A private outdoor retreat is a delight for every sense, whether you have a tiny parcel or a sprawling landscape. But truly making the space inspired largely depends on the pieces you choose. It can mean the difference between an open air room that feels like an effortless extension of your interior, or a repository for forgotten furniture.
The trick is to opt for furnishings that merge style and substance—and, most importantly, are designed to go the distance. One go-to brand is Sutherland Furniture, which fuses luxury, expert craftsmanship, and a planet-first M.O. Case in point: The company reuses byproducts such as sawdust produced during teak cutting to fire boilers in the kiln drying process. And it works with producers who use 50-percent recycled content to manufacture aluminum pieces.
To create an outdoor oasis of your own, here are a few pieces from brands like Sutherland that are taking a more mindful approach to design. They’re all crafted with performance in mind, so you can enjoy them for many seasons to come.
Swathed in Perennials by Vincent Van Duysen fabrics, this low-slung sofa combines a sophisticated silhouette with a deep sink-into-into-me seat. Clean wood and wicker-clad lines topped with oversized cushions make for a flexible sofa that does not take a backseat to style or comfort, and the modular configuration means it’s versatile enough to suit any space.
Hung on the side of your house or flanking patio doors as a pair, a stone sconce sets the tone and the light just right. The chiseled rock-like feel encourages tranquil vibes, but it’s actually fashioned from ceramic designed to handle the harshest of elements. Environmentally-friendly manufacturing and distribution practices make this a feel-good purchase.
Designed by Rose Tarlow for Sutherland, this dining chair showcases mid-century inspired tapered legs and a frame crafted from renewable teak, giving it a prized place at the table. Tufted fabric keeps the seat from being anything but stiff, while its lounge-like design invites guest to linger. Depending on your preference, there’s a side chair version, which offers everything but the arm rests.
Seeking shade and harnessing the sun’s energy do not have to be mutually exclusive with a solar-powered pergola. Shading and power-generating, this clever cover means al fresco dining in most seasons. It’s the kind of investment that gives back—on your energy bill and your taxes (thanks to solar power credits and all).
With its woven backing and plush perch, this chair brings comfortable island vibes anywhere. It may look breezy, but it’s strong enough to weather the elements and still look stylish. Choose from the lounge version or the dining iteration should you want to further the feel during a meal.
Perennials’ flatwoven rugs are handcrafted with solution-dyed acrylic yarn, meaning the color permeates the fabric, so they are resistant to fading, as well as tearing, rot, mold, and even small insects—in other words, these are rugs that will last. They’re also made with responsible practices; the water used during the fiber manufacturing process is purified and returned to its natural source.
Savor the warmth, smell, and crackle of a campfire experience sans the smoke. This fire pit uses a special air flow system, through holes in the structure, that draws in air from the bottom and feeds heated oxygen to the top, producing more efficient flames and minimal ash. And it utilizes logs for an authentic experience. The lifetime warranty means you won’t need to replace it.
If there isn’t a hammock, can you even call it a proper porch? This particular cocooning compartment gives all the feels—both in comfort and consciousness. To create this hammock, the company connects with artisans in vulnerable communities in El Salvador, creating job opportunities for weavers who fashion their wares with eco-friendly materials under the rules of fair trade.
A glowing side table is a bright idea for outdoor accent furniture both for ambience and decor purposes. Equipped with Bluetooth and energy-efficient LEDs, this anything-but-square accessory will spark conversation once it shines seven different colors. Controllable via smartphone, the accent table lets you set the mood for every fête from wherever you are.