Outdoor Living: seamless style

GETTING READY FOR THE SUMMER…

Turn your outdoor space into a stylish and relaxing zone where you will want to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends this summer. This is the key time to organise your outdoor area in time for the warmer spring and summer months. Good shade solutions will offer respite from intense sunshine, allowing you to continue enjoying the outdoors in comfort. Outdoor furniture that has good weather-resistant properties will last longer, making your investment go further, so consider aluminium or stainless-steel framed furniture and fabrics that can hold-up to harsh weather conditions. Merging your design standards and style from the indoors to your outdoor space will give a seamless and continuous aesthetic. Here are some ideas…

The Natal Alu collection from Tribù offers functionality and sophistication. The clean lines of the corrosion-resistant aluminium frame contrast with the curved soft seat made in a UV stretch-resistant material called Batyline® that offers low maintenance cleaning and dries very quickly if wet. The model is shown here with the Natal Alu X side table and the stylish Tao coffee table made from refined lightened concrete which is finished by hand. Tribù is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Siesta Interior Design in Centro Comercial Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).

Roberti Rattan’s cutting-edge modular Art 9613 sofa in the Musk Sunweave version has an aluminium frame and can be arranged in various ways to suit the space available. Roberti Rattan is available through Diana Dominique in Pol. Ind. Nueva Campana 54 in Nueva Andalucía (www.dianadominque.com).

The Kumo (which means “cloud” in Japanese) from Belgian outdoor furniture giant Manutti is a light and playful contemporary seating island with a pouf. It comes in different shapes and sizes, allowing you to create your personalised outdoor cocoon. The armrests and back supports are easily adjusted to provide a comfortable sofa, stylish lounger, luxurious lounge chair or relaxing footrest, making this collection highly versatile. Manutti is available from Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net).

The modular Grid collection from Gloster offers comfortable and stylish seating that bridges the concepts of minimalist design and luxury. Gloster is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es), A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net) and High End Homes in Puerto Banús (www.high-endhomes.com).

Pixel is inspired by the small elements of colour that make up an image, similar to how this modular seating comprises several components that make up a final layout. The collection offers an infinite number of shapes: from linear sofas or a chaise longue to corners, and even a bed. Vondom is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es), Your Home Styling in Centro Comercial Nórdico on the Mijas Road (www.yourhomestyling.com) and Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com). Above This lounge set has an anthracite frame with a stylish rope backrest and thick padded cushions. It comes with a useful matching footstool for superlative lounging. The low Yoga teak coffee table with a black aluminium base has a minimalist contemporary design that will complement any style of accompanying furniture. Available from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.

Inspired by nature, the Organix collection from Royal Botania has curved backrest cushions to wrap around the kidney-shaped seating. There are endless arrangement options with this set, and it comes in a number of colour combinations. Royal Botania is available through Acoola in Polígono Industrial San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

Unopiù draws inspiration from traditional wrought-iron outdoor furniture with its new Ariete collection, designed by Adam D. Tihany. Unopiù is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

LUXURY DECKCHAIRS

Below The Snooze deckchair from Emu has a stainless-steel frame and comes in a variety of fabrics and colours. Emu is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

The Picnic deckchair from Gandia Blasco is an upgraded version of the traditional folding garden deckchair in sophisticated Dedar textiles. It has a more lightweight and durable design, making it easier to carry, and it is also stackable. Gandia Blasco is available through Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).

Ethimo’s Sling chair is inspired by vintage camping in the seventies. It offers stable and ergonomic seating, with a simplistic design made fromstainless-steel and Élitis fabrics which come in an array of coloursand patterns. Ethimo is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top ofthe Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) andSiesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía(www.siestainteriordesign.com).

These sunbeds from Ricci Beach have aluminium frames that are weather-resistant. The bed itself is made from nylon, and comes in an extensive array of colours and designs. Available on the Coast and online at www.riccibeach.com. Above The stackable Cleo Soft Alu sunbed collection from Talenti is highlighted by a powder-coated aluminium frame and a reclinable backrest with wheels. The cushions are removable, easy to wash and weather resistant, with quick-dry foam padding. Talenti Marbella is situated in Puerto Banús (www.talentimarbella.com). Talenti is also available from Outdoor Concepts situated at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterraneo A7, Km 272, Vélez-Málaga or buy online at www.detropen.es.

The teak Band dining armchair from Kettal, designed by Patricia Urquiola, is bold and minimalist in its appearance. It is shown here with Kettal’s Vieques dining table, which can seat up to 10 guests. Kettal is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es), Acoola in Polígono Industrial San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu), Diana Dominique in Polígono Industrial Nueva Campana 54 in Nueva Andalucía (www.dianadominque.com), Siesta Interior Design in CC Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) and Darch & Co Design Studio in CC Sotomarket in Sotogrande (www.darchandco.com).

