In terms of surface finishes, a trend is starting to emerge that couldn't be a bigger contrast to the long prevailing gloss white surfaces: black. In future, kitchen furniture and electrical appliances will be adorning themselves with classy black surfaces. And increasingly, furniture interiors are also taking on a dark look. One item, though, is going against the flow: the refrigerator! In standalone form, it's moving into the focus, sporting bright accent colours. Consumers themselves now even have a say in creating its surface design. In its immediate surroundings, metallic surfaces, stone and concrete looks signalise high material quality and lasting value. Timbers, above all oak, are increasingly conjuring a sense of warmth and homeliness – sometimes with a vibrant grain, sometimes with an even texture.