A mix of materials and modularity: design your exterior with style, comfort and durability

Creating a trendy exterior: the right choice of furniture and materials

With the return of fine weather, landscaping your outdoor space becomes a priority. Whether for a terrace, balcony or garden, now is the time to create a pleasant, practical living space. 

Bamboo, acacia wood, braided rope, painted metal... each material brings its own ambience, technical qualities and visual identity. When properly combined, they create an exterior that's aesthetically pleasing, warm and functional.

Today, designer designer outdoor furniture is no longer just about looking good. It must be withstand the elements, adapt to everyday useand offer modularity that saves space without sacrificing style. With this in mind modular furnitureThis is why modular, folding, nomadic and hybrid furniture are emerging as everyday allies, capable of moving from indoors to outdoors as required.

Whether it's a folding chair, an outdoor armchair that can be used on the terrace as well as in the living room, or an occasional table, every piece of furniture becomes an essential part of a smart, inspired design.

In this article, discover the key trends for designing your exterior with taste : mix of natural materials, sustainable furniture, hybrid shapesand tips for bringing your furniture to life with the seasons - inside and out. inside and out.

1. Why mix materials in outdoor design?

Mixing materials is a strong trend. Far more than a simple stylistic effect, this approach creates contrasting, ultra-personalized atmospheres. Mixing materials such as raw woodwood woven roperope bamboo or metal can be used to create a modern, warm and warm and functional.

But choosing the right materials for your outdoor furniture also means thinking about functionality and use. Metal, for example, is perfect for guaranteeing the solidity and longevity of a structure; acacia or teak wood brings warmth, authenticity and resistance to the elements; braided rope or technical fibers, for their part, offer flexibility, comfort and lightness.

By combining these elements, we not only create more aesthetic furniture, we also design a living space adapted to real-life uses For example, a dining area that can accommodate a family lunch, a comfortable armchair for reading in the shade, or garden furniture that adapts to the arrival of guests in the evening.

a. In the spotlight: acacia wood

Among the most popular materials for wooden garden furnitureacacia is a sure bet. Popular for its aesthetic qualities as much as for its sturdiness, this exotic wood appeals to designers and decorators alike!

And it's no coincidence: acacia wood has many qualities.

Naturally dense and strong, acacia is renowned for its resistance to moistureand insectsas well as fungi. Unlike other, more fragile species, it does not rot easily, making it an excellent choice for terrace, balcony or garden furniture, even in humid areas or by the sea. Its natural durability allows it to withstand the seasons without deterioration, as long as a minimum of maintenance is provided.

But acacia also has a unique charm. Its warm shades, from golden to deep brown, and irregular grain lend character to any room. It goes equally well with soft materials such as linen and cotton, or with black metal structures for a more contemporary look. Models such as the Valdivia Brown Chair or the Temuco Beige Chair perfectly illustrate this alliance between authenticity and modernity.

For a softer, more contrasting ambience, you can opt for the Chaise Delgado Rose or its beige version, ideal for playing the elegant outdoor card. And for those seeking a more structured touch, the Chaise Ovalle Marron offers the perfect balance of style and stability.

Acacia is easy to maintain. To preserve its natural color and prevent UV-induced graying, simplyoil it once or twice a year with a suitable oil. On a day-to-day basis, cleaning with warm, soapy water is all that's needed to restore the wood's lustre. In winter, it's best to protect furniture with a breathable cover or store it under cover to extend its life.

b. Braided rope: a trendy, comfortable comeback

In the world of designer garden furniture, braided rope is making a strong comeback. Driven by a trend that values natural, textured materials, it has established itself as an elegant and comfortable alternative to traditional seating. Light, supple and visually refined, it gives a new dimension to outdoor chairs and armchairs. Take, for example, the Fauteuil Recife Corde or the Chaise Salvador Corde, perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere around a table or on a balcony.

Thanks to its suppleness, braided rope is ultra-comfortable. The braiding creates an enveloping, almost ergonomic seat that embraces movements without rigidity. Ideal for long summer evenings, in a lounge area or under a pergola, with models like the Fauteuil Janeiro Corde or the FauteuilCurtiba Corde.

The rope is designed to resist UV rays, moisture and abrasion. These materials ensure excellent longevity, even under intensive use or demanding outdoor conditions. The Maceio Corde armchair, for example, combines strength and design.

