As we gravitate outside to enjoy the natural surroundings in warmer weather, our outdoor furniture is brought to the fore. Living in southern Europe gives us more reason than most to invest in outdoor furniture and accessories. After all, we tend to spend more time outside due to the congenial weather we are so blessed with. It goes without saying that outdoor furniture made with good-quality materials will stand up against harsh weather conditions and therefore last longer, so choose materials that are UV and water-resistant, and you will be able to enjoy your furniture for several years to come. We are seeing many new outdoor furniture collections that use natural materials, which blend harmoniously with the environment and thus create a more calming and aesthetically pleasing feel for your outdoor space. Take a look at some of these inspirational ideas…
ENJOYING THE SUMMER OUTDOORS
The Mood collection by Tribù combines warm teak and handwoven Tricord. The yarn weaving on the chairs, sofas and daybeds comes in a wide range of nature-inspired shades, harmonising perfectly with the natural environment. Tribù is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).
The Sunbrella Oliver corner lounge set has a weather-resistant fabric to withstand all climat ic conditions. Its clean lines and block-like design make it ideal for any style of home. Available from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.
The Twins double chaise longue, by Mut De sign for Expormim, offers ample and open seating for a stylish outdoor area, with a wide range of fabrics available – all suitable for outdoor conditions. Ex pormim is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Fernando Moreno on the Ctra. de Ronda, also in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.fernandomoreno.eu).
The Mozaix Lounge collection from Royal Botania features large grids in teak, oiled mahogany or aluminium, available in various lengths to allow for flexibility when arranging your furniture. The cushions all have a QuickDry filling so you can enjoy your furniture soon after a rainfall. The teak grids can be filled with wooden tiles or fine enamelled lava stones, in six different shades. Other options include a small solar-powered table light, a large pendulum, small aluminium planter boxes and a practical pivoting table. Royal Botania is available from Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) , Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Fernando Moreno on the Ctra. de Ronda (www.fernandomoreno.eu).
The Savannah daybed from Cane-line is highly durable and weather-resistant, featuring a classic and timeless design and coming with a removable sun shield. The daybed is designed with a right and a left part so that they can be used either individually or together to make one large daybed for two people. Cane-line is available from Fernando Moreno on the Ctra. de Ronda in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.fernandomoreno.eu).
The Landscape collection from Kettal com prises a wide range of furniture that is robust, features a simplistic design that suits any style of home and comes in an array of attractive colours. Kettal is available through Fernando Moreno on the Ctra. de Ronda in San Pe dro de Alcántara (www.fernandomoreno.eu) , Darch & Co Design Studio in CC Sotomarket in Sotogrande (www.darchandco.com) , Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) , Acoola in Polígono Industrial San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) , Outdoor Concepts at the of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcán tara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Diana Dominique in Pol. Ind. Nueva Campana 54 in Nueva Andalucía (www.dianadominque.com).
The Teak Jack adjustable sun lounger from Ethnicraft is highlighted by clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic. it has been beautifully crafted with both com fort and sophistication in mind. The collection also includes a side table to complete the look. Ethnicraft is available through Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) and High End Homes in Puerto Banús (www.high-endhomes.com).
Diabla’s 356 collection features an aerodynamic de sign which was inspired by the first Porsche 356 cars from the 1950s. Shown here in the pink version, the 356 makes an attractively bold statement. It is made from 100 per cent recyclable polyethylene and is highly ergonomic and du rable. There is also a low side table within the collection to accompany the lounger. Diabla Outdoor is available through Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Anda lucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).
The Sol+Luna from Extremis is both a sunbed and a sofa. By simply adding cushions, the sunbed can be transformed into an outdoor lounge sofa, making it hugely versatile. Accessories can be used to create shade, add lighting and provide surfaces for drinks; and storage ac cessories keep valuables safe while taking a swim. Extremis is available from Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).
Point’s U reclining sunbed with wheels has a lacquered aluminium frame covered in a Shintotex fibre weaving, with a weather-resistant cushion filled with polyurethane foam. Point is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) , Fernando Moreno on the Ctra. de Ronda in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.fernandomoreno.eu) and Darch & Co Design Studio in C.C. Sotomarket in Sotogrande (www.darchandco.com) .
This beautiful handmade bamboo sun lounger comes with the cushion included, which is made from woven polyester and is UV-protected – making it less likely to fade. It is also water and dirt resistant. This collection is available online from North By North (www.northbynorth.es).
Rafael is a collection by Ethimo that was inspired by the versatility and transience of nature. The frame is made from brushed teak with metal staples that add an artisan touch. The textured cushions and the table, shown here in candid marble, provide a balanced overall aesthetic. Ethimo is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and through Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).
