Special Presentations a Focus of Domotex 2008

Hannover, Germany, October 26, 2007-- With a wide-ranging exhibition program, an established profile as a dedicated trade show, outstanding coverage of the international market and not least an exciting line-up of special presentations targeted at specific user groups, Domotex Hannover 2008 (12 - 15 January) is the No. 1 event of the year for the international floor coverings industry.

floorforum (Hall 3)

floorforum is a showcase for the latest trends in contemporary carpet design and floor coverings. The internationally renowned designer Ulf Moritz from Amsterdam will be assembling a set of four stylish room settings in Hall 3, with the focus on high-quality carpets and floor coverings. "Natural Beauty", "Exclusive Extravagance", "Functional Coolness" and "Classical Comfort” are the style trends that Moritz has chosen to highlight.

The inspiration behind “Natural Beauty" is defined as "living in harmony with nature and making sparing use of vital resources". Here the emphasis is on the rediscovery of natural materials and traditional craft skills, sensitively showcased with a modern twist. "Exclusive Extravagance" sends a very different message: think glamorous lifestyle, luxury fashion and extravagant interiors. ""Functional Coolness is all about aerodynamic, free-flowing forms with more than a hint of the futuristic about them, emblematic of a cool, modern and global lifestyle "Classical Comfort" combines high-quality workmanship, the use of durable materials such as wood, marble and bronze, a traditional vocabulary of forms and an evident delight in art and design.

Positioned alongside these presentations are product displays by 30 exhibitors from Germany and other countries. These offer a wealth of inspiration and new ideas for interior designers, interior furnishers and trade visitors from the upmarket floor coverings trade as well as from furnishing and furniture stores.

Carpet Design Awards (Hall 15)

The Carpet Design Awards (CDA) will be presented for the third successive year at Domotex Hannover 2008. Worth a total of 10,000 euros in prize money, these awards are given for creative and innovative design in the hand-made carpet segment. Carpets entered in the competition will be judged in ten categories by a jury of renowned professionals, who will rate the entries in terms of design, creative flair and quality of workmanship. The jury chairman is Matthew Bourne, contributing editor of the journal MC & T (modern carpets & textile interiors) from the United Kingdom. Other members of the international jury include Ben Evans, editor of HALI and MC & T, Kate Blee, a textile artist, likewise both from the UK; Markus Lippert from the German furnishings chain Hiendl and Peter Mauch, certified expert in hand-made carpets, both from Germany; Zeynep Fadillioglu, an interior designer and art historian from Turkey; Paul Ramsey, an expert in Oriental carpets and the art of weaving, from the USA; and David Sorgato from Italy, founder of the Michail Gallery in Milan.

In an additional category, visitors to Domotex Hannover 2008 get to choose their own personal favorite from among the carpets submitted by all the finalists, which will be on display in Hall 15. The awards will be presented on the Sunday of the show (13 January).

Loom Lounge (Hall 17)

For the fourth time leading exhibitors of hand-made carpets have joined forces in a group initiative under the title "Loom Lounge" in Hall 17. The focus of the presentation is on hand-knotted carpets and rugs, and features both classical/traditional and modern designs. The centerpiece of the "Loom Lounge" is a stylish Italian café, which provides an informal and relaxing setting for exhibitors and potential customers to talk serious business over a cup of coffee.