Without fail, major manufacturers flood the market every year with new, glossy outdoor launches just in time for spring. We’ve saved you the trouble of sorting through all that clutter and picked out a few of the very best—pieces that feel similar to outdoor collections past, but are just different enough, bringing something new to the tried-and-true formula.
Senja, Janus et Cie
Photo : Janus et Cie
Bulky patio seating has been the style du jour for way too many jours. Senja enters like a cooling ocean breeze with a slim aluminium base beneath its plush linen cushions. And like any good modular system, it’s a bit like Lego: Pick the pieces you want, and then slot them together in whatever configuration best suits. Building blocks include sofas, poufs, side tables and chairs. You can now plan a little social distance even into your seating arrangements. Starting at $1600; janusetcie.com
Perrow Drinks Cart, McKinnon and Harris
Photo: McKinnon and Harris
We feel outdoor cocktailing should be invested with a certain playfulness, without sacrificing quality. Perrow takes its cues from traditional garden trolleys but ups the chic factor. It’s built to last, too. The aluminium cart (offered in an array of candy-coloured hues) is treated with a special coating, one the company has been perfecting for almost 30 years, making it highly resistant to corrosion. Our livers… well, that might be another story. $8,610; mckinnonharris.com
522 Tokyo Chaise Lounge, Cassina
Photo: Cassina
You can’t go wrong with an updated classic. Charlotte Perriand, one of the design world’s most celebrated modernist creators, first planned the Tokyo lounge in 1940. It takes cues from her famous LC4 chaise, except, instead of steel and leather, this airier iteration is made of 12 curved strips of bamboo (plus some brass studs to hold it all together). Its compelling silhouette is sure to enhance your own during a snooze under the sun. $9,900; cassina.com/en
Bubble Chair, Ben Rousseau
Photo: Ben Rousseau
We all know that bubble chair; the mod design is about as ’70s as bell-bottoms and tie-dye. British designer Ben Rousseau gives the beloved midcentury seat a contemporary upgrade, and a dash of fun as a swing, by swapping out its acrylic shell for a soft-yet-sleek steel. For those who are married to the old-school version, Rousseau can make a custom one that keeps the look of the original, transparent frame—with some built-in LEDs. Starting at $8060; benrousseau.com/
Pavona, RH
Photo: RH
Wicker for outdoor furniture is nothing new, but designer Ann Marie Vering’s version certainly brings something different to the table (or, rather, the patio). Pavona’s all-weather frame is inspired by an unfurled fan, with curves and lines that create dynamic shadows. Craftsmanship is evident in the wicker component: It’s handwoven as one continuous panel. Starting at $1700;rh.com
