Salone del Mobile.Milano 2018: design / cool outdoor spaces (3)

Outdoor spaces are increasingly important in the design world, with interior designers and landscape architects creating innovative gardens, patios, terraces and swimming-pool areas that are full of comfort, versatility and functionality. With people embracing the idea of “outdoor rooms”, the challenge is about creating outdoor spaces that truly become an extension of indoor living rooms. Spanish brands are keeping up with this trend offering heap of options that can convert any outside area into the perfect open-air dining or lounge space. They have also collaborated with important architecture studios in decorating hotel terraces and designing poolside settings that offer clients the best lounging and sunbathing experience.

Advances in furniture and fabric technology have made it possible to have fully upholstered lounge furniture outside, combining colours, materials and accessories to achieve a collected look very similar to that of indoor living spaces.

Cool outdoor lounges & dining sets

Design knows no bounds and is conquering new spaces in the outdoors with exciting and practical collections created by biggest name of the international design scene to turn gardens, pool areas and terraces into serene, summer escapes. The extensive range of outdoor sofas and armchairs, dining sets and low tables offered by Spain’s key players of the outdoor sector is complemented by pavilions, parasols, planters, rugs and other accessories which add style and set the mood. New designs, new colours and new finishes contribute to bring versatility and adaptability to the highest level.

The range of materials is one of the richest in the market, from natural rattan and teak wood (although treated to resist weather condition and intense use) to the synthetics, like PVC, ABS and synthetic resin wicker, or the metals like aluminum, steel and wrought iron.

Designs that mix tradition and innovation have indeed no expiration date. Take the NIDO chair, a creation by Javier Pastor for Valencia-based indoor & outdoor furniture manufacturer EXPORMIM. Radically contemporary in its conception and traditional in its manufacturing, the new version of the NIDO chair, a restyling of the former 2010 edition, features a tubular structure covered by a rope braid which highlights the beauty and warmth of handcrafted objects. NIDO is offered in a rich choice of finishes, including 61 different upholstery colours, 8 ropes and 3 metal finishes, such as the new fine textured oxide. With a design intentionally austere, but with subtle details such as the cone-shaped legs or the tabletop beveled edge, the NUDE table makes a perfect match for the NIDO chairs.

NIDO chairs by Javier Pastor & NUDE outdoor table by Expormim Design Studio. EXPORMIM

Fabrics for upholsteries have been extended to include the recycled fabric Heritage Sunbrella^® as well as Lopi Sunbrella^® and Bora Bora Crevin^®, all of them suitable for intense outdoor use. The GRADA side tables, a creation by Lievore Altherr Molina, are now available with the DEKTON tops, which are much more resistant to weather conditions, scrapes and stains than marble surfaces.

LIVIT modular outdoor sofa & GRADA outdoor side table. Lievore Alterr Molina. EXPORMIM

The Mediterranean roots are also reflected in the selection of textures, materials and colours offered by outdoor furniture specialist POINT, a pioneer in the use of braided fibre materials. The WEAVE outdoor lounge collection, designed by Vicent Martínez for the brand, has been expanded to include new elements that will configure highly comfortable relaxing spaces and dining sets in gardens and terraces. Featuring a natural look enhanced by the woven backs and sides, it includes sofas, modular elements, small tables, an armchair, a lounger, a reclining chair, tables with different heights, stools and a swing, all of them available in different colours. Seats and backrests come with upholstered cushions.

WEAVE outdoor furniture collection. Vicent Martínez. POINT

POINT has also strengthened its collaboration with Barcelona-based designer Francesc Rifé who has created three new outdoor armchairs: ELLE, SIR and MIN. For extra versatility, two other designs by Francesc Rifé have been enriched by new features: the PAL modular system allows new configurations and compositions, while the BUT armchairs have been redesigned with new intriguing finishes.

PAL outdoor modular seating system. Francesc Rifé. POINT

Milan 2018 will also be the launch pad for a new collaboration between the brand and Slovenian designer Nika Zupanc which is aimed at bringing a more emotional and feminine touch to POINT’s designs. Made of lacquered aluminium, DALMATIA, the new collections of outdoor chairs, armchairs, sofas and high and low tables, reinterprets some of the firm’s iconic pieces evoking the colours and sophisticated elegance of the Dalmatian coast (Croatia).

