The last few years have fundamentally changed our relationship with nature and outdoor areas. Especially since the pandemic, outdoor living has become just as important as indoor living. People are spending more time outdoors, looking to relax and unwind in their own garden, on the patio or balcony. This has led to a boom in outdoor furniture and design, characterized by innovative trends and practical innovations. Two experts, Doris Delmas, Managing Director of Roche Bobois, and Bernhard Kramer, head of garden and exterior professionals Kramer und Kramer, provide insights into current developments and outdoor trends for 2024 that will dominate this summer.
Trend 1: Lightweight materials and bright colors
Outdoor seating sets are in no way inferior to their living room counterparts when it comes to comfort. What is new, however, is the increased use of plastic instead of metal for the frames. “This makes it easier without losing stability,” explains Doris Delmas. In terms of color, designers such as Missoni and Jean-Paul Gaultier provide brightly colored variety at Roche Bobois. Those who prefer a calmer look will go for natural tones, turquoise, petrol and green this year. Suitable protective covers are essential in times of changeable weather conditions. Delmas emphasizes: “Nowadays, they are almost always bought in.” Roche Bobois even offers storage services for the winter months – a plus point for customers without sufficient storage space.
Trend 2: The perfect setting
Nothing is left to chance when it comes to the design of outdoor areas. “From the carpet and accessories to the flower pots – everything has to be one hundred percent right,” says Bernhard Kramer. Even hi-fi systems are now standard in the -area and ensure a complete and comfortable experience in the open air.
Trend 3: Carpets
Outdoor rugs are the ideal complement to sofas and cushions and add the finishing touch to outdoor areas. Modern materials make them easy to clean and resistant to weathering. They are not only practical, but also a stylish element that makes the outdoor area cozier and more homely.
Trend 4: Table lamps
LED table lamps have largely replaced candles in outdoor areas. “Preference is given to those that shine very brightly but can also be dimmed – they last up to eleven hours and provide a wonderfully soft light,” explains Delmas. These lamps also have the advantage that they are less susceptible to wind and their energy efficiency is impressive.
Trend 5: Teak de luxe
Teak wood has long been a favorite for outdoor furniture, but it is now being used in increasingly sophisticated ways. “Our Aurea collection is characterized by a particularly elegant design,” says Delmas. Particularly popular are combinations of benches against the walls of the house and chairs facing each other, which are ideally foldable to offer flexibility and comfort.
Trend 6: The right planting
Planting has made a quantum leap in recent years. “There are new systems for terraces where plants grow out of the ground and not out of a pot,” explains Kramer. These innovations enable a near-natural and low-maintenance design that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
Photos: Roche Bobois or Kramer and Kramer
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