And just like that, the al fresco season is upon us. Lighter evenings and warmer temperatures call for a whole trove of summer festivities, from lunchtime platters devoured over warm conversation with a cold glass of wine in hand to afternoon barbecues turned evening shenanigans. We’re ready, you’re ready, the only thing that might not be equipped to charge full steam ahead into the silly season is your outdoor area. That being said, we’ve compiled a list of the most à la mode outdoor furnishings that will overhaul your space, from little touches such as plant pots to the bigger, more staple pieces, and everything in between.

For the urban look

For the urban look

Complement characterful furniture with flourishing greenery and excellent lighting features to create a serene, inner-city retreat.

Uma Sound Lantern by Pablo

Uma Sound Lantern by Pablo

Revolutionary in design and captivating in aesthetic, this portable lamp by Pablo is more than just your average lighting accoutrement. One part speaker, one part crowd-pleasing lamp, the Uma uses state-of-the-art Warm Dim LED technology alongside 360° high fidelity surround sound to create a fusion of sensory delights — perfect for the hosting season. Available from ECC.

Round Chair by Emu

Round Chair by Emu

The steel frame and galvanised metal mesh bodywork of this round chair by Emu combine to create a modern piece that looks just as suave on its own as it does in multiple, dotted around an outdoor table, for instance. The chair is available in a medley of colours, including iron, red and stark white, but we’re quite taken with this smooth black, for the finest contemporary piece. Available from ECC.

Calypso High Round Table by King Living

Calypso High Round Table by King Living

With a rhythmic weaving pattern that wraps all the way around, this high round table catches the eye and holds the attention. The ribbed pattern contrasts with the smooth tabletop to create an interesting mash-up of textures, while the dove grey colouring keeps it distinctly timeless. Available from King Living.

Behbin Pot by De Castelli

Behbin Pot by De Castelli

Small but striking, this contemporary container abolishes all notions of flowerpots being dowdy. Anything but, this objet d’art turned garden accompaniment oozes sophistication thanks to its contemporary metal structure and sleek appearance. Bonus: this multifaceted mainstay can also become a seat, table, or support surface should the need arise. Available from David Shaw.

Cortina Outdoor Chair by Minotti

Cortina Outdoor Chair by Minotti

Sleek materials and innovative design collide with this outdoor chair by Minotti, where stainless steel is worked into simple yet interesting framing. While you can choose between an array of colours, from soft duck egg blue to stark copper, we recommend this eye-catching mustard for the ultimate statement piece. Available from ECC.

For the minimalist look

For the minimalist look

Outdoor furnishings that combine modernistic, fuss-free designs with sleek refinement are emerging as the garden accompaniments of the moment.

Shady X-Centric Umbrella by Royal Botania

Shady X-Centric Umbrella by Royal Botania

A beautiful array of outdoor furnishings are all fair and well, but what use are they unless you can lounge on them safely? This Royal Botania umbrella serves as a chic seasonal saviour that is at once practical and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that no summer plans will be scuppered due to fear of sunburn or drizzle. Available from ECC.

The Isla Trio by Coast

The Isla Trio by Coast

The epitome of summer relaxation, the Isla set from Coast puts comfort first and foremost with these beanbag inspired pieces. Comprising an ottoman, chair and lounger, each furnishing from the collection complements the other beautifully when together, while still remaining contemporary and distinguished when solo. Full set available from Coast.

Helsinki Outdoor Table by Desalto

Helsinki Outdoor Table by Desalto

While suitable to all and any design style, this outdoor table by Desalto works best when slotted into a minimalist, monochromatic aesthetic. Its steel frame and aluminium jointing keep it sophisticated and sleek, as the laminate top lends it some serious practicality — the perfect piece for topping with bowls, plates and platters of festive fare. Available from Trenzseater. 

BBG Grill Charcoal 120 Stainless by Roshults

BBG Grill Charcoal 120 Stainless by Roshults

Did summer even happen if you didn’t manifest into a fully-fledged pitmaster? For those on the hunt for the perfect BBQ for the hotter season, we suggest you stop your search now. This stainless-steel construct, designed by award-winning duo Mats Broberg and Johan Ridderstråle is equipped with thick stainless steel grates for optimum heating and cooling, an easy-to-clean exterior and an array of intriguing accessories. Available from Simon James Design.

Parklife Lounger by Kettal

Parklife Lounger by Kettal

The epitome of modernistic minimalism, Kettal’s Parklife lounger is a clean-cut design that is at once seamless and striking, thanks to its ability to blend in while still being an intriguing focal point. Available from Studio Italia.

 

For the resort look

For the resort look

Embody a sun-drenched, five-star retreat with sprawling love seats, outdoor rugs and carefully placed accents.

Superarchimoon Outdoor Floor Lamp by Flos

Superarchimoon Outdoor Floor Lamp by Flos

Not only serving as a summer-ready injection of colour and an uber practical light fixture, but this outdoor floor lamp by Flos also acts as an external sculpture of sorts. With a 242cm diameter by a 214cm height, this towering design will have your seasonal festivities unarguably well ‘lit’ throughout the night, while serving as a seriously interesting conversation starter. Available from ECC.

Delta Outdoor III Circle Sofa by King Living

Delta Outdoor III Circle Sofa by King Living

Just the ticket for balmy evenings spent sprawled out under the stars, mornings whiled away lounging with a book in hand, or parties where the guest list trumps the number of chairs available — this outdoor circle sofa has all summer scenarios covered. What’s more, you can choose from a plethora of visually stunning outdoor fabric coverings to create a look that truly melds with your current furnishings and design scheme. Available from King Living.

Caddy 001 Bar Trolley by Roda

Caddy 001 Bar Trolley by Roda

Because nothing sings summer more than quality cocktails al fresco. This bar trolley by Roda serves as the ultimate in seamless design, an intricately detailed piece that still manages to match to any and all surroundings — ideal for adding to an already fully-furbed outdoor area. Prepare the invites, because it’s time to get hosting. Available from David Shaw.

Babylon rug by Roda

Babylon rug by Roda

Injecting a dose of contemporary luxe, in addition to making the outdoors feel inherently warm, welcoming and homelike, this simple rug is the perfect addition to spruce up one’s outdoor lounging area. The interwoven fibres in blue and pearl grey create a design that is at once unique and easily matched by other furnishings. Available from David Shaw.

Gijs Loveseat from the Piet Boon Collection

Gijs Loveseat from the Piet Boon Collection

The epitome of comfortable, quality design, this sprawling loveseat from the Piet Boon Collection caters to guests while elevating an abode’s exterior to a stylish degree. The polished timber structuring offsets the fluffed cushioning — made even comfier thanks to the additional back pillow — to combine the best of both worlds. Available from ECC.