The task they were set was to identify trends and directions and then to formulate the Heimtextil trends from them. After a two-day conclave, the experts were unanimous about what is coming and returned to the places furnished in line with their personal ideas, wishes and requirements.

For all of them home is where they feel good, a place marked by their personal style. Designer Claudia Herke from Bora.Herke Stilbüro explains: "I like a mix of vintage and new and things from the past, which I have an emotional connection to." Anne Marie Commandeur from the Netherlands puts the emphasis on an environment with a cosy, communication-friendly atmosphere, which uses materials, lighting and acoustics and says: "That’s why I like wooden floors, felt and deep, dark colours." Textile artist Dan Namura from the Dan Project on the other hand reproduces the vastness of the ocean in public spaces which sunlight is allowed to flood into unhindered. "I find designs and colours, which change in the sun, interesting”, explains the Japanese.

Since the function of the work environment varies, the trend experts’ offices differ substantially from their private areas. Namura’s office, for example, has to make do with practically no decoration. And Maria Olofsson, who came to Frankfurt for Colourhouse, says: "My office has to be light and white because I work a lot with colours and white is a colour that doesn’t distract me." Mayouri Sengchanh, representing Carlin International, is of the opinion that: "Office furnishings must be functional."

In this context, she attaches importance to ergonomic chairs, expansive tables and high quality, tactile materials. Commandeur also uses the word table in the plural’. Her office also contains adequate practical surface and storage space. And then, as well as the green space around the old house where she works, her inspiration comes from functionalism, too.

When it comes to inspiration, exchanging ideas with other creative people over lunch or a coffee is important to Herke. Olofsson loves the harbour of Göteborg and Namura glances at the photographs of his little daughter on his desk.