In terms of aesthetics, braided rope plays on sobriety and texture. It blends perfectly with wooden structures for a warm, natural look, or with metal for a more contemporary style. This contrast works equally well in industrial, bohemian or Scandinavian settings. Models such as the Chaise Arica Marron or the Chaise Natal Corde illustrate this ability to blend in with all styles of outdoor décor.

Last but not least,maintenance is quick and easy: a quick wipe down with a sponge and a little soapy water is all it takes to restore its shine. It dries quickly and won't warp, provided you avoid prolonged exposure to rain. In winter or in bad weather, it's best to cover it up or bring it inside to preserve its original appearance.

Versatile, resistant and resolutely trendy, braided rope embodies flexibility, modernity and elegance. A durable choice for those looking for comfortable outdoor seating with a distinctive design, for a stylish terrace, balcony or garden.

c. Natural fibers and textiles 

Raw, textured and warmThey infuse outdoor spaces with a bohemian ambience. bohemian, Mediterranean or even wabi-sabi.

These synthetic materials enrich the range of possibilities, both in terms of textures and adaptability to more demanding uses, particularly outdoors. For their part, technical textiles have been developed to offer resistance to UVhumidity, heat and deformation.

In practice, we recommend using fibers in semi-housed spaces patios, loggias, covered terraces... For more exposed environments - full sun, rain, temperature variations - synthetic synthetic fibers such as textilene or nylon are more suitable, while retaining their aesthetic appeal.

When it comes to maintenance, natural fibers are easy to care for. regular dry dusting to keep them looking their best. For technical textiles, care is even simpler: a damp cloth or soapy water is all that's needed to restore their shine and cleanliness, even after several seasons outdoors.

Would you like to opt for these materials? Discover some of our bestsellers as the Aguilares Brown Chairwith refined braiding, the Curtiba fabric armchaircombining comfort and modernity, or the Janeiro Nylon chair, perfect for highly exposed spaces.

d. Rattan: vintage charm, controlled use

Long reserved for interior design, rattan is now enjoying a veritable renaissance in outdoor furniture. This material, emblematic of retro style, is making a comeback on terraces and in gardens, thanks to a trend that celebrates bohemian, natural and warm ambiances. It instantly evokes seaside vacation homes, sun-drenched Mediterranean terraces, or relaxed outdoor living rooms.

As well as being highly decorative, rattan is also extremely versatile. It comes in garden armchairs, rattan chairs, sofas and occasional tables, often with rounded shapes. Whether for an elegant dining area or a casual lounge, rattan adds that extra touch of soul that transforms the outdoors into a living space in its own right. We find this spirit in pieces such as the Hanoi Armchair, or the Venice Black Chair, with their assertive, refined style.

For those seeking a softer ambience, the Manado Beige egg chair offers a bright, soothing alternative. The Sofamorotai rattan sofa, meanwhile, combines rounded lines with a natural hue, ideal for a shady reading corner. In a more contrasting version, the Danang Black and Gray Armchairs reinforce a more contemporary style while retaining the warm texture of rattan.

Natural rattan, prized for its authenticity and charm, requires a few precautions: regular brushing and avoid prolonged exposure to humidity, especially in winter. For greater convenience, you can also opt for the woven resin version, which faithfully reproduces the aesthetics of rattan while being more resistant to the elements.

With its timeless aesthetic, natural comfort and ability to blend in with all styles of patio furniture, rattan remains a must-have. All you need is an Aguilares Rattan Chair or aBrown Morotai Armchair to bring a vintage, elegant and warm touch to any outdoor setting.

e. bamboo: lightness and natural elegance

Bamboo has established itself as a leading material in the world of natural, sustainable garden furniture. With its fine texture, authentic irregularities and warm aesthetic, it's ideal for creating a Zen terrace, a poetic ambience or an atmosphere conducive to relaxation.

Whether woven or hand-assembled, bamboo blends harmoniously into any outdoor décor. It blends effortlessly with light-colored textiles, linen cushions and outdoor rugs, for a naturally elegant look. Pieces like the Brown Padang Chair are a perfect illustration of this: light, sober and full of character.

But behind this apparent delicacy, bamboo is a surprisingly robust and flexible material, perfectly suited to outdoor use. It's just as suitable for a dining area as it is for a lounge or outdoor reading area. The Kota Marron bench and Medan Marron chairs combine comfort, lightness and solidity in a sober, timeless design.

