Open-air office

Small balcony? No problem. Back in the 1970s Marc Berthier designed "Aviva", a series of stylish folding beechwood chairs for Magis, which offer just what they should: A practical, minimalist design, a wide choice of colors and a closed seat area that can be upholstered if needed. If you have enough space for a small bench “Luxembourg” by Fermob comes into play – Frédéric Sofia designed the world-famous seat for the Jardin de Louxembourg in Paris. In the version with a cherry red finish it also adds a bright spot of color. Want a suitable folding table to go with it? What better choice than “Flip” by Richard Lampert. It comes in many cheerful shades and is made of aluminum and steel.

Large patio? Wonderful! If the weather is fine it provides a simple means of increasing your total living space. But there’s no need to lug your indoor sofa out onto the patio because Carlo Colombo created an outdoor version for Flexform called “Alison” that leaves nothing to be desired. With a curved aluminum frame and a base of marine plywood it looks cozy while being able to withstand both rain shower and sunshine. Ample cushions make you want to sink back into them, while covers and backrest can be individually styled from a range of color options.

If it is possible to attach a swing chair to the balcony ceiling or a large tree in the garden then you should not think twice about it. The “Leyasol Swing Seat Outdoor” by Birgit Hoffmann and Christoph Kahleyss for Freifrau is ideal for dynamic phone calls. MUT Design brings back the flair of the 1970s with the artfully woven rattan swing chair “Nautica” for Expormim. Those who prefer a classic rocking chair should look no further than Dedon: “MBRACE” by Sebastian Herkner is a woven seat shell on a teak rocker base. The generously proportioned backrest and seat come with a loose cushion. A chair that is so comfortable to use has great potential to become your new favorite place while you work from home.

Naturally, chairs that are at home in both the indoor and outdoor world are likely to be popular in outdoor spaces: Eugeni Quitllet loves things of a synthesizing nature and has created a chair that is a real eyecatcher in the form of “Soul Outdoor” for Pedrali – tubular aluminum is combined with teak slats to form a whole that pleases the senses, a product that unites artisanship and technology. “Elio” by Yabu Pushelberg for Tribù creates a cocoon effect. There is something both natural and low-key about the hand-woven seat combined with a teak frame. In “Monza Outdoor” for Plank, Konstantin Grcic produced a striking, clear design in which iroko wood and polypropylene enter into a symbiosis. The color range of brown and black tones underscores the chair’s elegant, timeless quality.

Anyone who wants to work outdoors on their patio for any length of time needs a good table. Naoto Fukasawa created the “Ayana” collection for B&B Italia, which includes a table with an oval top of serpentine stone, while the structure of teak wood is light yet very sturdy. “Every” of aluminum by Caronni – Bonanomi for Desalto is an extendible table that can be easily enlarged when more space is needed for papers and the like. Those simply wanting a compact laptop table need look no further than “ARKI-BASE ARK4” by Pedrali, a steel table whose tubular steel legs converge at the center.

At the latest when the sun shines onto your screen during your Zoom call it is time for an umbrella. When masterminding the “Nautical Teak Hardwood” parasol for Tuuci, Dougan Clarke drew his inspiration from modern sail designs and reinforced the teak mast with an aluminum spine. An integrated telescope crank lifting system makes it ultra-easy to open and close. “Tulip” umbrella EC by MDT-tex is highly productive using integrated silicon solar cells on the cladding to generate energy that is stored in a battery bank. A handy way to charge your laptop or mobile using the parasol. And naturally it also provides shade.

A lunch break is part and parcel of a healthy work-life balance when working from home. And the good thing is that you don’t have far to go for your relaxing break. A recent option: rest your feet on a hand-woven mesh of green, yellow and turquoise, namely “Telar chaise longue” by Paola Lenti. Or for a highly versatile product try chaise longue “Orizon” by FAST, which though made from recycled aluminum looks like wood. One of the cushions can serve as a headrest, while it is also possible to add a backrest. The elegant “Serra” by Niehoff Garden comes in teak and has a pale gray cover. It features an adjustable side section for a relaxed reclining position. For a cozy-looking recliner choose “BuzziNordic ST900” by Buzzispace which is made of acacia and has ample cushions. Those that prefer something more striking combined with natural material might like a classic product by Cassina: Originally designed in 1940 by Charlotte Perriand and realized several years ago "Tokyo" features curved individual wooden slats to produce an organic shape ideal for reclining and lounging.

While working from home how would it be to prepare your lunch not in your own kitchen but in a fire pit like "Feuerring”. Sculptor Andreas Reichlin came up with the elegant design of steel that provides a broad area for cooking and grilling. If the fire is out then the fire pit on the terrace or in your garden serves as a sculpture and singing bowl. If your preference is for a mobile fireplace is wanted you might opt for “Roll Fire” by Sieger Design for conmoto, which operates on bioethanol. It can also if desired be wall mounted on a bracket.

Those looking for that extra touch of coziness on the terrace can choose from an attractive selection of outdoor rugs such as “Silhouette” by Jaime Hayón for Nanimarquina: The robust carpeting is embellished with the contours of several imaginary characters to form a composition that changes depending on your viewing angle. "River" by Woodnotes is a stylish, waterproof rug that comes in neutral colors. With “Mustache” for Kristalia Paola Zani has created a mélange weave featuring shades in red, blue, green, gray, brown and beige in varying patterns that mingle delicately.

When evening approaches it is time for good lighting: “Pong” by Simon Diener for "NYTA” is both charming and casual, a mobile suspension luminaire run on batteries that can swing over or be hung over almost everything in your home: From a handrail, via branches and furniture through to classic hooks. Henrik Pedersen was inspired by a silk cocoon in designing Gloster and created a charming lantern of polypropylene and teak aptly called “Ambient Cocoon”. And it is also possible to solar charge the warm LED light with sunlight. “Heco” by Nendo for Flos combines a delicate light sculpture of stainless steel and glass sphere with a very practical aspect: For those wanting to work outdoors it is worth taking a look at the version with an integrated side table.