Solutions
Outdoor furniture , new art and design books ,chic restaurants and the many delights of Istanbul
LIFE ON THE OUTSIDE From saturated hues and natural materials to swish fabrics and furniture that can be moved indoors, here are the many ways to reboot your outdoor decor
Words SHALAKA PARADKAR
The Net chair, from Dhs 1,650, Kettal
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GENIUS LIGHTING
Dutch label Fatboy pays homage to baroque style with the clear polycarbonate RockCoco. Designed by DeMakersVan, its Louis XV form gets a rock n’ roll edge with ecofriendly LED lighting. Dhs 1,198
ALL-SEASON SPACE
Living in a region that faces searing temperatures half the year, how do you maximise the potential of outdoor spaces? Gazebos, glazed conservatories and easily moved shelters let you lounge longer, outdoors.
Tigmi sofa with shade, Dhs 75,480 , Dedon at Nakkash Gallery
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NATURAL MATERIALS Add
Calyx armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue, at Nakkash Gallery
Barcode sofa by Varaschin, at Finasi
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organic appeal with furniture made from natural materials, such as bamboo, wicker and rattan, and given an edge with high-performance finishes. Consider Coralstone: not only does it feel cool to the touch and look lovely, it’s also remarkably safe as it doesn’t become overly slippery when wet. The natural benefits of this first-rate limestone makes it a practical and stylish option for pool decking.
EASY SOCIALISING Generously
proportioned tables, comfortable chairs and sofas make for a convivial setting. Contour chairs, Dhs 7,500, Vis a Vis dining table, Dhs 37,000, Tribu at Advanced Business Concept
SOLUTIONS
outdoors GOLDEN RULES
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[ VERANDA ]
Georgia Van Heyste Interior designer
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COLOUR The easiest way to add panache to your veranda is through a pop of colour: think bright cushions in different sizes to dress sofas and chairs. Outdoor fabrics that won’t fade are a must, especially on verandas that receive direct sunlight. My favourites are Christopher Farr for patterns and prints and Sunbrella for a full spectrum of vibrant hues.
FUN IN FUNCTIONALITY
Be it pots and planters in acid brights or garden furniture in playful forms, add a bit of whimsy to keep the garden looking cheery even through the dreaded summer months.
From top: Oasis plate, French Bull; Imba chair by Federica Capitani for Moroso; Sedia rocker, Marni
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FEATURE WALL Creating a feature wall not only provides a unique backdrop that adds scale and drama, but also draws the eye to a focal point on the veranda. I love to group a collection of decorative items in different sizes and shapes, such as a selection of ethnic baskets or sunburst mirrors, framed in rattan.
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BRINGING NATURE INSIDE A seamless indoor to outdoor transition extends your living space harmoniously with nature. Framing the veranda with tropical palms planted in stylish pots will provide shade, while training a bright flowering bougainvillea to grow along ceiling wires creates a canopy of colour.
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DECORATIVE SHUTTERS Beautifully decorated screens or shutters provide privacy and security, and the patterns add life to a space. At Pangia Beach, my latest luxury residential project in Seychelles, we are installing bespoke bronze anodised aluminium shutters, essential for tropical living.
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Clivia and Corbezzolo outdoor fabrics, from Dhs299/ metre, Irisun Living at Kens and Company
VOLUPTUOUS FORMS There are no straight lines in nature. Curvy, sinuous pieces make a style statement outdoors.
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FABRICS Missoni Home’s
chevron print adds flair to the Hive collection from Ego Paris. The hexagonal units come together in various ways to make seating, stools and tables – quite like the cells in a hive. AD MIDDLE EAST 153