Talenti’s George collection was created to offer the utmost comfort whilst enjoy ing the outdoors. The sofa has generous padding in the seats and back cushions, and the stainless-steel chair comes with a soft rope weave seat. Available from the new Talenti store in Puerto Banús (www.talentimarbella.com) and also through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and De Tro pen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.
Designed by Karim Rashid, Vondom’s Voxel col lection is characterised by its faceted, geometric shapes that are made through injection-mould ing plastic. The range comprises a chair, an arm chair, a sun lounger and the new bar stool, and it comes in various colours. Vondom is availa ble through Your Home Styling in C. C. Nórdico on the Mijas Road (www.yourhomestyling.com) , Darch & Co Design Studio in CC Sotomarket in Sotogrande (www.darchandco.com) , Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pe dro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) , A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Mar bella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net) , Fer nando Moreno on the Ctra. de Ronda in San Pe dro de Alcántara (www.fernandomoreno.eu) and Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avenida del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com).
DINING OUT IN STYLE
The Archi dining chair from Gloster combines outdoor rope with plantation teak. It is a perfect accompaniment to Gloster’s Clipper dining table, also made from teak, with a slatted tabletop. Gloster is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net).
The Unopiù TLine collection, in white or graphite aluminium, features a stunning motif in perforated metal that plays with light and shadow and is inspired by garden decoration in the 1950s. Unopiù is available from Outdoor Concepts in San Pedro de Al cántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).
Made from natural teak, Manutti’s Solid armchair makes a bold statement, balancing cutting-edge technology with raw craftsmanship to create a sophisticated wooden frame which has an elegant shape that moulds to the body. It is shown here with their Torsa table, which has a sculpted wooden base and a monochrome ceramic tabletop. Manutti is available from Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net) , and through Ambience Home Design in C.C. La Poveda in Marbella (www.ambiencehomedesign.com).
The design for the Moai table collection from Fast was inspired by the pe culiar shapes of Roman pine. Sturdy legs support the elegant tops, which come in aluminium and (as shown here) stoneware. The Ria armchairs of fer full support when you are seated, thanks to their curved backrest, and
they add a contemporary pop of colour to the dining area. Fast is available from A Cielo Abierto in Centro de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net) and Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).
The Rio extendable table from Nardi comes in two sizes and is UV-treated with a DurelTop slatted tabletop and coated aluminium frame. It is shown here with their Rio Alu bench. Nardi is available through Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) , Fernando Moreno on the Ctra. de Ronda in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.fernandomoreno.eu) and De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.
The handmade bamboo table is ideal for a large family and can be used both inside and outside. This beautiful dining set can be used both inside and outside and is delivered partially assembled. Available online from North By North (www.northbynorth.es) .
The Infina UX collection from Umbrosa is a cen tre-pole parasol without a heavy frame. There is an optional table that is attached to the pole for a useful shaded resting area for drinks and devices, and the parasol canopy comes in either sand or black. Umbrosa is available from Fernando More no on the Ctra. de Ronda in San Pedro de Alcán tara (www.fernandomoreno.eu) , Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) , Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pe dro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net).
RETREATING TO THE SHADE
Shade sails come in a wide range of at tractive colours and can be made-to-measure so that they perfectly cover the area you want to keep shaded from the sun. They are ideal for a terrace or garden area or even as a carport. Available from The Shade Sail Company in Cala honda (www.theshadesailcompany.com).
The new Smart Art fabrics from awning manufacturer Markilux showcase flower blos soms, leaves, dots, geometrical shapes and motifs reminiscent of modern acrylic painting. The patterns are digitally printed onto the awn ing cover material using weatherproof and wa ter-repellent latex dyes, adding a new dimension to awning design. Markilux is available exclusively from Arte del Lusso in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es).
HOTTING UP THIS SUMMER
The Dome by Heatsail is both a dimmable light and a heater that can be controlled separately. Made from stainless-steel and aluminium, it can be left outside all year round. It has an optional built-in Bluetooth speaker and wheels for easy manoeuvrability. Heatsail is available from A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net) and Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pe dro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).
The multi-functional Ecosmart Gin 90 serves as a coffee table as well as an attractive firepit. Integrating a stainless steel, elongated XL900 Burner with a natural, oiled teak or fluid concrete surround, the Gin 90 Low table is a sophisticated and unassuming firepit that is decorative yet practical – allowing you to enjoy the warmth of an open fire without embers, ash and soot. EcoSmart is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).
