Blog, trends, etc.

Al Fresco Considerations

Outdoor dining has almost become as much of a staple in our homes as having a sofa and a coffee table has, and we can be spoiled for choice with design options — making these spaces quite difficult to map out. There are many things to consider, including whether the space can be seen from other rooms in the home — and a growing trend is to aim to compliment those internal spaces, for a cohesive blend between your garden and the dining area. 

   
Pictured: Endless Round Table, Ocean Weave Chair and Drop Kitchen by Cane-line

Firstly, you need a focal point, and for most outdoor dining spaces this is the dining table. The Endless Round Table by Cane-line offers a stylish take on a traditional concept, featuring classic slatted teak round top complete with a central parasol cutout. This is all supported by an angular crossed leg sleigh-style frame frame, and available in two sizes.

   
Pictured: Drop Bar Table with Choice Bar Stool Wood Legs by Cane-line

If introducing a bar table into your space, then remember it may be seen from your indoor spaces. So we suggest going for something simplistic like the Drop Bar Table in marine-grade powder coated aluminium and sleek ceramic. This can be paired with the Choice Bar Stool with wood legs with its classic wood frame in hardwood teak fused with a contemporary polypropylene seat. The seat can be covered with removable upholstery for an instant 'indoors-outdoors' look. 

   
Pictured: Aplomb Suspension Light, Indoor and Outdoor, by Foscarini

Your space will need some lighting when the sun begins to go down, and a suspension light like the Aplomb Outdoor Suspension Light by Foscarini is a fixed design option made of concrete and aluminium that comes in an indoor version too — great for continuity from kitchen to patio. Or for something flexible, Cane-line's Illusion Solar-Powered Lantern with Stand features a hand crafted lantern made from fade-resistant polypropylene rope, and supported by an angular aluminium frame. The entire design can be placed anywhere with ease due to its solar power functionality meaning no wires are needed. 

   
Pictured: Arch Corner Sofa, Aspect Round Coffee Table and Illusion Lantern by Cane-line

Lastly, your space will need a breakout area to relax and unwind when it's too warm to retire indoors — and the Arch family of sofas by Cane-line are an inviting yet functional choice with a traditional design. Featuring a classic hand-crafted frame comprised of Cane-line flat weave with rounded teak legs, completed with comfortable back and seat cushions in Taupe Cane-line AirTouch fabric meaning they are both soft to the touch but also built to be weather resistant.

Soft Textured Seating

Texture has become a big focus in recent design trends, adding dimension and comfort to both the aesthetic and functionality of a space. Soft textures are an integral part of feeling at home and studies show that is directly linked to those first memories of touch we have as children, being cocooned in soft knits and blankets. This trend has really begun to boom with seating, with soft bouclés and deep chenilles featured on signature armchairs and sofas, and we have carefully curated some of our top designs that we think will allow you the most comfortable seating experience. 

   
Pictured above: Alex and Alice by Sits 

The Alex Armchair by Sits is an enduring design, featuring a curved, high profile backrest with slimline armrests and cut-out detailing at the sides. The lacquered metal legs are angled allowing for a truly relaxed seating position, and there is a wide range of fabrics and finishes available. Similarly, the Alice Armchair by Sits also features a high profile backrest and angled legs but instead the backrest of this design tapers and curves creating a cocoon-type shape to envelope you whilst you're seated. Both are pictured in 'Willow' bouclé.

   
Pictured above: Milou by Sits

For a larger statement in your space, then a soft textured sofa will give you even more comfort square footage. Pictured in 'Sky' chenille, the Milou Sofa by Sits is complete with rounded memory-foam seat cushions, broad curved armrests, and pillow-style back cushions, which all allow you to truly sink into the seat and enjoy every comfortable element of it. This design comes fixed or in a choice of modular compositions. 

   
Pictured above: Softbay Sofa and Softbay Chaise Longue by Porada

A contemporary favourite, the Softbay Range by Porada has a stylised approach to its designs, with boldly curved pillow-shaped frames that are supported by four rounded solid wood feet that extend upwards into the design creating an additional detail. Pictured here in 'Bouclage' bouclé, The designs in the range feature broad seat cushions filled with crush-proof polyurethane.

