Igor Josifovic-Kemper, interior designer: "There is a trend towards shapes, colors and organic materials"

In June, spoga+gafa , the world's largest gardening and barbecue fair, will be held in Cologne. Every year, spoga+gafa will bring together companies from the garden lifestyle sector and professional visitors from all over the world, such as Igor Josifovic-Kemper , specialist in interior design, home decoration and plants.

How do you see the "back to nature" trend and how important is greenery for well-being and quality of life in the city?

I am following this trend with great enthusiasm. We need to create more green spaces, especially in urban areas. Also in view of increasing urbanization and associated climate changes leading to rising temperatures. These are even more pronounced in urban areas. Here, green spaces and trees are essential to provide refreshment and recreation in the city. Cities with lots of green spaces are also consistently among the most liveable cities in the world. Areas are needed where nature and people can come back into closer contact.

Urban gardening and enjoying the outdoors together are also still in fashion. How can these aspects help make urban spaces more liveable and promote a sense of community?

On the one hand, through community greening projects in the city, but also everyone can contribute on a small scale. Urban gardening on balconies or gardens in small cities should not be forgotten here.

It is a wonderful and rewarding feeling to plant and see something for yourself, but also supply homegrown herbs, vegetables or fruits, for example. Balconies, in particular, can be used to create green oases in the middle of the city: flowering plants, herbs, tomatoes, there are many possibilities. Equally important is making the balcony cozy. Nowadays, there is a wide range of attractive and practical outdoor furniture that is also suitable for small city balconies and is perfect for cozy summer days and evenings on the balcony.

What trends do you currently observe when designing your own green area? Are there certain styles or materials that are particularly popular?

I have a very small balcony, for example, but I wouldn't want to miss it. I always plant two large balcony boxes with flowering plants and other pots with kitchen herbs. And of course, garden furniture is also important, especially practical furniture that is suitable for small balconies. Many people with an affinity for design live in cities, which also have high design standards when it comes to outdoor furniture. The outdoor furniture industry has already responded to this.

Regarding the second question, I have been observing a trend towards organic shapes, colors and materials for several years. This combination of natural materials and earthy colors is particularly evident in the design of green spaces and balconies. But even if the materials are quite cold and industrial, they now often appear in warm, natural shades of green, sunflower yellow, etc. I see this turn towards the natural more and more often on balconies, but as a modern and design mix beyond the classic wooden folding chairs and tables.

In view of the growing importance of sustainability and environmental awareness: What responsibility do outdoor and green space furniture manufacturers have in terms of ecological and social concerns? How can you assume this responsibility?

In the future, more money will go towards responsible products. In products that I can buy with a clear conscience. This is where the industry can establish clear priorities: in the choice of materials, in production processes and in transparency towards the customer. As a responsible consumer, I want to know how and where the furniture was made, what materials were used, what its ecological footprint is, how sustainable and safe the materials are, colors, etc. for me as a person and for the environment. Companies must assume this responsibility and find answers to this question.

The turn towards nature and the increase in the greening of urban spaces, both in the municipal and private sectors, brings with it ecological and social aspects. We pursue two fundamental objectives for the urban life of the future: the sustainable and livable design of our urban living spaces and the strengthening of community community and the responsibility of each individual.

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The next spoga+gafa will take place from June 16 to 18, 2024 , under the motto "Responsible Gardens". Together with the green industry, the leading trade fair will focus on the different levels of responsible behavior in and around private green spaces from the perspective of manufacturers, suppliers and consumers.