These outdoor furniture collections will make versatile additions to your home

Outdoor collections combine functional style with durability, making them perfect for Singapore’s tropical climate; just perfect when we're having more time in the sun by the balcony, during the Covid-19 crisis.

Hong Kong-based designer Britta Butler of B Squared Design believes that by creating outdoor versions of their iconic collections, brands are able to cater to homeowners who want to be closer to nature. “When it comes to items for both indoor and outdoor use, think about functionality and mobility,” says Butler. “Daybeds and benches with storage can help increase the usability of both indoor and outdoor spaces. Woven materials like wicker and jute look good both indoors and out.” For instance, an outdoor dining set placed at a spacious balcony, which can extend an open-plan living and dining room while complementing the interior scheme of the home.

Karen Gan, co-founder of local firm KGID, advises looking out for items made with teakwood or corrosion-resistant aluminium. She also recommends furnishings with quick-dry cushions or seats clad in weather-resistant textiles that look and feel like indoor fabrics. “Choose products that match the interiors of your home in terms of style, texture and colour scheme,” she says.

According to Terence Choo, marketing and public relations manager of P5 and P5 Studio, you should also consider the weight of the piece, as it needs to be mobile enough to be moved around with ease. “Opt for earthy colours rather than garish shades or prints, so the piece is versatile enough for indoor use,” he says.

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1. Botanical Origins

Maximise the use of your spacious deck with the Leaf outdoor table from Danish brand Houe. Named after its distinctive shape, the table features a bamboo top and can seat up to nine guests. Pair it with the Paon chairs, which combine Scandinavian style with a silhouette that’s loosely inspired by Parisian bistro chairs.

Available at P5 Studio

2. Gentle Glow

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Kettal’s Fila collection of fabric lamps looks beautiful lit or unlit. The lantern-like lamps and their fabric shades are designed by London-based studio Doshi Levien and are a delightful choice indoors or around the garden. The lamps come in three sizes and are available in seven colours.

Available at P5

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3. Good Wood

The Archi chair collection by teak outdoor furniture specialist Gloster includes a lounge chair, ottoman, bar chair and dining chair by Danish designer Henrik Pedersen. The brand’s close-grained, hard-wearing teak has been buffed so the wood’s natural oils enable it to last even when exposed to sun and rain.

Available at W Atelier

(Related: 10 Inspiring Coffee Table Books On Art, Design, Food And Travel)

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4. Creature Comforts

Upholstery brand Zimmer + Rohde has introduced Botanical Garden, its latest outdoor collection inspired by flora and fauna. It takes a leaf from the early gardens of the 16th century to lush foliage in modern greenhouses. “Outdoor textiles are becoming more appealing to the sight and touch,” says Stefan Gabel, the brand’s head of design. “Our goal is to use our outdoor line to soften the boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas, creating an elegant, sophisticated total living concept.”

Available at Cetec Singapore

(Related: Home Tour: A Penthouse With Tropical Accents And Beautiful Balconies)

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5. For All Seasons

The Klasen backless seat, designed by Gordon Guillaumier for Minotti, is perfect for shaded thresholds that connect interior and exterior spaces. The seat’s metal frame is treated with a special polyester paint for weatherproofing and durability. A hand-woven seat made with water-repellant saddle-hide brings the sophistication of leather outdoors.

Available at Minotti Singapore

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6. Modern Classic

The 522 Tokyo Chaise Longue from Cassina was conceived by architect and designer Charlotte Perriand, and can be both a comfortable sun chair and a sculptural addition to your patio. Curved wooden strips are set on a solid teak or bamboo base form, joined with satin brass studs. Each chaise longue comes with a detachable mattress in a water-draining polyurethane upholstery that’s treated to be totally mould resistant.

Available at Space Furniture

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7. Venetian Influence

Available in various colours, the New York Soleil outdoor collection by Saba Italia is a chic and compact option for patios and balconies. It features a metal-rod structure clad in polyethylene ropes and cushions upholstered in removable, quick-drying technical fabric. Pair it with the Shades of Venice divider (second image), which draw inspiration from the colourful houses found in Italy’s Veneto region.

Available at P5 Studio

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8. Moving Out

Designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, the Mah Jong modular sofa is now available in an outdoor version with a perforated metal frame. Holding trays on the side and back of the seats are perfect for storing drinks, books, towels or suntan lotion. First designed in 1971, the Mah Jong sofa system was created to offer utmost flexibility. The outdoor version offer optional adjustable backs and small cushions for added comfort.

Available at Roche Bobois Singapore

(Related: See Your Dream Living Room Come to Life with Digital Tools by Roche Bobois)

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9. A Woven Story

Inspired by the art of weaving, the Tindari outdoor coffee and side table set from Flexform have an understated aesthetic. Designed by Antonio Citterio, these tables are clad in elegant woven polypropylene fibre or polyurethane rubber, and available in various colours for easy pairing with indoor and outdoor furnishings.

Available at Flexform | Studio 216

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10. Out to Sea

Inspired by fishing nets, Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola designed B&B Italia’s Ravel outdoor modular set with diamond-patterned, polyethylene-weave backrests. The sofas, chaise longues, corner units, ottomans and small tables can be easily reconfigured for both indoor and outdoor use.

Available at Space Furniture

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