So whether you want a soft and plush armchair to enhance your reading nook, or a comfy cushiony sofa to compliment your living space, make sure you take the opportunity to explore all the soft textures available and find the right fit for you. Your space — and your comfort levels — will improve as a result.

Glass Designs, Clearly Beautiful

Glass, despite it's physical delicateness, has become a strong staple within our homes — adding dimension through the material's transparency and allowing for illusions that we wouldn’t be able to create without it. Many tables have truly unique legs or supporting structures that one would not fully enjoy through an opaque top; by utilising glass, we can appreciate the design in its entirety and from angles.

   
Pictured above: Infinity Coffee Table by Porada

The Infinity Coffee Table by Porada features a stunning swirling wood base structure that spirals up from a metal base ring and elevates up and around to support the circular glass table top. Available in a range of finishes to compliment your design needs.

   
Pictured above: Atari Coffee Table by Cattelan Italia and Pagoda Coffee Table by Bontempi Casa

The Atari Coffee Table by Cattelan Italia features a glass table top which allows you to gaze upon a unique wood criss cross base design. Comprising of eight wood legs that fan out to create a tipi-inspired shape, this base draws the eye and is a real talking point. The Pagoda Coffee Table by Bontempi Casa is a two tier glass design with opposing cut outs at the sides for easy accessibility to both levels. The upper tier comes in clear, smoked, or bronzed glass, whilst the lower tier comes in a contrasting glass, ceramic, or marble finish, allowing the depth of this design to shine through. 

   
Pictured above: Lancer Table by Cattelan Italia

If you are looking for more of an architectural look, the Lancer Table by Cattelan Italia features a bold sculptural base structure made up of four geometric shaped legs that intersect to create a statement focal point and support a sleek glass top.

   
Pictured above: Skorpio Table by Cattelan Italia

Similarly, the Skorpio Table by Cattelan Italia showcases an industrial-look lacquered metal base formed by four angular wing-like legs that meet in the centre, and their highest points support a pleasingly understated transparent glass top. 

We encourage you to play with new concepts and designs that allow you to take glass to its fullest potential — allowing those special design touches to shine through.

Irregular Mirrors

Mirrors have been a steady source of illusion and function within our spaces for a long time, so its not surprising that they've seen their fair share of design developments. Most recently, the trend in irregular shaped mirrors has taken the interiors world by storm, allowing you to break up your spaces with new lines and silhouettes, capturing a design aesthetic that mimics wall art but allows excellent functionality.

   
Pictured above: Double by Bontempi Casa and Risiko by Cattelan Italia

The Double Mirror by Bontempi Casa features a striking combination of bronze and silver tones and produces a unique overlapping design to create a focal point on the wall. Similarly, the Risiko Mirror by Cattelan Italia features three striking angular shapes layered upon one another to create a bold dimensional design. There is also an option to add an LED light behind the design to cast light around the mirror onto the wall. 

   
Pictured above: Giolino and Ops by Porada

For something slightly more traditional but with an irregular twist, look no further than the Giolino Mirror by Porada. The Giolino has an elegant organic form with a wood frame that can come in a range of finishes from natural to gold leaf. The Ops Mirror by Porada also employs a smooth wood frame as a border to its irregular hexagonal shape glass, but comes in full length complete with a small shelf built into the frame — perfect for keys and wallets. 

   
Pictured above: Ulisse and Akumal by Cattelan Italia

Returning to the layering motif, this time using softer shapes, the Ulisse Mirror by Cattelan Italia offers three irregular oval shapes which overlap one another. The overlapping mirrors at the back can be contrasted in smoke or bronze finishes. The Akumal Mirror by Cattelan Italia features an almost pebble-like outline, with a front smoked mirror glass layer framed by a smoked transparent glass layer behind, allowing for a true free form dimensional mirror design. 

With a whole host of new shapes and designs to choose from, and with more innovations happening every day, you’re sure to find the 'perfectly imperfect' mirror to contrast or complement your space.