In this column, Avotakka’s editorial staff present their favorite products and interior design solutions that have proved functional. Interior journalist Anna Aromaa scoured Finnish Design Shop’s collections and chose six red lamps and outdoor furniture pieces to bring joy and color to any yard or terrace.
1. A perforated breakfast table
I love early summer mornings when you can hear the blackbirds singing in the trees. I try to savor those moments by enjoying my breakfast on the yard. The red table and chairs stand out against the green hues of the surrounding nature, as the contrasting colors complement each other.
The elegant steel table and chairs from HAY’s Balcony collection are a great set. The tabletop and the seats of the chairs are perforated, which is useful in case of rain, as any water will drain from the surface of the furniture by itself. The lightweight furniture can also be easily moved from the sun to the shade and back again.
2. An unforgettable ball of light
You should always remember to bring a flashlight when leaving for the summer cottage. The light is sorely needed especially after midsummer, as the evenings start to get darker again.
Bolleke, Fatboy’s portable spherical light, would be easier to remember than a regular flashlight. The light features a red silicone loop that can be used to hang it on a tree branch, but it can also be used as an additional light on the terrace table as the night gets darker.
3. Room for conversation
I love traditional park benches and will often sit down on them to rest my feet. Sometimes, another passer-by will sit down next to me and strike up a conversation. Sitting next to each other gets people talking.
The design of Petite Friture’s aluminum Week-end bench combines vertical and horizontal lines for a fun and fresh striped look.
• Petite Friture’s Week-end bench >
4. A splash of colors
The balcony is the perfect place for a compact summer lounge. To furnish it, you only need a comfortable recliner, a carpet and a low table that you can use to put down your book or coffee cup.
Fermob’s colorful, nesting Oulala tables are a great, multi-purpose choice that can be used as a coffee table or to house potted plants.
5. Bright lights
Summer evenings are the perfect time to sit down on the pier and watch the sunset. As the night gets darker, you can turn on the Pao table light. Despite its electric red color, it gives off an atmospheric, gentle glow.
The shape of HAY’s cordless Pao Portable light is inspired by Mongolian yurts, but it instinctively reminds you of a mushroom as well. The playful design takes your thoughts from the pier to the mushroom bounties that await in the forests later in the fall.
6. Always by your side
On picnics, I’ve noticed that a blanket on the ground does not make for a very comfortable seat, at least not for a longer period of time. It is really too bad I do not own a lightweight folding chair – yet.
Fermob’s elegant metallic Bistro folding chair would be easy to carry, and thanks to its UV-resistant paint surface, the color would remain bright even in the sun.
• Fermob’s Bistro Metal folding chair >
Anna Aromaa works as an interior journalist at Avotakka. She has a passion for furniture with organic shapes and unexpected material combinations.
See also:
• All outdoor furniture at Finnish Design Shop >
• Summer Shop at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Anna Aromaa Images: Manufacturers