Outdoor living has evolved to such a degree that designer furniture has as much of a place on the terrace as in the living room. Open-plan living and an increasingly holistic view of living spaces has meant that outdoor living is seen as an important part of the overall scheme, resulting in bolder and more design-forward spaces. And colour is bigger than ever - from brights to pastels and multicoloured pieces - anything goes.
Kettal's Rodolfo Dordoni's Bitta range, launched in 2009, has been given a facelift. While the collection is iconic, it's also a living product that can be updated over time.
"Over the past decade, the way we interpret outdoor spaces has become more similar to how we live indoors, so greater attention is paid to recreating that same comfort and atmosphere," says Dordoni.
The new Bitta range features a gentle, rounded design and a vast array of finishes, colourways and combinations, offering customisation and creativity for the customer - as well as from the designer.
"The need to bring the outdoors in or to widen the indoors to include the outdoors has prompted designers to create new solutions that fulfill all the requirements of outdoor products in terms of performance, as well as ensuring they're as appealing as indoor ones. This has resulted in more audacious and adventurous pieces," he adds.
The MBRACE range by Sebastian Herkner comprises a wingback, lounger and rocker, and its cocooning shape offers comfort.
Dedon's BRIXX is also big on comfort. The first fully upholstered collection by the brand, its polished finish comes via designer Lorenza Bozzoli and a team of master Italian upholsterers.
"This collection's flexibility cements it as a next-generation outdoor range. Triangular and rectangular pieces offer many permutations and seating freedom; a playful application that sums up the lighthearted direction outdoor design is taking," says Bozzoli.
A different kind of pared-back functionality is apparent in high-end brands where simplicity is more a product of aesthetic philosophy than a frugality of design or materiality. Think simple lines, streamlined slatted frames and moulded units.
With Hay's Élémentaire chair, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec set out to create a piece that was aesthetically and physically balanced. Using technology to create a design robust enough to be long lasting while still appearing delicate, they designed it for everyday use and to fulfill the basic needs of furniture - beauty and durability.
Dordoni believes the future of outdoor living lies in these very materials and processes; and that newness will drive design evolution...