Varaschin

Above, the Cricket sofa; top right, the Bahia loungers. Centre, the Belt armchair and occasional table. Below, the Noss armchair. These are just some of the collections where relaxation, quality and design entwine

A design philosophy founded on form and function. Sophisticated outdoor furniture that create seamless harmony between interior and exterior, turning relaxation into a very special experience. Genuine Outdoor Therapy: perfect for yachting!

by Désirée Sormani

Living well outdoors. That means a lifestyle that leaves you relaxed, serene and able to strike just the right physical and mental balance. A topic that is hitting the headlines right now. It is also the mission of Varaschin, a The collections are strikingly ergonomic and their forms and finishes are very clearly inspired by nature. That said, the styling cue that really characterises Varaschin’s range is hand-weaving which is a guarantee of incredible durability and is also exceptionally lightweight, ensuring hugely popular luxury outdoor furnishing brand which has been on the collections will look at home and do a fantastic job anywhere. The the international scene for over half a century. The family firm was Veneto firm has developed furnishing solutions for a whole variety of founded in 1969 and continues to have very deep roots in its local area outdoor settings: luxury resorts, prestige hotels, gorgeous thermal spas of the Prealpi Bellunesi foothills in the eastern part of Veneto region, and private homes. It is also starting to make its presence increasingly one of Northern Italy’s most beautiful locations. A place of ancient felt on the nautical scene, with projects for the likes of Holland America towns and villages redolent of history and brimming with wonderful Line’s MS Koningsdam cruise ship aboard which all the outdoor spaces architecture, both of which are a constant source of inspiration. “We boast Varaschin furniture. “Developing a project for us isn’t a standarstimulate people to embrace outdoor living that is as symbiotic as dised process but something we get actively involved in at the client’s possible with nature and guarantees them comfort, wellbeing and con- side. We are guided by passion, experience and a thirst for research. viviality,” says the company’s Marketing & Communications director We work hand-in-glove with the designer, constantly consulting with Verena Varaschin. them to guarantee a unique, quality product,” says Verena Varaschin. Varaschin works with the very best Italian and international designers The materials themselves are carefully selected not just for their aestheto turn its Outdoor Therapy philosophy into furniture that creates se- tic impact also their ability to withstand the outdoor life. The stars of amless harmony between interior and exterior and turns the everyday the collections are aluminium, teak, polypropylene, HPL, ceramic and into a special experience. “Our idea of design is very much about form rope plus an extraordinary range of high performance water-repellent and function. Melding aesthetic and comfort is a task we have set and UV-resistant fabrics. Even the padding used encourages water ourselves and that we pursue by transforming the close relationship drainage and is quick drying. Varaschin also uses special coatings for between individual wellbeing and outdoor living spaces into furni- metal structures that prevent saltwater-related corrosion. Of course, shing elements and accessories. They are interpreted by many prestige owners also get to personalise their choices from a choice of over 250 international designers, experts in the art of melding tradition and different types of fabric. But the brand remains true to its core values: innovation who demand artisanal crafting as the basis of creating a it follows each new project from the design to manufacturing stage new idea of modernity, which is placing increasing importance on the and that is the secret of its superbly consistent, unfailingly flawless quality of outdoor relaxation”. quality. www.varaschin.it

One of the signatures of most of Varaschin’s accessories is hand-weaving. Pictured here, an armchair and occasional table from the Babylon collection. Facing page, the Belt daybeds: the perfect way to transform an outdoor space in to an open air living room

The sheer number of products in most of the collections also makes Varaschin incredibly competitive as this means it can meet outdoor furnishing requirements of all kinds. Above, the Tibidabo dormeuse. Below left, the Emma bergère armchair, and right, the Emma Cross. There are also endless personalisation options with more than 250 different fabrics to choose from

questions to Verena Varaschin

Marketing & Communications Director

You say that your philosophy centres around Outdoor Therapy. Could you tell us what that is exactly please? Outdoor Therapy is our core business. Having spent more than five decades making, designing outdoor furniture means we are very aware of our skills in this specific area. They are the fruit of careful, constant engagement with the way the interior market is evolving. Outdoor Therapy also refers to a relaxing lifestyle in contact with nature, preferably 365 days a year. An authentic immersion in wellbeing, in rediscovering a sense of harmony with both ourselves and our surroundings. It is a philosophy that combines poetry and practicality, but is also an ambassador for superior quality with a strictly controlled supply chain. What does being sustainable mean for you? Firstly, committing to the environment, something we do by adopting virtuous production processes and using woods from plantations managed to strict standards. But it is also a concept that needs to be extended more broadly: it is a return to the person, to our fundamental needs and desires. Hence our social commitments in addition to paying special attention to the people working with us. What makes your projects so perfect for onboard living? I would begin by saying that the fact that they are designed for the outdoors means they are already very suitable for nautical settings: for example, we focus on resistance to atmospheric agents and on the sturdiness of the construction. The style factor is equally important: our elegantly minimal aesthetic is never overpowering but always distinctive. What materials are the best for onboard use? The ones we use for weaving, aluminium, PVC, and water-repellent and UV-resistant fabrics. Many of the materials we use have IMO certification, a guarantee of quality, safety and reliability. They are also guaranteed suitable for use in the marine environment with the likes of the C5M coating, which is resistant to corrosive agents such as sea mist and chorine. Which of your collections do you feel best for onboard living? Definitely Emma, which crosses over with contemporary styles. It spans a range of solutions that suit any mood. Emma Cross, which takes the Emma’s main characteristics in a new aesthetic direction, is inspired by the corolla of a flower with a fabric weave featuring central embroidery. Then there is Victor, a collection that includes tables with aluminium structures, sun beds and chairs with an aluminium or teak structure, seats and backrests. I would also recommend Belt, a collection made up of occasional tables, armchairs, poufs and a sofa that is extraordinarily modular.