Outdoor design: iconic upholstered pieces step into the open air
Some forms are more than just objects—they’re ideas that transcend time. Born within the walls of the home, these icons are now rewriting their story under the open sky. Upholstered design pieces are entering a new dimension: fluid, resilient, yet always faithful to their aesthetic DNA. It's an invitation to reimagine terraces and gardens as open-air living rooms, where every detail speaks of vision.
Unmistakable and architectural, Gerrit T. Rietveld’s Utrecht armchair for Cassina is a manifesto of form and rhythm. Its outdoor version retains all the graphic strength that made it iconic. Geometric volumes stand just as boldly in the open air, supported by technical materials engineered to withstand the elements.
The padding is made of recycled PET fiber, paired with a water-repellent cover that protects the metal frame. Armrests in okoumé wood offer natural resistance to moisture. Every detail is engineered for lasting elegance under the sky.
There’s a tactile softness in the curves of La Bambola, a creation of Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Each line invites relaxation, every surface embraces. Today, this symbol of comfort meets the sun: its outdoor version preserves the original sensuality, now enhanced by technical fabrics and materials that unite resistance and comfort. A statement of style that transforms the outdoors into a haven of well-being.
The structure is reimagined for outdoor life with high-performance materials—UV-, water-, and weather-resistant—while retaining the curvaceous language of the original. Inside, a specially designed padding ensures lasting softness in the open air.
A symbol of softness for over fifty years, the Marenco sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex now embraces new horizons. Equally perfect on a city terrace or under a leafy pergola, this timeless piece retains its generous lines and inviting curves.
The secret to keeping an icon relevant after five decades? Reinventing it with weather-resistant construction and an optional protective cover—because elegance, even under the stars, deserves protection.
Nicknamed “the serpent” for its sinuous shape and unique ability to adapt and envelop, the DS-600—designed by U. Berger, E. Peduzzi Riva, H. Ulrich, and K. Vogt—is a modular landscape that evolves with your mood and needs. Now venturing outdoors, this icon embraces cutting-edge materials, draining padding, and high-tech upholstery. Always dry, always striking—ready to map out new open-air geographies of living.
Each module is an independent element, connected through a plug-in zipper system. The padding is made of antibacterial, anti-mold outdoor foam, with breathable and water-repellent covers. Solid wood and CDP-coated steel frames ensure durability, strength, and refined technical appeal.
There’s a theatrical flair in Stringa, the brainchild of Gae Aulenti for Exteta. With its soft curves, ‘60s spirit, and steel frame that seems to defy gravity, this piece has been reimagined for the outdoors while preserving its sophisticated soul. A central cushion softens the silhouette, while the materials—leather or fabric—respond beautifully to light and touch. A bold design statement meant to be lived freely.
The stainless steel frame, available in light grey or gunmetal, is corrosion-resistant. The cushions feature draining polyurethane and waterproof outdoor covers in fabric or leather, ensuring enduring comfort.
Whether in the garden or the living room, these icons are redefining comfort. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s a philosophy of living that extends into nature without compromising on refinement. We choose the version that suits us best and let the experience tell the story.
We turn your inspiration into a project
We help you shape your home, collecting the best inspirations for you and editing design selections that fit your space and needs.