In interior design these days, what’s in is out — outdoors, that is. With more and more people embracing the art of outdoor living, furniture and accessories that can stand out while standing up to nature are suddenly in the spotlight. While some of Europe’s leading designers are creating outdoor versions of their indoor originals, others are creating unique designs inspired by nature herself. From fabulous firepits to chef-worthy kitchens, here are five of the hottest outdoor living trends that are bringing all the style and substance of interior design to the great outdoors.
Bioclimatic Ceilings by Kettal
Kettal’s elegant pavilions are designed “to bring order, form, and structure to outdoor areas,” providing shelter and shade as well as knock-out style. Their innovative bioclimatic ceilings solve the problem of uncooperative weather — with a simple push of a button, the ceiling panels can be closed to shut out the elements and ensure a comfortable sanctuary.
Firepits just keep getting more popular — which means more gorgeous designs to choose from! Two of our favorites are Gloster’s Deco Fire Bowl, a minimalist masterpiece, and AK47 Design’s Ercole Concrete Firepit, with its cozy, artisanal vibe. Earthy and natural, the Ercole is made from weather-resistant materials, with storage space for logs underneath and a grill kit with cooking grill, for functionality as welcoming as its form.
When a grill just isn’t enough, there’s the Norma Outdoor Kitchen, by Roda. Designed by Rodolfo Dordoni, this modular kitchen has it all. The gas cooker unit has a triple crown and five gas burners, with space under the gas burner featuring larch-wood shelves and a practical utensil rack, and the option of fixed feet or wheels so it can be moved as desired. The freestanding island, in the distinctive Smoke tone with doors available in Rust or Milk, has a stainless-steel sink unit that fits into the durable Lapitec® top. The extension module offers an additional preparation space that can be extended to become a suspended counter for dining. Both the island and extension have space for an optional fridge; other options include larch-wood cutting boards that fit perfectly on the worktops.
Move over, curvy couches — when it comes to the outdoors, angular sectionals give a sense of structure and form to natural spaces. Roda’s large, comfortable EDEN sofa, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni, delivers extreme modularity, with deep, well-padded cushions and a spare, weather-treated teak frame. For a more playful yet equally flexible look, Varaschin’s Bento Modular Sofa, featuring a framework of solid okumé wood padded with Dryfeel outdoor foam, offers endless compositions of color and geometric shapes. Simple and stunning, Rodolfo Dordoni’s minimalist design for Kettal, Molo, was inspired by the idea of a mooring for boats, “a rest between trips and a refuge from the swell of the waves.”
Thanks to solar power, setting an outdoor mood has never been easier — or more stylishly sustainable. Gloster’s portable solar lanterns are the ideal blend of technology and craftsmanship, designed to add a personal touch of style and state-of-the-art capabilities, with remote control operation and looks in woven wicker, teak, and pottery-like polypropylene
