spoga+gafa 2019: trends for the outdoors

With the theme of city gardening, spoga+gafa 2019 was reflecting a global trend: more and more people are moving to live in cities, where they are reluctant to do without their own green space and open-air haven for relaxation. The plants are thriving not just in small gardens, but also increasingly on balconies and roof terraces.

Design for city gardeners

Gardening without a garden is a real trend – as proven by the continuous turnover growth of the green sector and the extensive selection of new products. Compact flower beds, vertical plant walls or mini greenhouses transform balconies into small kitchen gardens. New watering systems are specially tailored to the needs of city gardeners. There are even miniature versions of compost boxes today.

spoga+gafa has teamed up with IFH Köln to produce a market research study on city gardening, which was then presented at the trade fair. The study throws light on the consumer behaviour of the target group of city gardeners, which has not been the subject of much research until now.

Of particular interest to the gardening and furniture industry is the classification of the target group into four different subtypes. The groups most open to acquiring new garden equipment are the status-oriented hosts and the conscious self-sufficiency gardeners.

More comfort and functionality

For city gardeners, the international garden trade fair offered a broad spectrum of new products. In addition to trend products for planting on balconies and terraces such as stackable raised beds and mobile plant trolleys, the latest furniture for urban outdoor areas were also presented.

In order to make the most of limited space, the watchword with many of these latest models is “multifunctionality”: a modular lounge suite can be expanded from a dining area into a seating landscape, while a handy cockpit with universal mount for smartphones and tablets is added to the classic sunbed. 

The topic of comfort is playing an increasingly important role in the furnishing of exterior spaces – and that not only for the growing “over 50s” target group. Low and comfortable models such as the classic wing chair, rocking chairs or daybeds are experiencing a renaissance for outside.

Sunshades equipped with sophisticated technologies can be moved at the gentle kick of a foot. Thanks to new, highly resistant materials, even existing models can now be reupholstered and made more comfortable.

New minimalism for outdoors

On the other hand, in the anniversary year of the Bauhaus school of design, a growing number of people are feeling that “less is more” when it comes to terraces and gardens.

Filigree forms and reduced materials are providing a new purism in outdoor design. Clear contours and slim shapes characterise a new generation of discrete furniture for the outdoor area. Fittingly, white is making a surprise comeback. Lively touches are provided by vivid colours on seat surfaces and frames, and colourful cushions.

New collections made of natural wood from certified sources also follow the trend of simple living. Like the latest garden furniture made of recycled plastic, they reflect the development towards sustainable production, and also point at the same time to the upcoming spoga+gafa.

On 6–8 September 2020, the topic of “Sustainable Gardens” will be a key focus at the international garden trade fair.