There's no halting the triumphant march of the furniture flap in wall units. These flaps, which swivel elegantly upwards, fold or open parallel to the cabinet are simply too stylish and practical. They open up access to the entire cabinet interior, and there is no interfering hinged door jutting out into the room. The way in which innovative flap fitting technology engineered by Häfele will increase convenience and functionality in furniture manufacturing in the future was demonstrated by the Nagold hardware fitting specialist with its new “Free” flap fitting family at interzum in Cologne.

When the conversation turns to convenient living, this often includes extremely functional furniture and furnishings that adapt themselves to the individual requirements of the user at all times. The trend is clearly moving in the direction of furniture electrification: Small, quiet electric motors move sliding doors, raise and lower worktops and entire tables, open the flaps of wall units and innovative lighting systems improve visibility in the furniture. Nagold hardware innovator Häfele showed the latest products of comfort living at interzum in a special booth area.

Under the motto “Häfele Engineering – turning ideas into reality, together”, the industrial division of Häfele Group used a concept cabinet to demonstrate how partnerships with the furniture industry result in solutions that offer tangible value to partners during interzum 2013 in Cologne.

Living space is always becoming scarcer and more sought after, especially in major cities – making it more expensive.

Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) recently installed their 2013 Board of Directors at this year's WIC in Tempe, AZ. Wade Gregory, from Flakeboard America Ltd., has been named President of AWFS.

KBIS 2013 exhibitors sponsored videos detail cabinetry trends and the supplier's demonstrations at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.

Häfele America Co. will be showcasing how the concepts of Universal Design can be brought to life in the kitchen during the 2013 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) April 19-21 in New Orleans

Custom Woodworking Business April 2013 Reader Service