Ideas for an inviting summer oasis – the showroom favorites in May

Finnish Design Shop’s Showroom Manager Maija Rasila and her team pick the showroom’s most interesting products and interior decoration trends every month. In May, durable, beautiful and timeless outdoor furniture from HAY, Vaarnii and Fermob takes center stage.

Finnish Design Shop showroom, Aviatie 2, Turku
The inviting summer lounge at Finnish Design Shop's showroom is a relaxed combination of timeless wooden furniture, modern metal pieces, cozy outdoor textiles and lush house plants.

“EVEN THOUGH THE BEST MOMENTS of late spring are still ahead, the members of our showroom team have already turned their gaze at the summer season on the horizon. Interesting collaborative projects, summer events and, of course, super-cozy outdoor furniture await!

We here at the showroom are already thinking about the summer season, as we recently received plenty of attractive patio furniture, relaxed outdoor textiles and sculptural plant pots. Now is the time to clean the patio and welcome the warm season with open arms!”

https://www.finnishdesignshop.com/en-us/product/013-osa-outdoor-bench-182-cm-pine
Vaarnii's Osa outdoor furniture celebrates the natural beauty of Finnish pine.

Into the midst of Finnish nature

Vaarnii’s new Osa outdoor furniture collection showcases amazing craftsmanship and the beauty of Finnish pine. The T-shaped silhouette at the ends give the simple, traditional-looking pieces character. As a material, heat-treated pine is timeless, durable and a perfect fit for Nordic nature. It is also a welcome change after all that teak.

• Read also: Henrik Tjærby’s Osa outdoor furniture puts pine back on the map >

The simple yet sturdy wooden furniture also leaves room for different shapes. We combined the table with HAY’s immensely popular metal Palissade chairs and Carl Hansen & Søn’s recently launched BM4570 outdoor chair. The light folding chair is easy to move to different parts of the garden, which makes it perfect for those who like taking in different atmospheres in their yard.

Vaarnii Osa outdoor furniture >
All patio furniture >

FDB Møbler Sammen chair
Designer Thomas E. Alken chose timeless teak as the material for the Sammen chair.

Danish elegance

Looking for a sturdy outdoor chair that is pleasant to sit in? Then we have the perfect product for you: FDB Møbler’s Sammen chair. This beautiful, classic Danish chair feels pleasantly robust yet extremely comfortable. The version on display in our showroom is higher and suitable for use as a dining chair, but this teak furniture collection also includes various other items, such as dining and coffee tables, armchairs, a sunbed, benches and cushions compatible with the seats. This is carefree Danish elegance at its best!

FDB Møbler Sammen chair >
All patio chairs >

ferm LIVING Way rug
Ferm LIVING's Way rug is made from recycled plastic bottles.

For an inviting summer oasis

The welcoming summer haven would not be complete without textiles suitable for outdoor use. Textiles bring outdoor furniture sets together, making them more comfortable and providing them with some of the coziness of indoor spaces.

Ferm LIVING’s Way and Hem rugs are suitable for both balconies and patios – as well as for indoor use. Even though the rugs are made of PET fiber from recycled plastic bottles and withstand moisture, they feel nice and soft underfoot. The Way collection also includes cushions suitable for outdoor use that make your summer oasis even more inviting.

Ferm LIVING Way rug >
All outdoor rugs >

Fermob Luxembourg low armchair in Rosemary
Fermob's Luxembourg armchair offers a relaxing seat on the patio and in the garden.

Like in the parks of Paris

If you want your outdoor furniture to be particularly care and maintenance free, take a look at the items made of metal. They require no maintenance, withstand even violent summer storms and, thanks to their airy structure, usually also dry quickly.

When it comes to metal furniture, Fermob’s Luxembourg collection is a true classic. It was originally designed for the Parisian Jardin du Luxembourg park in the 1920s, and it has been delighting users with its timeless design ever since. In 2004, the collection was modernized, although in a way that retained the original spirit. The Luxembourg products on display in our showroom include the dining chair and low armchair, which looks delightful in the soft-green Rosemary tone.

Fermob Luxembourg low armchair >
All outdoor lounge chairs >

&Tradition Lucca SC51 table lamp, opal - black
The shape of &Tradition's Lucca lamp nods to traditional paper lanterns.

Light up your summer nights

What would a garden lounge set be without atmospheric lighting? Summer days need no lighting, but come evening, it is nice to create a cozy atmosphere with a lamp – or many. &Tradition’s Lucca lamp features a practical handle, so it is easy to grab along wherever the summer takes you. Using the hook integrated in the handle, you can also hang the lamp on a tree or canopy, for example. The lamp can be recharged via a USB connection and used both indoors and outdoors. When charged full, the lamp provides light for up to 12 hours.

&Tradition Lucca table lamp >
All exterior lighting >

HAY watering cans
HAY's watering cans feature a modern, easy-to-use design.

Feeder of potted plants

The lovely plants in the summer oasis also need care. The best watering can is one that does not need to be hidden away when not used. And when the can is stored within reach, it is also easier to remember to water the plants regularly.

The simple shape of HAY’s watering cans is easy on the eyes without compromising on practicality: the can is easy to grab, and the long spout facilitates watering exactly the right spot. The cans have a capacity of two liters, so they are particularly suitable for smaller potted plants on the balcony or patio. The available color options are terracotta and light gray.

HAY watering can >
All waterign cans >


Maija Rasila showroom manager

Interior architect Maija Rasila picks the most inspiring products, objects and issues of the month from novel and classic items. Modern Scandinavian style can be spiced up with plenty of details, surprising colors and personal touches.


See also:

Finnish Design Shop's Showroom >
More outdoor furniture >

Text and images: Maija Rasila Product photos: Manufacturers

Previous story
Next story




There’s still time for gift shopping – express shipping available!

Explore the selection

For the love of design

Design Stories is Finnish Design Shop's own online magazine, that takes you to beautiful Nordic homes, introduces new products and beloved icons – and much more!

Go to the Design Stories front page

Shop Nordic design

Design Stories is provided by Finnish Design Shop, the world’s largest online store specialized in Nordic design.

Discover our selection

Buy & sell authentic vintage

Franckly.com is a curated online marketplace for pre-owned design maintained by Finnish Design Shop.

Find treasures at Franckly