Outdoor Living: harmonious continuity

The A’mare collection by Edra solidifies water into exquisite objects created by expert craftmanship (www.edra.com).

OUTDOOR LIVING WITH STYLE

Outdoor living plays a key factor in the Mediterranean lifestyle, so furniture for the outside areas is highly important and should be a carefully considered investment when furnishing your home. Making your outdoor space – whether it is a terrace, patio or garden – a comfortable place that you can relax in, the same as for your indoor area, is what will make your home complete. Very often the general design trend stops at the patio door, but this shouldn’t be the case, as there is no reason why there can’t be a continuous flow of the same style to the outdoors. Making the outdoor area loungey and cosy, just like your living room, shows continuity and a strong sense of design integrity. Even through the winter months, we can enjoy our outdoor areas in southern Spain, so wisely choose good-quality furniture that will withstand harsh weather conditions – and get creative. Low blocky sofas and chairs have become a popular trend over the last few years as they are not only comfy but also casual in appearance, making them more welcoming aesthetically. Adding appropriate-sized side tables for resting drinks, plates and devices is a must, as it is so easier to have a table close to where you are sitting rather than having to get up and move when you are in the middle of a conversation. Finally, even in the colder season we are fortunate enough to be blessed with sun, but some shade is always appreciated at certain times of the day – if not to protect you from the heat, from the glare of the sun itself. So, parasols, awnings and pergolas are just some of the many other options to consider in order to make your outdoor area the perfect place to enjoy winter days and nights.

The Sunset lounge set by Diphano offers three geometric shapes that can be combined to suit the space. The movable arm and backrests are fixed with Velcro, allowing you to place them in a number of different positions and making this seating system highly versatile. Available directly from A Cielo Abierto in Centro de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www. acieloabierto.net) and through Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).

The Wabi sofa is part of the collection with the same name designed by Francesco Rota and then edited by Paola Lenti. The frame is stainlesssteel upholstered with fixed handmade rope or Aquatech fabric protected with a water-resistant silicone (www.paolalenti.it).

The Tosca outdoor collection is characterised by its wide braided upholstery. It is shown here with their Mood high-quality teak coffee table made from A-grade wood grown in sustainably-managed plantations in Indonesia and controlled all year long by subsidiary Tribù Asia. The timeless Dunes side table, also made from sustainable teak, has a simple, slightly domed and sculptural base and a smooth circular top. Tribù is available through 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 Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).

The Onsen collection by Gandia Blasco is minimalist in design, inspired by rationality, geometry and simple shapes, and it blends perfectly into most architectural spaces. The concept was to create the feeling of tranquility often evoked by Japanese architecture. Gandia Blasco is available through Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).

The new Zenith Collection by Gloster was conceived by Danish designer Henrik Pedersen. The collection combines various materials that make lounging outdoors optimally comfortable, practical and luxurious. Gloster is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net).

Talenti’s Cliff collection is made with woven nautical ropes and fabrics in geometrical patterns that convey both a playful and a glamorous aesthetic. Coming in various colours, this range is ideal for any style of home, offering high-quality durability that will stand the test of time. All available from the Talenti showroom in Puerto Banús (www.talentimarbella.com) and Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu), and also through De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Exit 953, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.

Manutti’s iconic Kobo lounge set offers low comfortable seating in handwoven rope. This collection is not by any means new. It has held its own over the years in terms of popularity and aesthetic appeal thanks to a clever and timeless design by Stephane de Winter. The set is matched with Manutti’s Torsa low tables, which have a ceramic tabletop that comes in a variety of versions, with sturdy teak legs. Manutti is available from Acoola in Polígono Industrial San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net).

Dedon’s Dala collection by Stephen Burks has a powder-coated aluminium frame covered by Dedon’s master weavers with colourful threads of revolutionary fibre. Dedon is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and GC Studio in CC Camoján Corner in Marbella (www.gc-studio.es).

DINING OUT AT HOME

The Forest chair range by Fast is made from extruded and die-cast aluminium and it comes in a variety of colours. As the name suggests, the collection was inspired by the elegance of nature and casts beautiful shadows through its ornate patterned design. Fast’s inspiration for the aluminium Radice Quadra table was the mathematical sign of the square root (Radice Quadra in Italian). The lightweight geometrical frame in die cast aluminium comes with either a square, rectangular or round table top in aluminium or speckled aluminium. Fast is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

The Doga collection by Nardi is convenient to move around, stackable, easily-sanitised and entirely recyclable. The collection comes in various colours to suit the mood you want to create. It is shown here with their Rio table, which is UV-treated and has a slatted tabletop and coated aluminium frame. Available through Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) and Acoola in Polígono Industrial San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu), and you can buy directly from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Exit 953, Vélez-Málaga, or online at www.detropen.es.

The new Heritage collection by Point was designed by Mario Ruiz, who was inspired by the famous handmade braiding of this Alicante furniture brand. He looked back at the production and typologies of two iconic Point collections, Heritage Lineal (conservative and geometric in style) and Heritage Contour (softer and more organic), then combined them together for this latest Heritage range. Point is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es), Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com).

