towards the "garden office" is also conceivable. I find being able to enjoy nature during the working hours a great idea that I would like to pursue further - perhaps with a real workplace outdoors.
Since 1999, brandherm + krumrey has been realizing customised projects with a sense of timelessness and conciseness from Cologne and Hamburg. A conceptual approach in the sense of integrated planning is thereby of primary importance.

As the largest garden trade fair in the world, spoga+gafa presents with the Trendshow new trends for outdoor living. Some of the currently most important design trends will be highlighted at the fair. As curator, designer Susanne Brandherm and her renowned studio brandherm + krumrey are taking over the selection and presentation of products for this year's Trendshow.