As we wait for the weather to start warming up, it’s time to start planning your outdoor space to ensure it has maximum impact in the style stakes, as well as providing the perfect oasis for entertaining. Let’s take a look at the biggest trends that have been forecast for sofas this year…
Multi–directional seating for social spaces
People will be using the ‘L-word’ for L-shaped sofas this year, along with other modular set-ups, thanks to the ease with which they keep conversations flowing, enhance entertaining, and provide a multi-functional seat situation for all uses.
Multi-directional seating is set to be big this year, as people get fed up with the effort required to face another person and talk directly to them on a traditional straight sofa – from craning necks and propped cushions to practically having to sit cross-legged. Modular sofas in L- or U-shapes are ideal for socialising, creating a perfect environment for conversation and relaxed entertaining. They provide a more interesting aesthetic and can break a space up into different zones or fill a corner more efficiently than two straight sofas. Perfect for dual-purpose areas, allowing one person to lounge or sunbathe, while others sit and chat or grab a bite to eat.
Explore this style with any one of our modular corner units, including the Deluxe U-shape corner sets in our Panama and Bahamas collections, the Amber Corner Coffee Set, or create the look with the Topaz Casual Dining set.
Space-saving shelf ends
Not everyone has space for occasional tables, side tables or other handy bits of furniture to pull out when guests need somewhere to put their drink, which is why seating with shelf tables at the back or end are becoming increasing popular. In fact, some trend experts believe this could be the year we say goodbye to coffee tables for furniture with built-in versions!
The shelf ends can either be used for small decorative objects, reading material and refreshments, or they can create storage in between seats or at the end of them. Not only are they a handy space, as seating areas evolve and become more multi-functional but they also give soft furnishings more character.
The beauty of our furniture is that it is suitable for use inside and out, so you can use our Topaz sofas with their FSC-teak shelf tables to create this aesthetic inside your home just as easily as in your garden or balcony. In fact, the lightweight aluminium frames used in this collection mean you don’t even have to decide between the two and can relocate furniture as and when you see fit.
The magic of ‘mismatched’
Forget that ‘matchy-matchy’ look when it comes to textiles because trend forecasters say colour clashing is going to be a key trend this year. Embrace the maximalist look, with cushions that celebrate a clash of colour and pattern. Treat textiles as art and bring together two or three patterns you love to create a unique composition. If you don’t feel like being bold or minimalism is more your style, then you can create a bit more unity by choosing cushions that have an overarching theme or colour that bring them together.
You can have just as much fun by mixing and matching the colour of your seating with our stunning Nassau collection. Choose from a beautiful palette of Sage Green, Peony Pink, Honey Yellow, Mint Green and DuraOcean® Dark Green or opt for the 6-seater rectangular mixed dining set – Social Plastic® for a carnival of colour.
Colour is key
Experts predict that 2024 is going to be a year of colour, with people taking bigger risks and being bolder with both colour and designs. Deep sky blue, vibrant reds and oranges, charcoal grey and soft black, playful purples, and earthy green hues are all expected to be big. Neutrals will still be on trend, with sandy beiges, mushroom brown, biscuit, cream and other nature-inspired tones proving firm favourites.
At LifestyleGarden®, we like to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to décor trends, so you can rest assured that we have a palette to of statement-making hues to enhance your space. Add a touch of serene blue to your garden with our Garnet collection, or harness the chic soft black and charcoal grey aesthetic with Panama Dark. For those muted cream and biscuit tones, you can’t go wrong with our showstopping Bahamas collection.
