where the living room meets the patio
By Jean-Claude Poitras
One of the biggest trends to hit the world of interior design in the past few seasons has been the inside-outside style, which brings a whole new dimension to our living environments.
This particular décor movement calls out to the layabout in all of us, evoking postcard images of sunnier tropical destinations. Designers are taking abundant inspiration from the inner courtyards of Mexico’s haciendas and Morocco’s riads, offering up living spaces that are one with nature. While verandas and solariums have catered to Quebecers’ cocooning instincts for years, we’re now being drawn instead to hiving—creating spaces where we can build, create and buzz about.
Adopted long ago by the planet’s boutique hotels, which turned their patios and pergolas into opulent bars, lounges and living rooms, this trend was destined to find its way into our own décors and lives—it was just a matter of time. While we love creating a lush indoor garden so we can bask in its splendour come fall, we’re equally attracted to the outdoor patio, where we can take full advantage of summer and enjoy the balmy weather in good company.
The latest creations by outdoor furniture manufacturers aren’t limited to decorating balconies and patios: they’re being introduced to our interiors ever so subtly as bold, innovative and sometimes über-hip pieces. This little revolution is the fruit of the research and vision of a few European companies clever enough to bank on the creativity of their designers, who have deftly met the challenge by giving the concept of patio furniture a spectacular makeover. They started by rethinking materials, banishing to the annals of history the bland PVC that had until then reigned supreme among patio tables and chairs. Without hesitation, designers introduced new fibres—functional and durable—that defined a new esthetics via the more contemporary shapes of their creations.
Thus was born the latest range of choice materials: environment-friendly synthetic wicker and rattan mesh; moulded aluminum that won’t rust; teak, an exceptionally durable exotic wood immune to damage from both the sun’s rays and rain; and galvanized iron and steel. Particular attention was also given to textiles, with robust canvases plastic-coated, starched and treated with antibacterials. Last but not least, new silhouettes appeared, placing special emphasis on comfort and relaxation.
The high points of the latest collections include oversized sofas, extra-large coffee tables and sun beds. Add to those a panoply of enticing objects and accessories, including arbours, nesting tables and lanterns. Cachepots, vases and planters often take the form of veritable sculptures, and the wide variety of materials used only adds to their charm: from the most traditional to the ultramodern, made of zinc, glass, cast iron, artificial stone, enamelled ceramics and terracotta.
The scents of lazy summer wafting along the warm breeze just wouldn’t be complete without lighting arranged just right to conjure up some tropical magic come nightfall. Candles may still be popular, but luminaries define the night’s style.
Originally designed to give patios and gardens new life and a new look, the latest product lines by outdoor furniture makers, enamoured with freedom and riding high on their success, have been exerting an ever greater influence on the world of interior design, as if the outdoors and the indoors have at last merged to become one, the long-awaited marriage made in heaven, without limits, throughout the seasons.
