Outside is the New Inside

This April, designer Davide Biancucci presented a simple yet striking selection of foldable and easily dismantled chairs from the past 100 years. The exhibition “Soft Folds”. featured designs by renowned figures such as Vico Magistretti, Philippe Starck and Gerd Lange, alongside anonymous models whose origins remain unknown. “I am interested in safari and folding chairs because, although they were designed more than over a hundred years ago, they still reflect a contemporary way of living: informal, mobile and lightweight,” Biancucci writes about his project.

Lightweight and effortlessly portable, the folding chair is a true classic for balconies and outdoor living. Its design heritage actually dates back to the Middle Ages—and strictly speaking, all the way to ancient Rome.

This season, we're seeing reinterpretations of director's and folding chairs from brands like Fritz Hansen and Hay. For Hay, Jasper Morrison created an entire outdoor collection that includes not only seating, but also barbecue accessories, a hammock and even a tarp-style canopy.

“The design of outdoor spaces is increasingly taking its cues from the comfort and quality of interiors,” says Dominik Schulte of Schulte und Schönes. “Outdoor areas are now seen as fully fledged living spaces. Today, it’s possible to create outdoor lounges whose comfort, materials and atmosphere are barely distinguishable from interior spaces.” Schulte knows what he’s talking about: for years, his company has designed urban outdoor environments such as rooftop terraces, courtyards and gardens for both private and commercial clients. He also runs a showroom for outdoor furniture in Vienna’s fourth district. And according to Schulte, it’s not only living rooms that are moving outside – entire kitchens are following suit: “Modern outdoor kitchens extend the living space seamlessly into the open air. From fridges and dishwashers to integrated induction hobs and storage, almost anything is possible today.”

What should customers look out for when buying outdoor furniture? “It always starts with the question of how the space will actually be used – modular sofa systems, for example, allow for highly flexible setups.” Schulte also points out that there are major differences in quality and craftsmanship. Outdoor furniture has to withstand extreme temperature changes, moisture and intense UV exposure. “The quality of an outdoor sofa reveals itself in the details: in the materials of the fabrics, their durability in everyday use, and the precision of the craftsmanship.”

And what’s trending right now? “In outdoor living, we’re seeing a clear return to more personal expression: bold colours, strong patterns and distinctive surfaces are becoming increasingly important. The clean, pared-back aesthetic of recent years is now being complemented by more characterful designs.”

Anyone who has spent any significant time in a hardware store knows the feeling: if you value aesthetics, off-the-shelf garden gear rarely makes the cut. This is where specialized outdoor brands offer a welcome alternative.

"Great outdoor accessories seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics. The key is that they shouldn't just be practical; they need to contribute to the overall mood of the space," says Dominik Schulte. As a prime example, he points to the solar-powered fixtures by IP44.de.

The brand Zee has also carved out its own perfect niche: having launched with a minimalist garden hose reel, they now also offer an outdoor shower and a sleek barbecue grill.

For those seeking next-level exclusivity, the world of collectible design has the answer. Back in 2023, Cologne-based designer Hannah Kuhlmann (as part of the Farm Group collective) created the "Shitshower" (also known as the "Fork Fountain"). The base of this curved outdoor shower is a literal pitchfork, allowing it to be easily spiked right into the ground.

The possibilities are endless this year—ranging from outdoor spaces that mirror your interior to highly flexible, bespoke setups. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal design philosophy.

If you want to dive deeper into the world of outdoor interiors and accessories, we highly recommend visiting spoga+gafa , the leading trade fair for garden lifestyle and BBQ. Taking place in Cologne from June 22 to 24, 2026, the event features countless exhibitors showcasing outdoor spaces that strike the perfect balance between design, comfort, and nature.