Design destinations: summer sun
This summer’s not just about the World Cup - once the football finishes, will you be packing your bags and jumping on a jet? Read on for our pick of a few design-led destinations which should be on your summer shortlist.
A secret spot on Croatia’s southern coast for so long, Dubrovnik is a perfect destination for a summer break - set on the shores of the emerald green Adriatic Sea, this beautiful city boasts distinctive architecture bounded by medieval limestone walls. Enjoy views over Dubrovnik as you sip your sundowners at the fabulous Villa Dubrovnik - once the preserve of local political elites, this luxurious hotel has reopened following a £22m renovation and brings together Venetian history, Croatian creativity with great style and service.
We love the elegant whites and earth tones of the bedrooms and suites, but it’s the outside spaces which really sell Villa Dubrovnik - the expansive terrace and garden give guests plenty of options to enjoy the view throughout the day, sitting comfortably on cushioned armchairs underneath fragrant pine trees.
The Lamorisse outdoor armchair would sit perfectly in this space - its aluminium frame is available in a choice of colours and finishes and is topped with an enveloping cushion for real comfort.
Our Madrid armchair would be a great fit for the waterside restaurant - choose a metal or wooden frame with a woven seat in back in dove grey or natural PL rope.
Foodies will find much to enjoy at the Sublime Comporta in Portugal’s Alentejo, with most of the produce on offer grown, fished or farmed within just a few kilometres of this fabulous resort. Stylish timber-framed villas and suites are nestled in a tranquil forest setting, with white sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see.
Furniture is simple and stylish, with pale upholstery, natural wood and textural touches. The Griante side chair would sit perfectly alongside the villa’s large dining table - a piece that can be used both inside and outside.
The resort includes restaurants and bars to cater for every appetite, from fine dining to pizza, but we’d choose the beach club every day - sunbleached timbers and natural textures with floor-to-ceiling windows giving a view over the stunning white sand and Atlantic coastline. Our Palm side chair brings a touch of bohemian style, with a seat and back made from weather-resistant rattan and a slim black steel frame. It’s practical too - delivered fully assembled so it’s ready to go and stackable to give maximum flexibility. And if you need seating quickly then it’s available fast as part of our Express shipping selection.
The legendary Don Carlos has been an icon of luxury and sophistication in Marbella since 1969. The grand hotel has recently reopened its doors after a full refurbishment and has been acclaimed as one of the great European projects of the year. From the lobby’s softly curved seating and lush painted wall decor to the elegant bedrooms and state-of-the-art indoor spa, the new Don Carlos promises a glamorous getaway.
The Nebulone sofa’s sleep curves are fully upholstered in premium fabrics or leather - just add cushions in soft gelato shades to bring a touch of vintage chic to a hotel lobby or lounge.
Add some additional striking seating from our collection of lounge chairs - the Lana IV lounge is crafted in Portugal with a focus on comfort and artisanal detail and available in your choice of fabric or leather upholstery.
Enjoy the Andalucian sunshine with coffee on the terrace - sit back and relax in our Panarea Armchair. A great choice for any outdoor bar or restaurant, its generous size and colourful finish makes it simple to find a style to suit your space.
We couldn’t think about summer sun without including Ibiza - the white island has long had our hearts and is a perennial favourite. The northern tip of the island is home to the Six Senses resort - a destination which celebrates everything about Ibiza from music, culture and art to food and wellness. Accommodation ranges from compact courtyard Hideaway rooms to suites, villas and a spectacular 10-bedroom mansion - we’d choose any of the seaview options, with the sliding doors open to bring in the Balearic breeze and enjoy the sparkling sea below.
Our Leonora lounge chair is a great choice for hotel bedrooms, bars, lobbies and lounges - the sculptural solid timber frame is available in natural wood or stained to suit your interior, with upholstery in fabric, leather or faux leather as used in our project at the Hotel Indigo, Newcastle.
Natural wood features in the restaurants and bars too - alongside woven rattan and cane seating to bring a rustic touch as you dine underneath gnarled olive trees. Our Dorothea collection includes a side chair, arm chair and lounge chair which all feature a rattan backrest crafted from Indian cane. Set within an ash-wood frame, the padded seat is covered with a luxurious double layer of mid-grain leather which is combined with webbing underneath to create a really strong seat.
You’ll find many more brand new pieces in our collection later this year, and we’re excited to see them in use in future projects. To keep up to date with our latest collection and new additions to our contract furniture range, join our mailing list and look out for our regular email newsletters, or follow us on Instagram.
