Balmy evenings with a chilled glass of something, alfresco dining, soaking in the rays – this is what summer is all about.
Summer is a time when people want to be kicking back and relaxing, and what better way than on a piece of furniture that has been awarded the Design Guild Mark.
And while Britain’s weather is nothing but unpredictable, so far this year we’ve been somewhat blessed with the sunshine, bar a spot of rain or two.
In celebration of the hottest season of the year, we’ve compiled a review of six of our favourite Design Guild Mark holders from over the years with an outdoor focus.
DGM 214 William Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Mark Gabbertas for Gloster Furniture
One of the 15 Furniture category awardees from 2019, the William Lounge Chair and Ottoman is based on a brief that outdoor furniture can have the same elegance and lightness of touch as its interior cousins. The design explores the potential of three dimensionally shaping solid teak to achieve a compelling profile and ergonomically correct one.
DGM 173 Caburn Bench by Wales & Wales for Joined + Jointed
The traditional garden bench has been given an unmistakably contemporary makeover. To create a distinctive design language, Wales & Wales considered ways of conveying visual lightness without losing the sense of robustness one expects from a bench. They did this by excluding arms from the design, avoiding heavy wood sections, and working out an elegant proportion.
DGM 154 Eos Range by Matthew Hilton for Case Furniture
Certain to inspire leisurely outdoor living during the long days of summer, this collection was named after the Greek goddess of dawn and bringer of light. Awarded a Design Guild Mark in 2016, Eos is an aluminium all-weather outdoor range consisting of 12 pieces. It is lightweight – literally and visually, smartly proportioned and very comfortable.
DGM 118 Washington Collection by David Adjaye OBE for Knoll International
David Adjaye’s cantilevered Washington chairs explore propping and balancing, so that they are simultaneously functional and sculptural. The Skeleton chair is reduced to a fine geometric lattice while its inverted counterpoint, Skin, offers a colourful envelope to the same form.
DGM 102 Sandur by Mark Gabbertas for Oasiq
Another design from Mark Gabbertas, this time for Oasiq. Designed to bridge the gap between high-end aesthetics and practical outdoor furniture, the Sandur chair is inspired by nature and undulating sand dunes (hence the name).
DGM 88 Juno by James Irvine for Arper
With its singular, simple shape, Juno brings efficiency and customization together in unique combination. Made for both residential and contract use, indoors and out, Juno is a single-shot moulded plastic chair that has fluid lines and a light profile, in silhouette and weight.
Have a great summer and stay tuned for news about the 2020 call for entries.