The stackable Strappy coated stainless-steel dining chair by Royal Botania has padded seat straps and armrests, giving it its unique and contemporary look. It appears as if the seat is suspended inside this elegant slender frame. The Styletto ellipse table comes in six different shapes, sizes and materials. Royal Botania is available from A Cielo Abierto in C. de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net), 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).

This bamboo dining set from North by North adds an organic feel to the outdoor space, but it would also be suitable for indoor use (www.northbynorth.com).

This stunning dining set by Hartman has a slatted tabletop which comes extra wide, enabling 10 people to sit around the table comfortably. The matching contemporary lounge set completes the look. Hartman is available from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Exit 953, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.

LAY BACK AND RELAX

Cliff by Talenti is characterised by a tubular frame covered with braided hawsers. This luxurious sunbed has soft cushions in three earthy colour palettes – thus blending perfectly into its natural surroundings. Available from the Talenti showroom in Puerto Banús (www.talentimarbella.com) and Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu), and also through De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Exit 953, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.

Below These chic sun loungers from Sybartum are made from solid wood with a tilting headrest. Available directly from the showroom on the Mijas Road or online at www.sybartum.com.

The elegant Sempre daybed from 4 Seasons Outdoor has a teak frame with weather-resistant fabric. Available directly from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Exit 953, VélezMálaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.

CATCHING THE WINTER SUN

The modular Lilly lounge chair by Diabla Outdoor is made from a simple model of square foam blocks surrounded by a tubular frame in textured powder-coated steel. The upholstery on the backrest and seats is waterresistant and removable using a system of hidden zippers. Diabla is available through Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) and Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).

Varaschin’s new spa furniture comes with integrated technology such as light, sound, fragrance, and even a food warmer. Their Single Bed is an innovative modular system offering many options to design the wellbeing space according to your specific requirements. The padded resting surface, upholstered in their Wellness fabric, has an integrated luminous ring for support as well as providing therapeutic functions. Varaschin is available through Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com).

UNDER COVER THIS WINTER

Dirk Wynants, the founder of Extremis, designed the Abachus for informal seating at a bar-gathering, offering strong galvanised steel and hardwood arms to lean on, so people can come and go easily without a fuss. It offers overhead protection, making it a useful bar area for all-year-round use. Extremis 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).

This beautiful awning by Markilux comes in an array of colours to suit your own personal preference. The high-quality German manufacturing of this awning is second-to-none, superlatively withstanding strong wind gusts and other extreme weather conditions – meaning this shade solution is the perfect investment for any home. Available exclusively from Arte del Lusso in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es).

TURNING UP THE HEAT AT OUTDOOR CONCEPTS

Outdoor Concepts, situated on the boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara, are always on the look-out for new brands and collections, and their showroom is regularly transformed to accommodate updated items. From outdoor dining furniture, kitchens, lounge sets, parasols and barbecues to heaters and firepits, this dynamic showroom has all areas of outdoor living covered. However, when you shop at Outdoor Concepts, the service does not stop there. They will also deliver and put together the furniture at your home, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the new additions to your cherished living space.

As temperatures drop at this time of year, Outdoor Concepts are keen to inform homeowners of the wide range of products they stock to keep you warm and cosy over the winter months. They work with many leading brands and can offer cutting-edge heating solutions including firepits, electric heaters and bioethanol fireplaces.

Pop into their showroom to meet their friendly staff and find out more about the many options they have available. Open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm, in Avenida Juan Vargas, corner with Avenida La Coruña, San Pedro de Alcántara (Marbella):

Tel. (+34) 952 787 881 info@outdoorconcepts.es www.outdoorconcepts.es

These products can also be ordered through Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu). Above The Platinum Smart-Heat Electric Marine heater is Lloyd’s certified and engineered for marine and coastal environments. Made from high-quality stainless-steel, it provides superior resistance to corrosive conditions, is available in black or white, and can be recessed into a ceiling, wall-mounted or suspended from the ceiling. The heater features the most advanced heating technology on the inside and a premium, translucent ceramic glass screen on the outside, and it spreads radiant heat evenly across a large area while minimising unwanted light emissions.

The Manhattan freestanding fireplace is fuelled by environmentally-friendly bioethanol, offering the heat and ambiance of a real fire without the mess. The clever integration of the fireplace into a table makes the Manhattan a striking addition to any room.

The Flex Bay fireplace insert features three open sides so that the flame can be enjoyed from every angle of the room. These fireboxes are ideal for both residential and commercial spaces, offering a clean fire installation, without any remnants of soot or ash – and the utmost efficiency, burning up to 13 hours using one refill.

The striking Eclipse Smart-Heat electric portable heater offers powerful heat as well as stylish illumination. It incorporates cutting-edge heat transfer technology that makes this heater highly efficient, plus a dimmable LED light unit which comes with a remote control.