Olga

With warmer weather upon us, we begin to enjoy the luxury of living outdoors on our portals or patios. With the expansion of all outdoor-appropriate products, our living space can easily be extended outdoors and become just as comfortable and flexible as our interiors. Think beyond outdoor furniture!

An item we find particularly alluring in the marketplace is the outdoor pavilion or structure. They are offered by several outdoor furniture manufacturers and can easily increase livable square footage without the hassle of construction.

Kettal, a manufacturer of European-made outdoor furniture, has recently added outdoor pavilions of high-quality construction and versatility to its line. Since these outdoor pavilions are not permanent structures, they could easily be removed and placed in another location as needs or homes change. Many of the pavilions in the marketplace are customizable, allowing for different “room” sizes and configurations. They can be designed to be completely closed, semi-open, or fully open with an assortment of panel options that incorporate features such as wire mesh to create living walls, planters, drapery tracks, glass or louvers.

A collection of aluminium furniture and pergolas painted with polyester powder. Daybed structures and aluminium pergolas that can be personalised and configured with blinds, net curtains, panels and ceilings. Dining armchair in aluminium with exterior cord. Dining tables in aluminium with customisable matt glass or outdoor ceramic tabletops.

Another product that can help extend our time outside is the outdoor heater. Gas or electric heaters can be installed overhead in strategic locations such as over the dining table or lounge seating to take the edge off chilly evenings. Floor-standing heaters are another option, and have come a long way from the standard-issue metal restaurant heater. There are well-designed heaters available that even have the appearance of standing lamps. The advantage to freestanding heaters is they can provide maximum flexibility by providing heat only where and when needed.

Outdoor fire pits, tables and decorative fire elements can also offer warmth while contributing a beautiful ambient glow. They have been around for some time, but there are now more designs, from contemporary to traditional, to fit a range of home styles and outdoor designs. Also, there is more opportunity for customization with fire media such as custom glass mixtures and stone color options.

Halley Outdoor Lamp by Vibia

Exterior standing lamps and chandeliers placed strategically create a sense of enclosure and coziness. Vibia is one manufacturer that offers a variety of beautifully designed outdoor fixtures. One example includes a thin, brushed silver arch with LED lights that can be installed to rainbow over a piece of furniture or arc to a wall that adds light and a sculptural element. Vibia also offers a white, molded “tree” that can be used as one element or in a grouping to create a forest effect. Yet another manufacturer offers chandeliers that look every bit like the indoor crystal type but are made from appropriate outdoor materials and are UL-rated for wet locations. Decorative outdoor light fixtures have made great strides in design and can make outdoor spaces feel as personalized as interior ones.

SWINGREST by Daniel Pouzet

In addition to lounge or dining furniture seating arrangements, you can sprinkle an element of whimsy with hanging swings that are almost nest-like in appearance. Dedon makes several swings that can be hung from trees, under portals or a steel beam. Other outdoor furniture lines offer swings that hang from a steel frame sitting on the ground. Swings are always in style for the young and old, and make inviting places to read or nap.

With these new product innovations, there are many opportunities to improve our quality of living by spending more time living in nature. As we know, our sunsets are life-changing.