The BIFE-SIM furniture and accessories fair ended on Sunday. One day has passed, impressions from the beginninghave settled down, been completed and taken on a clearer outline.
In terms of furniture at this year's fair there was no predominant trend. There were a variety of styles on display, so anyone could find something to their taste. However, there was a slight preference for minimalist design and wood, as close to natural as possible. More solid wood, less veneered chipboard, but also painted MDF in the kitchen area. There was an emphasis on stand design, sometimes conveying the message less explicitly, but more artistically.
Interesting was also the choice of some companies (manufacturers) to present several brands, each addressing a market segment.
The beauty of the raw wood, stood out through the many unique table designs made of "tree slices".
Massive tops on wooden or metal legs, with a dull finish and a gloss towards zero, sturdy hardwood tables, some with very long and very thick tops.
Some manufacturers have banked exclusively on this trend and have chosen to present only tables. But even so, a seemingly simple but beautifully crafted table with perfect joints could not go unnoticed.
Traditional representatives of classic, massive and elaborate furniture were present. Large, renowned firms occupied large spaces suggesting luxurious furnishings.
Classic walnut shades, elegant accessories, patinated hardware. There's still a wide audience loyal to this kind of furniture, and from what we've noticed, manufacturers have been assailed by many visitors from Russia.
I must admit that I was pleased to see the beautifully furnished spaces with elegant, solid wood furniture, minimalist design and interesting combinations of colours, transparent and opaque finishes, beautifully accessorised with precious hardware.
And followers of Scandinavian design would find some simple lines, light colours and of course wood. It's also worth appreciating the effort of some to produce eco-friendly furniture, using only natural products. Hinting at this, the stand design was inspired, using hand-woven, handmade mats and quilts made from natural materials, with wooden toys and organic textiles.
The technology part, interesting for furniture manufacturers, was exhibited in the central pavilion and in the outdoor area. Being perhaps the best represented and ready to do many demonstrations. Modern, computerised machinery, both for processing wood and derivatives and for applying varnishes and paints, gathered the world permanently around them.
As usual, suppliers and manufacturers of accessories for the furniture industry, abrasives, adhesives, tools, varnishes and paints, wood recovery technologies were also present.
From the discussions, it seems that some furniture manufacturers have had serious contacts with furniture dealers from other countries who came especially to meet them at this fair. Less enthusiastic, however, are the machinery suppliers because of the delay in receiving European funds, which manufacturers rely on to buy machinery.
An interesting, small but focused exhibition where design had a lot to show!
Cover photo - Global Design Suceava stand
After reading your impressions, I don't regret missing the event so much, it's like I was already a tourist in a group and you were the guide. Thank you!
There were a few interesting things but still too few. For us small producers, it was a pleasant experience, smaller than last year, from which we were able to come away with some ideas.
We hope that this sector of custom furniture will keep its rise, so that then, in the years to come, we will see at this fair more exhibitors who will have the courage to admit with pride that their products are born in Romania, although German or Italian sell better.