Practically Perfect
With the return of balmy nights and sunny days, now is the time to refresh your outdoor living area.
In partnership with WG OUTDOOR LIFE • Words ELIZABETH CLARKE
IMAGE: Litestone Harper Outdoor Dining Table in White Concrete and Serralunga Croisette Dining Chair in Mint.
As the weather gets warmer, you may feel the urge to return to the garden, dine al fresco, and savour your first sip of morning coffee in the sunshine; that’s right, it’s time to take life outside. So how do your outdoor spaces stack up? Luckily, their state and size are not as important as how you utilise them with outdoor decor and furnishings.
"Iconic Italian brand Serralunga ticks all the boxes when it comes to creating outdoor spaces that are just as beautiful as indoors," says Anna Stafford from WG Outdoor Life in Osborne Park, one of the largest stockists of the brand in Australia. "Serralunga excels in pushing the boundaries of materials, technologies and aesthetics, which results in the creation of beautiful, design-led products that look great and stand the test of time."
From striking sculptural planters and spherical lights to sleek geometric tables and chic, comfy chairs, Serralunga utilises cutting-edge rotational moulding processes to maximise form and functionality. Weather-resistant and lightweight, the range effortlessly enables seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Established in 1825 in Biella, in the northern Italian region of Piedmont, Serralunga initially operated as a tannery before transitioning to plastic processing and rotational moulding technology. The brand is still based there, operating from a 12,000 sqm plant creating around 200,000 outdoor furnishings annually, designed in collaboration with renowned creatives such as architect Zaha Hadid.
“Serralunga’s collaborative projects have produced a fusion of unique shapes and interpretations that turn a purely functional item into a striking piece that elevates the beauty and comfort of outdoor spaces,” Anna says.
Have a seat
There's no better place to relax and enjoy good food, wine and conversation than around your dining table. Luckily, advancements in outdoor furniture have made alfresco dining just as stylish and comfortable as indoors.
The Bay lounge chair, by designer Raffaella Mangiarotti for Serralunga, is a modern and compact piece available in a variety of colours that is not just fashionable and functional but environmentally conscious. Fully UV stabilised and 100 percent recyclable, the Bay exhibits remarkable strength and impact resistance, making it well equipped to withstand weather, kids and outdoor living.
The classic Croisette style, designed by Florent Coirier for Serralunga, draws inspiration from classic handcrafted wooden chairs. Made of polypropylene from urban recycling with 20 percent glass fibre, it is lightweight, robust and stackable, making it perfect for residential and commercial use. It is also a beautiful match for WG Outdoor Life’s popular concrete dining table range.
Pair both styles with the multi-purpose Cero stool, a playful sculptural piece crafted from polyethylene and characterised by its open, abstract shape. “Being a small stool or almost an ottoman, the Cero is very functional and complements many settings, whilst offering a lightweight, easy-to-move-around piece of furniture for extra seating for a casual chat,” says architect Craig Steere from CSA. Complete your setting with little side tables such as the Juju, a curvy side table designed by Garth Roberts or the more angular LouLou garden table by Mangiarotti.
IMAGE: Serralunga Bay Lounge Chair in Black and Serralunga Juju Side Table in Salvia.
Take the plunge
Lounging by the pool is arguably one of our favourite summer pastimes and Serralunga elevates the experience with its Aqua Sun Lounger, designed in partnership with Marc Sadler. As comfortable in the garden and poolside as it is in the water, its sleek profile and ergonomic design offer optimal comfort and style. It is made of durable, long-lasting UV-stabilised polyethylene material and can sit in water up to 20cm thanks to an accompanying Aqua Riser, connected to the Aqua Lounger via four connection points. You can also place your drink or book on a matching Aqua Side Table, designed to be positioned alongside the Aqua Lounger on land and in the water.
IMAGE: Serralunga Aqua Sun Lounger in White with Litestone Circa Stools in Weathered Cement.
