Holidays at home

Summer is here. Life is increasingly playing out in the open air, with our balconies, gardens and terraces taking ever more important parts – especially for those of us who live in towns and cities. Indeed, these areas are steadily taking on the role of a second living room for our homes. So it’s only natural that we should want to make them attractive and comfortable spaces where we can enjoy the warm rays of the sun after work or at the weekend – as well as somewhere to savour homemade lemonade and a host of treats from the barbecue with friends and family.

Recline with added comfort in sofas and armchairs from outdoor furniture manufacturer Kettal. A large part of the current Vimini collection consists of wickerwork in a well-balanced composition with a robust wooden frame. Much-sought-after designer Patricia Urquiola wanted to create something traditional with Vimini – which means “willow” in Italian – in order to revive the traditional art of wickerwork and associated recollections of happy times. This, she believes, has the effect of generating a feeling of “being at home”. The subtle, understated colours are intended to contribute towards a cosy ambience.

Designer Sebastian Herkner is aiming for a lounge-like atmosphere with Mbrace. The collection from Dedon is distinguished by a fresh mix of materials, comprising premium teak and Dedon fibre with its typical woven zigzag pattern. With a seat that sinks towards the rear and a large curved backrest, the lounge chair exudes an aura of relaxation. The choice available within the collection has been expanded with the addition of two new colours, Baltic and Sea Salt, as well as coffee tables and side tables with ceramic tabletops. The latter are handmade in Italy and are characterised by a unique, lattice-like, mesh surface structure. Produced in a satin finish, they are frost-resistant, water-repellent, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant. The tabletops are available in Black, Taupe or Chalk.

Order calms the mind and aids relaxation, so it’s something we should aim for outside as well as inside. The String system for outdoor use is dedicated to this task. This is where you’ll find a place for all kinds of gardening tools, shovels, watering cans and other accessories for the balcony, garden or terrace. The new outdoor version of the String shelf is galvanized and weatherproof and can be left outside all year round without the need for any additional surface treatment. Designed by Anna von Schewen and Björn Dahlström, the shelves come with either a high (7 cm) or low (2 cm) edge. A multitude of holes allow rainwater to drain from the surface of the shelves. In addition, hanging rails and hooks can be attached to create extra storage space.

Like the remains of an abandoned temple or a gigantic, oversized ornament, the sharp octagonal lines of the tables in the Gem range, made of ceramic slabs, are impossible to ignore. These tables, designed by Henrik Pedersen, are each comprised of a total of 18 panels, carefully cut from ceramic slabs, whose simple, seamless assembly creates a beautiful form. The innovative ceramic material is both heat resistant and weatherproof and, with its discreet veining in contrasting hues mimicking the appearance of natural Italian marble, it offers that extra something for the terrace or garden. The Gem tables are available as coffee tables with a width of 80 cm and height of 35 cm, or as 37.5 cm wide and 47 cm high side tables, in either Bianco or Nero ceramic frames.