It's also an ecological material par excellence. Bamboo grows very quickly, requires little water and captures more CO₂ than most trees. It therefore represents a responsible choice, perfectly in tune with the challenges of sustainable outdoor design. 

Bamboo requires very little maintenance. A soft, slightly damp cloth is all that's needed to clean the surface. To preserve its natural shine and prevent tarnishing, it is advisable to protect it in winter or during heavy rainfall, by covering it or placing it in a sheltered spot.

In short, bamboo combines natural elegance, ecological sustainability and ease of use. It is an ideal ally for those who wish to create a trendy, responsible and soothing exterior.

2. Modularity - small spaces and evolving decorations

Today, we're all more interested in modularity that is, the ability to reinvent our furnishings according to our desires, the season, or simply the use of the moment. This flexible flexible and clever makes the most of every square metre, especially in smaller small outdoor spaces like balconies, urban courtyards or compact terraces.

Le modular garden furniture meets these new expectations: it's mobile mobile, lightweight, stackable or foldableand lends itself to a multitude of configurations. It can be used to create a dining area at lunchtime, a lounge area in the evening, or a reading area in the shade, without having to change all the furniture. It's this flexibility of use that's the strength of smart, contemporary intelligent, contemporary outdoor design.

In this section, find out how folding chairsand hybrid furniture and nomadic furniture can transform your terrace or balcony into a practical practical and stylish spaceas the seasons change.

a. Folding chairs and armchairs: flexibility, practicality and style

Perfect for small spaces like balconies, or for welcoming guests around a large summer table, folding outdoor chairs and armchairs have become a real must-have for space-saving outdoor furniture. Their compact size and light weight make them easy to unfold, move or store, as the need arises.

While the acacia wood models remain classics, much appreciated for their natural resistance and warm aesthetics, the Nordlys collection is also enriched by original variants. These include seats in braided rope, such as the Natal Corde two-seater bench or the Chaise Curtiba Corde, as well as versions in technical fabric, such as the Chaise Curtiba Tissu or the Fauteuil Janeiro Nylon, ideal for combining comfort and durability.

Some models, such as the Fauteuil Janeiro Corde, feature more elongated shapes, perfect for relaxing moments, while others, such as the Chaise Medan Marron or the Chaise Padang Marron, are more compact, designed to optimize space. As for the Chaise Palempang Marron, it combines sobriety and efficiency, for use both indoors and outdoors.

It's this versatility that is the strength of this furniture: a terrace chair can be transformed into an occasional chair in a dining room, or complete a reading corner in a veranda. Thanks to their sleek design and natural materials, these chairs are equally at home in Scandinavian, Mediterranean or contemporary settings.

b. Nomadic furniture: bringing the garden indoors

Today, the boundaries between indoors and outdoors are becoming increasingly blurred. In today's homes, garden furniture is no longer confined to the terrace or balcony: it circulates freely between rooms, adapting, transforming and integrating perfectly into all living spaces. A woven rope armchair finds its natural place in a cosy living room, a wooden folding chair around a dining room table, and a bamboo stool becomes the end of a sofa in the entrance hall.

This phenomenon marks the rise of nomadic furniture, as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing. It responds to new lifestyles, where spaces are modular, multifunctional and connected to nature. Integrating raw materials such as acacia wood, woven rope or bamboo into an interior decor creates a visual continuity that blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. Furniture then becomes a decorative element in its own right, adding relief and a touch of authenticity to the whole.

A Brown Padang Chair or a Brown Palempang Chair are equally at home in a summer dining area or in an occasional dining room. The Dili Brown Bench, with its compact size and natural texture, can easily be used as a coffee table, decorative support or occasional seat.

In a bedroom or living room, the Manado Beige Egg Chair or the Delgado Beige Chair are perfect for a soft, contemporary ambience. For a bolder or more colorful touch, the Chaise Delgado Rose will subtly energize a room.

By opting for nomadic, sustainable outdoor furniture, you can create a living, evolving interior that's deeply rooted in the spirit of the times - where each piece of furniture takes on a role according to the season, the mood or the moment.

Conclusion

Choosing outdoor furniture with materials in mind materialsmaterials modularity and durabilityThe design of a home is much more than a matter of style. It's about creating a living, evolving space, adapted to every moment of the day and every season.

The mix of materials (wood, metal, rope, natural fibers) brings visual and sensory richness, while modular and hybrid furniture offers the flexibility of use that has become essential. Together, they create a smart, beautiful and sustainable exterior.