Our twin weekend sale is well under way - with 20% off all stock and 15% all forward orders so now is the perfect time to visit us in store or online and snap up those items you have had your eyes on (must end Monday 6th Feb). D.I.Y. outdoor table with built-in drinks cooler Learn how easy it is to make an outdoor table with a built-in drinks cooler that can become the focal point for all your get-togethers. Mode woven outdoor furniture is Danske Mobler's biggest seller this summer. Outdoor living has never been more laid-back, thanks to new furniture trends that make relaxing easy.And one of the biggest changes has been the move towards lounging furniture – sofas, armchairs and coffee tables. Designer Sonya Cotter says this is due to the way indoor living has migrated outside, with outdoor rooms becoming de rigueur. New technology has also made a huge difference. Colourful cushions enliven this poolside seating area, which features Amalfi Woven Hill wicker furniture from Briscoes.
"There have been real advances in outdoor fabrics," Cotter says. "These fabrics are no longer stiff and one dimensional – they are soft, textural weaves. We also anticipate seeing more outdoor rugs and even outdoor curtains creating a complete resort-style setting."* Tips for greening up your outdoor living area * How to plan your outdoor living space When interiors move outdoors - the Roda Dandy sofa from David Shaw is made from a high-tech, breathable, weatherproof fabric and is designed to be left outdoors. Rod Duke, group managing director of Briscoes and Rebel Sport says there has been a noticeable change in the style of outdoor furniture in demand this summer. "Furniture made from UV-resilient wicker materials is huge this year," he says. "It is by far our biggest seller."I think people are perhaps a little bit tired of the dining settings with aluminium and glass-topped tables and heavy chairs, which we used to see everywhere."Most of the new wicker furniture is made from durable, high-quality weatherproof resin or polyethylene – this is not the traditional cane of old.
The word "wicker" refers to the woven nature of the furniture. UV-resilient Amalfi wicker furniture is the hottest outdoor furniture look this summer, making up most of the sales at Briscoes stores. Furniture specialist Danske Mobler is also finding the wicker-look furniture is in hot demand and its the company's biggest seller as well. "Affordability is part of the appeal, but it's also a modern look that suits the trend towards more comfortable, lounging outdoor furniture," a spokesperson says."There are other functional advantages, too. The woven furniture is light, so it's easy to move around. You separate out the different pieces, lie on it, sit on it, and use it for dining." Low-maintenance materials are essential for outdoor furniture, such as the Adelphi setting from Freedom Furniture. Danske Mobler says another big trend is the move away from conventional outdoor dining tables. "Instead of the traditional round or oblong table with six to eight chairs, we are selling lower tables that people can use with their outdoor sofas and chairs.
They can lounge on the furniture and then sit up to eat – the lower height of the table makes this easy."Woven furniture is available is various chocolate and taupe shades, with cushion colours this year tend towards grey and primrose tones. Danske Mobler cushions are mainly neutral, so you can jazz them up with your own bright scatter cushions.Freedom Furniture's New Zealand buyer Myelz Moss says people are no longer afraid of making bold colour decisions and have embraced colour in a big way. This is reflected in the introduction of bright colours and pastels in outdoor furniture and decor. Outdoor furniture made from FSC-certified timber remains a popular choice,says Briscoes, but styles and cushion colours are updated each summer. This setting features the Coastal Classic Lisburn collection. Moss also says many of the key interior trends have made their way outdoors this year, including industrial design, recycled timbers, mixed metal finishes and Scandinavian design."Contemporary shapes and traditional lines are still very much present, however the influence from the interior trends, particularly industrial design and recycled timber, is seeing a new take on the the typical outdoor collections in the market."
Freedom Furniture's new collections include a small patio collection for outdoor living areas where space may be at a premium. This comprises a petite table with matching stools in contrasting oiled timbers and concrete. Most modern sofas and chairs, such as the Portsea Lounge collection from Freedom Furniture feature quick-dry foam cushions. Moss says the evolution of outdoor furniture over the past five years has seen some key looks and styles come and go at a rapid pace."Glass and metal combinations have been on the decline over the past few years. But this look will always be popular to some extent due to its low cost and low maintenance, however timber is currently much more on-trend. Flat wicker, which was very popular five years ago has been replaced by brushed round wicker."Rod Duke says FSC-certified timber furniture is in demand with customers. And it's not just tables and chairs, but also benches and long boxes to store those outdoor cushions when not in use. And don't forget the barbecue - this is the Goldair Ashby from Briscoes.
"The style of this furniture changes every year, as we keep up with overseas trends. Our buyers head off to Europe and Asia in February to choose colour palettes and to liaise with factories. It is all customised for the New Zealand market."And what can you expect to pay this year? Most wicker suites and contemporary dining settings retail at just over $2000, with some cheaper options available. FSC-certified timber dining settings can be upwards of $1000.Maintenance of the new outdoor furniture should be be a breeze, thanks to modern technology. Quick-dry foams, UV-rated fabrics, marine-grade metals and powdercoated finishes all help to secure your investment. Sorry, the page you are looking for is no longer there. There's never a bad time to start dreaming of warmer weather. That's why we have a range of outdoor basics for planning your comfy outdoor hangout regardless of what the thermometer says or how much space you have. Lounging & relaxing furniture(78) Sun loungers & hammocks