In 2016, the high-backed KETTAL CALA chair established a new design language for KETTAL based on the combination of industrial design, fine craftsmanship, technology and culture. Made of a powder-coated aluminium frame knitted with ropes, the piece has a majestic presence that subtly plays with transparent and light surfaces and is therefore suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

KETTAL CALA outdoor lounge collection. Doshi Levien

The idea has evolved with Doshi Levien creating additional pieces for the KETTAL CALA collection: a dining chair, a series of tables, low footstools and a three-seater sofa. The dining table has a monolithic and bold presence, providing a contrast to the lightness of the chairs. It comes with a choice of different tops that includes wood and marble table tops.

KETTAL CALA outdoor dining set. Doshi Levien.

The “less is more” principle can also work in the outdoor where it can help create the greatest impact through careful editing and restraint.

GANDIABLASCO evokes elegant and sober design that will stand the test of time with TIMELESS, their new outdoor furniture collection created by Borja García and José A. Gandía-Blasco. Inspired by the rational architecture from the early 20^th century, its design of subtle but distinctive forms communicates honesty, without any unnecessary ornament other than its structure.

TIMELESS outdoor lounge collection. Borja García & José A. Gandía-Blasco. GANDIABLASCO

Its various elements are carefully balanced in order to provide maximum comfort. The different colours of the aluminium structure and the various upholstery options allows for the easy adaptation of the collection to its settings, for both residential and contract applications.

TIMELESS armchair & footrest. Borja García & José A. Gandía-Blasco. GANDIABLASCO

Staying true to their avant-garde spirit, this year VONDOM presents new products, new colours and new fabrics for lovers of ultra-stylish, minimalist designs. The hospitality chairs of the KES collection, designed by Gabriele & Oscar Buratti for the Valencia-based company, are now available in tortora and grey colours. Lightweight and stackable, armless or with armrest, KES is suitable for both residential and commercial use, for indoor and outdoor settings.

KES chairs. Gabriele & Oscar Buratti. VONDOM

New finishes also include the metallic Gold and Silver colour, which are available for some of the brand’s iconic chairs (AFRICA, WALL STREET and DELTA, designed by Eugeni Quitllet and Jorge Pensi) and are aimed at making a strong visual impact, providing ambiences with a surprising, luxurious effect.

ULM daybed. Ramón Esteve. VONDOM

The ULM and VELA family, two creations by Ramon Esteve, have incorporated new members that allow for different configurations and functionality. The new ULM daybed with backrest is designed with the bare essential qualities of utility and function in mind, discarding all superfluous elements. Its circular shape and grand scale design adapt to large open-air spaces while the swivel base allows you to rotate it on its axis. The new pergola protects its interior while it’s not in use, always providing a comfortable shade.

Comfortable outdoors & contract spaces

While modular shapes are often arranged around focal points, like coffee tables and fire pits, they can also be used to create different zones; sun loungers and chaise longues can be used to provide gardens and pool spaces with relaxing areas. Rugs, blankets and throw pillows add colour and a cosy touch of warmth.

The new fresh and versatile outdoor items of CALMA convey all the elegance, functionality and fine designs that are the hallmarks of the Spanish brand. Designed by Andreu Carulla, ALAT is a collection of outdoor four- and five seater lounge sofas of great dimensions with upward lateral modules which allow a new different use for lounging, relaxing or just sitting for a chat with friends. It features a structure made of powder coated aluminium, available in white and charcoal colours with Quick Dry Foam cushions upholstered In Sunbrella Savane fabrics, zinc colour, both materials suitable for exterior use.

ALAT sofas, FLO flowerpot and LLUM outdoor lamp. CALMA

The lounge area can be complemented with the new FLO flowerpot, the UNA coffee table and the CIRCUS side tables. The new version of the ANGLE outdoor table maintains the architectural aesthetic and the unique appeal of the original edition while improving its technical aspects and extending the range of finishes.

ANGLE outdoor table. SerraydelaRocha. CALMA

BIVAQ’s new attractive collections for stylish outdoor spaces include ILLA, the new collection designed by Andrés Bluth which cleverly brings together all the essential values of traditional garden furniture: freshness, durability, little maintenance and comfort. Rod and cylindrical tubes have been used to achieve smooth, flowing shapes that provide environments with a relaxing yet elegant look. It includes dining armchairs (in two versions: with or without upholstered backrest), chairs, coffee and side tables, round and square dining tables and a fire place. Dining tables come with tops made of compact HPL, iroko wood or DEKTON^®. The fire place, which is offered in black with a customisable central base, has been added to create even warmer, welcoming ambiences.

