The European Influence

Spoga + gafa is described as the world's largest specialist trade fair for the garden and leisure market. Held annually each September in Cologne, Germany, the fair attracted 41,500 trade visitors from 100 countries last year. Close to 2,100 suppliers from 57 countries presented their new products and services covering all aspects of garden care and life.

Borders between indoor and outdoor sectors are blurring stated the 2008 report. Grills and barbecues, pardon the pun, are hot, with motorized systems now doing almost all the work for the barbecuer to ensure greater convenience.

A few of the other items causing a buzz included garden furniture. What used to be mundanely regarded and treated as plain seating and reclining furniture for outdoors has today finally secured a firm place in the domain of cult-status objects.

International designers are increasingly focusing on completely new forms and style statements. Think gently curved lines to replicate ocean waves or even the classic treble clef to serve as the template for seat groups, sun loungers, chairs, sofas and tables. Alongside them are lounge creations in decidedly round forms, which are not only a feast for the eyes, but promise a sense of wellbeing.

Browsing through the new designs one of my favorite images was in the area of garden swings. In Europe, these units have evolved into spectacular beds that come complete with mosquito net and are also presented in fully functional mini versions for restricted space applications. “Complete swing systems with a floating bed in an attractive designer frame with even, lateral pendulum movements promise a ‘paradise-like’ swinging hammock sensation, which helps body and mind to enjoy the deepest relaxation,” promotes one company.

Motorized systems utilize solar energy power plus remote control, to effortlessly and easily direct the unit towards the sun's position. When it gets dark, illumination can be provided to full effect thanks to integrated LEDs. And on cool evenings you can turn on the nearby propane heater to provide cozy warmth.

Trend-setting fabrics include braided natural or synthetic-based materials. Tough in durability and strong in convenience, newly developed sling creations retain their shape and colour even after being exposed to extreme UV levels. In the rain the water runs off and the furniture dries immediately.

Original NASA technology is used in some of this garden furniture: thermo-regulating textiles, which have been developed for astronauts in space to compensate temperature fluctuations. They ensure a pleasant cooling sensation in the back and seat area as furniture covers. When it gets colder in the evening, the intelligent fabric once again emits the stored warmth.