Manufacturers use social media to influence buyers
trends emerging in outdoor furnishings,” says Richard Frinier, a lauded designer who creates collections for both American and European companies. “Modular pieces have become the centerpiece of most outdoor living spaces. Seating for lounge chairs and sectionals is slightly deeper. Left and right units can be added on to create different shapes for entertaining or used as chaises or grouped and clipped together as daybeds.
“The ability to mix materials, textiles, textures, constructions and patterns has never been as accessible. And color trends incorporate every combination imaginable, allowing people to really express themselves without feeling like they have to follow any particular trend.”
Part of what is driving this enormous accessibility, of course, is social media.
“Social media continues to be the main influencer,” Frinier says. “Brands from every corner of the world show their designs on their websites, blogs, videos and across social media platforms with a click of the mouse.”
And reporting from international shows has fed Instagram with images of all the latest textiles, lighting, rugs and accessories. Seasonal Living, a manufacturer whose products include modern outdoor furniture, lamps tables and sculptures made of colorful ceramics, recently launched a free magazine whose mission is “to inspire you to live a life of wellness and sustainability — in harmony with the beauty of nature’s season.” There are articles on “off-the-beaten-track travel destinations,” food and drinks, recipes and entertaining.
Perhaps part of the seduction of European-designed outdoor furniture is fearless color combinations, form and surprising influences. A new table by Antonio Citterio from B&B Italia, for example, has a slender frame, shown in a rich terra cotta. But one surface choice is extraordinary: enameled lava stone with clay decoration that appears to be a lacey overlay, especially striking in charcoal over the burnt orange.
Gloster’s new Dune seating by Sebastian Herkner, honored as designer of the year in January at Maison and Objet in Paris, takes cues from indoor upholstery features like quilting. The way Herkner puts dusty shades together, like cinnamon, a pink and lavender, is appealing.
Of course, there is nothing more inspirational than a fabulous image, to be drawn into a shot with a gorgeous landscape. It’s the aspirational aspect that Frinier long has embraced. His newest Tangier collection for Century Furniture takes architectural and design elements from Morocco, one of his favorite destinations.
“Among all of my travels to more than 40 countries across five continents, my time spent in Morocco was extremely inspiring. It’s really the ultimate nomadic travel experience for its sense of allure, mystery, rich history and artistic heritage.
“While the colors of souk markets, with their inspired foods, aromatic spices, mint tea, roses, clothing, shoes and crafts, are incredibly memorable, it is the remarkable architectural style and design elements that captivated me. White stucco walls, arches, domes, blue doors and windows, geometric patterns, romantic courtyards with tiled moriscas and lavish gardens are remarkable.”
Sometimes even the simplest addition of greenery can be huge.
At Maison and Objet, the Italian brand Gervasoni paired tall-backed strappy chairs and two totally mismatched chairs with a curvy concrete base table topped with marble — all whites, grays and black. A montage of dripping greenery and lights was constructed above, like a chandelier hanging overhead, and it was design genius.
Don’t forget about accessories — pillows, rugs, lanterns and small garden stools or tables — that can add a pop of color and pattern. Elaine Smith brings fashion to her stylish pillow designs — with dressmaker details like cords and trims — all with on-trend color combinations. One new rug design from the eponymous Spanish brand Nanimarquina juxtaposes florals with checks in a striking pattern that is modern but reminiscent of antique Bessarabia.
Frinier feels we spend so much time connected online that we need to think about wellness. “We need balance,” he says.
“Beyond creating outdoor dining and entertaining spaces, find the unique space outside where you can place a lounge chair, ottoman and small occasional table near filtered sunlight, where you can actually read a book or sketch or simply relax or meditate with calming music or to the sound of wind chimes,” he says. “A place for a chaise lounge, daybed or hammock where you can laze and nap.
“For those who live in apartments or condominiums, a chair or chaise by French doors to a small balcony or a window where sunlight may flood in create that feeling of a retreat and getaway.
“We really need to unplug, unwind and undo. Relaxing makes us more aware of ourselves, our surroundings and it ignites and fuels the creative spirit to be still with our own thoughts.”