ILLA outdoor furniture collection. BIVAQ

The new MOOD XL modular sofa is a restyling of the former MOOD collection. It includes a central module, corner module, footrest modules, a pouffe, a low table and an armchair. Thanks to the exclusive Screen Cover system, all the materials (frames, upholsteries, fabrics) are 100% waterproof and resistant to atmospheric agents and sunlight. Another great feature of this collection is the Soft Cover system which avoids hard corners and uncomfortable edges, making the furniture more pleasant to the touch and to use.

MOOD XL outdoor modular furniture. BIVAQ

With its fresh yet luxurious look, the NANSA collection, a design by Santiago Sevillano for the newly-launched brand MUSOLA, is a great option to bring outdoor spaces to life. It consists of a chair, an armchair, a sofa and a coffee table. The chairs, which come lacquered in any of the fresh matt tones of the MUSOLA colour palette, are stackable and provided with removable cushions. With their attractive powder-coated stainless-steel structures, the two- and three-seater sofas, as well as the generous armchair, come with removable upholsteries and are complemented by a set of 43 X 43 cm scatter cushions. To withstand weather conditions, the coffee tables, which are offered in various sizes and shapes, come with stylish ceramic tops that imitate natural stones that blend perfectly with surrounding environments.

NANSA outdoor lounge collection. Santiago Sevillano. BIVAQ

The technological foams (Dry Feel damp-proof polyurethane foam) and the SUNBRELLA upholstery fabrics, that cover cushions and seat pads, enhance the quality and beauty of the collection while allowing their use in outdoor spaces.

SALVIA outdoor dining table. CANASTA chairs by Yonoh Studio. MUSOLA

The outdoor dining table SALVIA features a ceramic top and is available in 24 different dimensions, both fixed or extendible. Its metallic structure in stainless steel and aluminium matches perfectly with the CANASTA chairs, a design by Yonoh Studio for the brand.

As its name suggests, iSiMAR is strongly rooted in the Mediterranean lifestyle and culture. The passion of the brand for the open air life and for the lively colours of the Mediterranean landscapes is perfectly reflected by its collections which always add a playful vibrancy to indoor and outdoor spaces. LAGARTO, one of the latestand most successful launches designed by ILMIODESIGN Studio, is a unique, dynamic outdoor collection which include a serpent-esque, sinuous modular sofa, stools, armchairs and a table. Made of galvanised aluminium with a polyester powder coating, it works in both indoor and outdoor spaces, and with its Uv-resistant properties, one might even say that it feels at home in the sun.

LAGARTO armchairs. ILMIODESIGN Studio. iSiMAR

Drawing inspiration from the Bolonia Bay (Spain), one of the last unspoiled beaches on the Costa de la Luz, and its sinuous dunes, the BOLONIA chairs and lounge chairs feature an organic yet elegant design that invites relaxation and leisure moments at home or in the outdoors. Like all of the other items in the firm’s catalogue, such as the OLIVO chair, which now come in a new upholstered version, BOLONIA is made from galvanised steel and aluminium and is available in 29 different colours and 5 industrial metal finishes.

BOLONIA outdoor lounge chair. iSiMAR

In a huge range of styles and colours, all SKYLINE DESIGN‘s collections are made of revolutionary synthetic fibres that are chemical and UV resistant, all-weather proof and provided with high-tensile strength. Aluminium frames are finished using a multi-stage, deluxe powder coating process, ensuring unsurpassed long-lasting quality, and resistance to corrosion and blistering.

As one of the firm’s most complete collections, HEART sets itself apart from all other wicker designs with its refined knotted weave structure. The outdoor lounge line includes a two- and three-seater sofa, an armchair, coffee and side tables, a sun lounger and an ottoman. The dining set is completed by a rectangular table, offered in two lengths (180 and 220 cm) with a glass top, and comfortable chairs that welcome you to relax and entertain. The cushions are made with a quick drying exterior foam upholstered with Sunbrella. The combination of the finishes in Seashell and Whitewash fibres enhance the performance and the beauty of this collection, which is perfect for any garden and pool area.

HEART outdoor lounge collection. SKYLINE DESIGN

Designed for comfort and luxury, the SHADE daybed measures approximately 5 sqm and the elegance of its forms makes it a perfect choice to bring style to any outdoor space.

SHADE daybed. SKYLINE DESIGN

Life is too short to stay indoors! In Milan, Spanish brands will give you plenty of ideas to create the most comfortable, most stylish, the most functional and, why not, the most fun outdoor spaces. Enjoy!

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