Meticulous in every aspect—that would probably be the best way to describe Meike Harde's work. The Cologne designer has won over prestigious international clients such as Vibia, Prostoria, Woud, and Pulpo with her technical skills and fine knowledge of materials. A notable talent from the Rhine region, she presented two new product launches for Pode at imm cologne 2024. Below, she speaks about the latest trends and developments in the furniture industry.
Photos: Jenn Werner & Pode.
The boundary between indoors and outdoors is becoming increasingly blurred. Items of furniture traditionally associated with the living room are making their way outdoors thanks to advances in materials. What does this mean for furniture design?
'In my opinion, home design can take place outdoors as well. It gives designers more scope for creativity, and it's creating exciting possibilities, especially in the sofa segment. For example, you can use a delicate steel-based frame that allows for various shapes and details. The sofa's proportions look completely different from a fully upholstered sofa.'
What functions does a piece of furniture need to fulfil in order for it to be used indoors and outdoors?
'Even if it's used outdoors, a piece of furniture should still have a homely feel and be incredibly inviting. If, for example, instead of an upholstered bench, there's a welcoming outdoor sofa on the balcony, terrace, or in the garden, it's easy to associate it with indoor furniture. The important thing is for the cover fabric to resemble upholstered furniture closely: Coarse fabrics, visible threads, and stitched details help with this.'
How does sustainability influence your furniture designs?
'Sustainability is a prerequisite in the development of a piece of furniture—it applies to both the selection of materials and the production techniques used. Avoiding plastic components is essential. Returning to proven materials such as wood or natural fibres for textiles is a key factor in working sustainably. However, applying new eco-friendly developments in foams is also crucial. Removable, easy-to-clean upholstery covers that can be repaired give a sustainably produced item of furniture an even longer lifespan.'
Pieces of furniture with a timeless design are particularly long-lasting. What characteristics does a piece of furniture need to have for it to be used for a long time? 'The production quality has to be right. Long-lasting materials and a robust construction are crucial if a piece of furniture is to withstand regular use for generations. Another important aspect is constantly adapting the design process to modern forms of use. For instance, it's important today for a sofa to have a lounge feel.'
Social media channels like Instagram or Pinterest have a considerable influence on people's purchase behaviour. Do you feel the impact of this trend in your work as well? 'I share my work and designs with my community—it's a way to get direct feedback on the products that I present. I've noticed that customers are increasingly interested in the designers behind the product. They contact me directly on social media. This development means a lot to me.'
And one last question to finish: A designer is also a kind of visionary when it comes to product design. Which furniture trends will fade away in 2025, and what new ones will emerge?
'The all-natural trend is here to stay, and in my view, it'll become even more important—especially for materials. There will be an increased focus on skilled craftsmanship in products. We'll see more products with a workshop feel, as high quality in the design process will play a more significant role. Textiles and new textile manufacturing technologies will be even more crucial in the future. A warm, inviting language of form will remain a key aspect of furniture design in 2025. I think we'll see fewer 'cool' products—less chrome and no more hard, masculine shapes.'
More information:
imm cologne
www.imm-cologne.com