What’s even better than a room with a view? Being able to head outside to enjoy the breeze and get a dose of Vitamin D. Nature connections can energize—and also help us chill out. Developers are extending their enthusiasm for biophilic design to include a range of outdoor spaces for all seasons. And A&D teams are creating unique products designed to draw people outside and keep them there.
Six outdoor accessories by Paloform, Brown Jordan, Studio Vondom, Most Modest, Tuuci, and Renson bring the wow to outdoor living rooms on hip hotel rooftops and alfresco meeting spots in suburban office parks alike.
Paloform, Kodo outdoor fireplace
Bring the drama with the Kodo outdoor fireplace. The 36-inch linear fire—in either a gas or propane burner—is framed by a massive square structure that conveys raw materiality. It’s also large enough to serve as a substantial space divider. The Paloform design team pared down the modern, iconic hearth to its essence to achieve this clean, minimalist design. Manufactured in Canada and shipped worldwide, Kodo is available in Corten steel for a rich patina or in powder-coat for a pure, monolithic aesthetic.
Brown Jordan, Terra and Sora lanterns
When the sun goes down, Brown Jordan’s solar lanterns come alive with sculptural silhouettes. The Terra Lantern’s streamlined features are crafted with teak accents and a powder-coated aluminum frame, while the Sora Lantern has a more tactile personality with handwoven marine-grade rope detailing. Whether used together or on their own, Terra and Sora define exterior mood lighting at its best. Even better, this style is delivered in a convenient, cordless, solar-powered light (USB-C cable included) with three power modes: always on, dusk to dawn, or always off.
Studio Vondom, Origami
A collection of outdoor sculptures by Studio Vondom, Origami features planters and geometric animal figures inspired by the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, dating back to the 7th century. Boldly avant-garde, Origami comes in more than 10 colors, harnessing the power of light and shadow, and it’s made from 100 percent recyclable polyethylene resin in matte or lacquered finishes with UV resistance. Many pieces are available with internal LED lighting for added visual impact.
Most Modest. Tess planter
Outdoor areas need space planning, too. The Tess planter is a ruggedly stylish modular solution for establishing zones in outdoor—and indoor—settings. With six size options from “short square” to “tall rectangle,” Tess can stand alone. Or, nest several planters together for privacy barriers and wayfinding cues. Designed by industrial designers Justin Champaign and Ben Salthouse, these planters are constructed from durable, powder-coated aluminum with an outdoor-grade finish available in five colors. Pleated side panels give Tess its industrial personality.
Tuuci, Ocean Matster MAX Bolero
The Ocean Master MAX Bolero collection from Tuuci takes poolside team meetings to new heights of sophistication and creativity. Parasol blends Mediterranean elegance with sculptural form through a domed canopy and refined details like cascading struts and a scalloped accent cap. Ombré Blossom elevates the design with hundreds of hand-tufted outdoor-rated blossoms to add organic texture and visual impact. Founded in Miami, Florida, by a former marine outfitter for high-performance yachts, Tuuci uses marine-grade materials to engineer these durable and chic umbrellas.
Renson, Camargue
Own the outdoors year-round with Renson's Camargue pergola system, which provides shelter from the elements with weather sensors, durable aluminum construction, and smart control options for tablet or smartphone app integration. A motorized aluminum louver roof controls light, shade, and ventilation by rotating from a gentle incline for filtered sun to a fully closed, rain-resistant shelter. Integrated LED lighting, heating, and audio options extend usability from day into night.
—Diane Mosher