Delightful décor
Perk up your outdoor spaces and make a personal statement with functional sculpture. “The Serralunga range offers inspiration for unique and colourful statement pieces for that special visual experience,” says Craig. “The moulded plastic construction is easy to clean and very durable in our harsh WA sun and for coastal installations. For those real statement pieces or perhaps for those spaces that just need a bit of a lift, their extensive colour ranges provide no excuses for not having a play.”
The beautifully crafted Paloma and Pulcino Bird sculptures, designed by Eero Aarnio, are elegant and minimal and bring a playful touch to any setting, whether displayed in pairs or alone. Surprisingly lightweight, they are very sturdy and chip-resistant due to their commercial-grade polyethylene construction. These sculptures also can light up and be used as small seats.
IMAGE: Serralunga Pulcino Bird sculptures in (L-R) Impruneta, Origano and Salvia
Light me up
Eye-catching outdoor lighting can make all the difference to a garden and alfresco space, says Anna. “Don’t be afraid to get creative with unique lighting fixtures that can completely transform any outdoor space,” she says. “They create the perfect atmosphere for entertaining and create ambience at night.”
The Serralunga Atmosfera outdoor light, with its gentle and mesmerising glow, is ideal for gardens and patios. Spherically shaped and available in a range of sizes, it is engineered to withstand all climatic conditions and has a remote control for colour and brightness adjustment.
“We selected these beautiful lights for a special home for their durability, simple sculptural form and unique ability to display an array of LED colours,” says Craig. For those who love to entertain but don’t have an expansive outdoor space, the Atmosfera light is a beautiful, ambient and functional light that takes up only a small footprint, leaving maximum room for mingling.
IMAGE: Serralunga Atmosfera Outdoor Lights
Top of the pots
When creating a garden, patio or outdoor space, we often direct most of our attention to the larger elements such as trees, planting beds and furniture. However, the impact of potted plants shouldn't be underestimated, says leading landscape designer Tim Davies.
“Potted plants are essential elements in outdoor design that significantly elevate the overall aesthetic of a space,” he says. “By creating visual cues that establish hierarchy within the layout, potted plants can frame entryways, draw the eye to feature gardens, and even conceal imperfections while introducing planting where it might otherwise not be possible. Using pots of varying heights and sizes creates visual interest, drawing the eye and encouraging exploration of the space.”
Potted plants are incredibly versatile and have the potential to become eye-catching sculptural focal points in their own right. Serralunga offers a diverse range of visually appealing planters, including trough and fence planters, vertical gardens and elegant cup designs, all of which can enhance any space.
“I choose pots based on what will harmonise with the architecture of the home,” says Tim. “Serralunga’s Cup planters feature a modern yet timeless design, making them ideal for most gardens. They can be featured on their own or beautifully arranged in a trio for added visual impact. The Graniglia bowl adds an elegant touch when displayed independently. Both the planters and bowls come in a variety of colours, providing versatility in design.”
The Eufronio range, designed in collaboration with Paolo Rizzatto, offers a versatile and innovative approach to planters. The reversible pot can be positioned to create either a flared or tapered effect, providing flexible options for different plant species and design preferences. Featuring a beautiful scalloped surface that pays homage to traditional Roman columns, its definitive shape allows for seamless integration into various settings, making it a statement piece in any environment.
“We have recently incorporated one of these inside a home as we were looking for a large-scale piece to add life and colour with some greenery inside,” says Craig. “Its tall, fluted form offers that unique sculptural statement piece and, being plastic, you don't need to worry about a damp pot damaging your flooring.”
Another collection, the Cassero, designed by Patricia Urquiola for Serralunga, is inspired by industrial concrete architecture. Available in long and tall styles and in various colours, the collection is crafted from lightweight polyethylene and features a hand-cast, cement-like texture that evokes the solidity of concrete structures. It seamlessly integrates plants into interior decor, enriching every corner of your home.
IMAGE: Serralunga Cassero Tall Planter by Patricia Urquiola in Origano
WG Outdoor Life
14 Drake Street, Osborne Park
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