The Inimitable Tiff

It’s Summer time in the Northern Hemisphere and on request of a few readers we look into the world of outdoor furniture design. A sector where Belgian designers apparently are making name and fame abroad. It’s probably due to the fact that we Belgians try to enjoy as much time outside as the weather allows. The garden is becoming an extension of the house and we pay more attention to it.

In this first article I’ll focus only on Belgian brands and I’ll divide it in two posts. The first two Belgian companies we highlight are Royal Botania and Extremis. If you see something you like you don’t have to worry because all of them are very active in the export market :) To be honest I was kinda amazed to learn that our little country seems to be a leader in nicely designed premium leisure furniture. It’s nice knowing that despite being a small country, we can produce great things. So now you also know there’s more than just chocolate and beer :)

Royal Botania

Royal Botania was founded in 1992 by Kris Van Puyvelde and Frank Boschman, who shared an enthusiasm for developing a unique outdoor furniture line. It started when Frank Boshman met an export agent of Teak garden furniture in India. They ordered two containers but the quality wasn’t that great. That’s when they decided they could do better. Since day one, the focus has always been on premium quality, well conceived ergonomics and refreshing designs.

O-zon

O-zon is a completely new line designed by Kris Van Puyvelde. A big round table is the central piece with a diameter of 160 cm and room to fit 6 to 8 persons. In the middle of the table there is room for an umbrella. Handy is something called ‘Lazy Susan’, a big rotating plate in the center of the table, handy to pass around dishes.

E-Z

E-Z referencing to ‘take it easy’ is an in-depended hammock. Available in black, cappuchino, orange and turquoise colour finishes.

Flexy

Ninix

Sunday

Extremis

Dirk Wynants is the founder, main designer and big boss of Extremis. Before founding the company in 1994 Wynants was already involved in the distribution of international design brands. Extremis claims they don’t do products. They create ‘Tools for togetherness’ which becomes clear when you look at all their furniture. Dirk has received many design awards, too many to name them all here.

Gargantua

Gargantua is a multifunctional piece of garden furniture, made of durable materials: galvanised metal, stainless steel and teak. Gargantua offers 4 benches and place for 8 persons. Each bench can be placed on 4 different heights: normal sitting height, teenagers height, children’s height or all benches at the top (then it is turned into a giant table offering place for 12 persons). The benches can be taken away to make place for a wheelchair or a highchair. Now also available as an option: cushions & backrests. The backrest can also easily fitted to the existing model.

Extempore

PicNik

DoNuts

DoNuts is a surprising table-seating combination. The inflatable seating part carries a polyester table top. When leaning against the highly ergonomic table border, you will experience the comfort of a perfect back-rest. Or when joining the table, there is plenty of space for everybody. DoNuts’ seating part looks like a huge doughnut with a 1.9m diameter, allowing at least 6 persons to join the table.

IceCube

This looks like the ideal cooler for garden parties, but this could work indoors as well. The TL lighting unit rests underneath the polythylene cooler and can be blue, orange, green,…