So these last couple of weeks have been chocka-block with design as I popped over to the Stockholm Furniture Fair and Northern Light Fair in Sweden, and as you know I’ve been in Paris for Maison & Objet. But I’m not done yet! This weekend I’ll be hot footing it to Frankfurt to attend Ambiente. Ambiente is probably one of the biggest trade fairs you’ve never heard of. In fact, it is the largest trade fair in Germany and focuses on design, tableware, gifts and home décor. In 2016, more than 4,386 exhibitors showcased their latest product offerings, and with that in mind, I think I’m going to have to don some serious walking shoes for this one. So keep your eyes peeled on Instagram for plenty of instant updates.
Something I’ve noticed at the trade fairs this year that I initially scratched my head about was the number of bar carts that I have seen exhibited. To me they are “trolleys”, but I stand corrected, as I have been called out on this. Tea trolley’s, bar carts, butler trays….. it’s a thing. A trend that I have seen in US shelter magazines seems to be hitting Europe – hard. Are we all raging alcoholics who can’t keep our liquor behind closed cabinet doors but need it much closer to hand? It might not be a surprise to hear that alcohol sales go up in times of uncertainty. Or is that we all want a little space to show off our sophistication or our styling skills? Is the bar cart, in fact, the new display cabinet? (Flashback to my Mum’s corner unit displaying her china knick-knacks in the 1970’s – whoa).
Whatever the reason the designers and brands are showing them styled impeccably of course at the likes of Paris Maison & Objet and Stockholm furniture fair. So what would you put on your trolley?
Having a bar cart though is a real styling opportunity if you don’t have a 4-year-old like me. Just think of all those pretty glasses and barware paraphernalia you’ll need. You’ll need to have a stack of beautiful coffee table books and probably fresh flowers or some succulents… it’s a stylist dream. Oh and of course Gin… or whatever your preferred tipple is. While I might be poking a little bit of fun at this, they are actually a really practical side table option because you can move them so readily. Perfect for small multifunctional living rooms for example.
Have you read my post on Maison & Objet? If not you can find it here
images by: Gubi, A2, Kaymet, byLassen and Mary Middleton for Hello Peagreen.