DINING OUT

Below This elegant teak dining table and dining chair set, with a rope backrest made from weather-resistant materials, has a five-year warranty. Available from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.

The Min dining chair from Point has an aluminium frame and a weather-resistant foam cushion that is available in a wide range of colours. It is shown here with Point’s Summer rectangular dining table with an aluminium frame that comes with either a porcelain or a compact tabletop. Point is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Darch & Co Design Studio in Centro Comercial Sotomarket in Sotogrande (www.darchandco.com).

This elegant bamboo dining table and chairs set from North by North was handmade in Vietnam, featuring a Danish design. You can buy online at www.northbynorth.com.

Houe’s Paon (the French word for “peacock”, after which it is named) is a collection of outdoor stackable chairs made using powder-coated steel combined with beautiful lamellas. Its Scandinavian design features a touch of French Victorian romance and offers very comfortable seating. The collection pairs well with the Leaf dining table, has a triangular shape and can seat six people comfortably. It has a pre-oiled bamboo tabletop and a powder-coated dark grey metal frame. Available from Your Home Styling in CC. Nordico on the Mijas Road (www.yourhomestyling.com).

Dedon’s WA dining collection took two years to develop by renowned technical designer Toan Nguyen. It features an elegant lightweight aesthetic but is also highly durable and will stand-up to harsh weather conditions. Dedon is available from GC Studio in CC Camoján Corner in Marbella (www.gc-studio.es), Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es), High End Homes in Puerto Banús (www.high-endhomes. com) and Acoola in Polígono Industrial San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).

PERFECT PIZZAS AT HOME

ALFA FORNI… OFFERING PRACTICALITY, PERFORMANCE AND TASTE

Alfa Forni’s versatile pizza ovens are suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas. All Alfa Forni ovens are made from stainless-steel, and the oven floors are made from a refactory material. In just a few minutes the oven heats up to a temperature hot enough to cook almost immediately. Made in Rome, all models are ideal for baking, grilling, roasting and stewing, and are easy to use. Cooking with fire adds a depth of flavour that a regular oven can never provide, and cooking with a wood-burning oven is fun for all the family. By simply changing temperature and cooking times, you can cook whatever you desire – whether you choose meat, pasta, fish or desserts. Available exclusively from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SHADE

To be able to enjoy your outdoor living space to the maximum, it is important to have a shaded area that provides some timeout from the sun when the heat becomes all too much. Investing in a good shade solution gives you the opportunity to continue enjoying your natural surroundings for longer. These days shade solutions are not just practical but are often also quite decorative. Take a look at these ideas…

The award-winning Frou Frou from Sywawa is a fun (and slightly kitsch!) umbrella, with the fringes swaying in the wind. The pole is made of stainless steel which is anchored into a steel baseplate. It can be opened manually using the Autolift system, with a pulley or a telescopic system. Available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

Markilux have updated their fabric collection with 16 patterned and digitally-printed awnings aptly named the Smart Art collection. Weatherproof latex dyes give the patterns a bold glow, and they are visible from beneath the cover. The highly expressive graphics were inspired by artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, with silhouettes, relief techniques, overly dimensioned mobiles, die stamping and abstract images serving as their sources. It is also possible to have your own personal design printed on the awning. Markilux is available from Arte del Lusso in Calle Lagasca, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es).

You can enjoy superb contemporary shade over your terrace with this wood composite covering, which comes in a variety of different colours. It is weather-resistant and provides an elegant way to enhance protection from the sun’s rays. Available from Grupo Monasterio in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.grupomonasterio.com).

The contemporary cantilever Spectra Duo umbrella from Umbrosa has a unique shape that offers a range of different positions which can be angled from vertical to horizontal. Umbrosa is available from A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net), Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

Shade sails are an economical way to add shade to an area in your garden or on your terrace – and even a driveway so it can serve as a carport. They can be made-to-measure and come in a variety of colours. Available from The Shade Sail Company in Calahonda (www.theshadesailcompany.com).

The award-winning Drop outdoor spa was inspired by a simple element of nature – a drop of clear sparkling water. Designed using state-of-the-art technology and high-quality materials, Drop celebrates minimalist Scandinavian design and is hailed not only for its unique design but also for its excellence in technology. It offers many health benefits such as stress relief, and is a great way to spend time with friends and family. Exclusively available from Strand Properties in Playas del Duque in Puerto Banús (www.designstrand.com).

The free-standing bathtub in concrete is a new addition to Agape’s In-Out range and is made from Cementoskin. It retains the circular shape and reduced footprint of other tubs in the range, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (www.agapedesign.it).