Outside is the new inside 

Year-round comfort and design in the outdoor area

It was a trend at first, but the tendency to extend indoor space to outdoors and prolong the outdoor season has proved to be a lasting cultural change. Canopies, verandas and heaters make it possible to sit outside all year round. “You see this increasingly even in the Netherlands,” says Marco van Loon, importer of Talenti Outdoor. “In Amsterdam, for example, terraces everywhere are full in autumn. It shows that outdoor spaces have become essential in hospitality.”

As the outdoor space has become a full part of the overall guest experience, hotels are investing in terraces, patios and roof gardens, where guests can relax in style. “Here, hotels want the ambience of the interior to flow seamlessly into the terrace or garden. Outside is no longer just the place for a table and two chairs, it has become a full-fledged lounge environment.” Italian manufacturer Talenti contributes to this with designer furniture that combines aesthetics, comfort and durability. 

From neutral to outspoken 

According to van Loon, there is a clear shift in style and use of colour in the upper segment. “Whereas people used to opt mainly for graphite or beige, hotels today dare to show colour. For instance, our red shades score very well internationally. Colour brings emotion, warmth and familiarity, exactly what guests appreciate.” 

Materials are also evolving rapidly. Aluminium and steel are still popular, often combined with cord or with a modern interpretation of wicker. “Real wicker has been out of the picture for a while, but is coming back. Next year, for example, this can be seen in Talenti's new Bond collection. In this series, the material has a mocha colour, combined with tempered glass and rounded shapes. This gives a subtle retro look, but with a contemporary twist.” 

Comfort and modularity 

Another important development that van Loon recognises is the desire to sit outside as comfortably as inside. “People want to relax, not sit upright at a table. Lounge corners with sofas and armchairs are popular. This is why Talenti offers many modular solutions that allow hotels to respond flexibly to available space and seasons.” 

The Italian company works with leading designers such as Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, Ramón Esteve, Jean Philippe Nuel, and Marco Acerbis for the Bond collection. “Design is not an afterthought for Talenti, but the starting point,” van Loon stresses. “Many new collections are released every year; this is really a strength of the brand over competitors.” 

Besides design and comfort, durability is an important issue. Talenti's materials are weather-resistant but do not feel synthetic. “Italian outdoor fabrics are soft, comfortable and luxurious, without that plasticky feel you still encounter with many other brands.” 

“It's not just about furniture anymore,” van Loon concludes. “It's about experience, identity and the art of making indoors and outdoors one.” Year-round comfort and design in outdoor spaces.