The ‘Outdoor Lounge’

What have been the key outdoor furniture trends for 2008?

Markus Stehle: Due to the expanding demand for outdoor furniture, we have seen new players coming to the market coming from the high-end indoor sector. The revolutionary use of synthetic fibre has changed the trends of outdoor furniture for the whole industry. The main reason for this is the durability and the ease of maintenance that this material offers. In terms of colours, we have seen a clear sign that white is coming back in fashion for the outdoor furniture space.

Andrew Downes: We have seen our clients move away from our teak collections to using aluminium frames with synthetic fibre weave or Porotex mesh. Outdoor chill out areas together with dining areas are often required, therefore our modular collections are being selected to make low level seating areas consisting of sofas or L shapes, alongside stackable dining chairs.

Guy Newton: Contemporary designs have continued to be the main focus, although we did notice the start of a sub-trend for classic, rustic style furniture as well. A deliberate mixing of the two styles, i.e. very modern stainless steel chairs used around a distressed finish, wooden table, was also apparent. Large scale continued to be a theme, although the move has been away from individual, stand-alone units towards modular designs that are more flexible in their application. Whilst woven furniture remains popular, innovation in this material appeared to have reached a zenith in 2008, with comparatively little originality. Colour-wise, the indoor trend for monotone black and white moved quickly to the outdoor sector.

Jose A. Gandia: At Gandia Blasco, white has been the key colour with sober and pure lines, metallic, and plastic textures.
Frances Blackham: On projects I worked on, eco-friendly teak furniture with neutral coloured loose cushions provided a classic solution for the terraces at country hotel Bovey Castle, and oiled timber on aluminum frames with bold candy striped cushions provided a colourful yet contemporary solution for the outdoor terrace at The Grand, Jersey.


And what can we expect to see in 2009?

MS: In 2009, we can expect many more well known designers entering the world of outdoor design. We have seen this trend starting in 2007 and this will surely continue in 2009. As with the new Dedon collections designed by Jean-Marie Massaud and EOOS, we carried out research into new materials and new applications used in other fields for other products. The automotive industry, as well as fashion garments and sports equipment is the main reference. The trend concerning colours this year will be based on warm tonality variations, starting at brown going through to grey. Colourful decorative patterns will be the main protagonist on those very neutral bases.

AD: We think that clients will put even more thought into the outdoor areas and there’ll be a shift from the artificial weave to more innovative materials, styles and colours.

GN: In the hospitality sector, low maintenance products made from either man-made woven wicker or aluminium are expected to remain popular. However, we have also started to see a rise in demand with exclusive resorts, for contemporary-styled teak products. The trend is definitely towards more ‘noble’ materials from sustainable sources. In Northern Europe, stainless steel is the material of choice with high contemporary designs. The concept of the ‘outdoor lounge’ is also beginning to develop, with more comfortable, modular sofa style seating utilised for outdoor areas.

FB: There will be the creation of a seamless transition between inside and outside spaces demanding greater comfort and aesthetic appeal to the exterior furnishings.


What factors are driving these trends?

MS: Eco-friendliness and sustainability is a very important topic in any human activity and is becoming a very sensitive point in the general trade. Dedon is seriously researching alternative materials and manufacturing solutions in accordance with this.

GN: An increased awareness of sustainability and renewable resourcing as well as the increased use of outdoor areas for socialising and dining.

FB: Environmental influences that encourage us to follow a ‘greener path’, and lifestyle choices which continue to tempt us with greater and more interesting concepts.

JG: Lifestyle, design, durability, easy maintenance... Society requires concern in sustainability and this will become an important factor to guide present and future trends.

AD: The non-smoking laws have also forced many clients to put a lot of effort into outdoor areas. Some require the outdoor area to be an extension of the interior with the same level of comfort and same level of design quality.


Design versus function?

GN: Furniture is always going to have more design importance than a functional piece of machinery, but design is more than just visual – it has to take function into account. All great designs have been conceived with function as an important factor. However, I would have to say that design is still just shades ahead of function.

MS: At Dedon we believe that both design and function are important. This is what makes designing new collections a challenge.

AD: This would really depend on the client and the area in question. Kettal are able to offer very practical models that are lightweight and stackable but also incorporate a high level of design integrity.

JG: Both are inseparable concepts of contemporary furniture but I would choose design and aesthetic first.

FB: Function with design. It’s what designers are challenged with and expected to achieve.


What are the main things hotel operators / interior designers consider when selecting outdoor furniture?

MS: The approach of designing outdoors is totally different due to the fact that the material used to create these liveable areas needs to withstand very tough climate conditions, such as sun, rain, dust, cold and warm temperatures.

GN: Overall cohesion of the product in relation to the hotel design; flexibility in terms of specific dimensions, colours and finishes; sustainability in relation to the raw materials used and the environmental credentials of the manufacturer; ease of maintenance; and the manufacturers experience and strength.

FB: Ultimate flexibility to achieve variable layout options, efficient storage solutions that can be easily managed, stability when exposed to severe weather conditions, and ease of onward maintenance.


What challenges does this sector face?

FB: Often the furnishing of an outside space can be one of the first things to be cut in a value engineering exercise and yet the appeal and credible commercial benefits demand a more measured approach. Therefore stylish, comfortable, durable and affordable exterior furniture from a sustainable source is a challenge worth conquering.
With sustainability remaining a key concern in the hotel industry, what is your company doing to implement change?

AD: As part of its commitment to the environment, Kettal uses certified Perhutani wood from protected sources in its teak furniture. This is a government certificate that guarantees the replantation of trees and the reforestation of the hillsides.

GN: Gloster has worked with the Rainforest Alliance to establish best practice in sourcing teak and we only purchase from renewable, well-managed plantations. The manufacture of teak, stainless steel, aluminium and woven fibre at our own factory in Indonesia operates under strict Scandinavian environmental policies regarding recycling, waste management, and manufacturing standards.


Are you seeing an increased request for sustainable products?

AD: Not as much as you may think! However, if we are ever asked then we have the certificates and information to reassure the client that Kettal take this issue very seriously.

GN: Yes, we are. The issue of sustainability continues to be prominent. This is client-driven with many top resorts wishing to address client concerns and increased knowledge in this area. The debate between long life and renewable resources has been largely price-focused until now, but we are noticing more companies and individuals making enquiries based on renewable resources.

FB: Our clients are integrating sustainability as part of the brief on a regular basis, be it product or service.