The revolution of outdoor design in living spaces through 12 interviews on the concept and current trends in outdoor furniture design.
The design industry is undergoing a silent revolution: outdoorism is emerging as a trend that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, transforming patios, terraces, and gardens into natural extensions of our homes.
At the latest edition of the Habitat Valencia Fair, Musola launched a project titled "outdoor feeling", the brand's payoff, conducting interviews with top experts in the sector who shared their valuable insights on the concept and current trends in outdoor furniture design.
Journalists, designers, and interior architects from different fields converge on a unanimous message: outdoor furniture is no longer a secondary element but a key player in contemporary design.
Among the interviewees were Emerio Arena, co-director of Room Diseño magazine; Alex Selma and Clara del Portillo from Yonoh Studio, designers of the Canasta chair; Ramón Arnau and Mariola Reyna from the Arnau Reyna design studio; Alejandro Valdés, industrial designer; Gemma Tost, editor-in-chief of On Diseño; Carlos Guijarro, industrial designer; Rubén Molina, designer from the Musola design team; Daniel Marco, director of the Habitat Fair; Jorge Lope, director of Cosentino's project channel in Europe; Juan Francisco Fuentes-Lojo, architect and director of Diariodesign; Teresa Herrero, journalist and founder of the digital magazine Teresa Herrero Living; and Verónica Montijano and Jose Arroyo, interior designers.
The key aspects of this transformation are based on several fundamental pillars:
Sustainability as the DNA of Design
Nearly all experts agree that sustainability is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement. From Emerio Arena, co-director of Room Diseño, to Daniel Marco, director of the Habitat Fair, environmental responsibility has become the heart of outdoor design.
Uncompromising Comfort
Ergonomics and functionality mark a turning point. Alex Selma and Clara del Portillo from Yonoh Studio emphasize that outdoor furniture aims for "comfort and closeness to the user," while Carlos Guijarro seeks "a unique and versatile aesthetic" that goes beyond mere decoration.
Emotional Connection with the Environment
The pandemic has accelerated a long-brewing trend: reconnecting with nature. Teresa Herrero, a journalist specializing in design, highlights the "blurring of boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces," a philosophy strongly supported by Verónica Montijano and Jose Arroyo.
Technological Innovations at the Core of the Revolution
Rubén Molina, designer at Musola, emphasizes the incorporation of materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and polypropylene, while Jorge Lope from Cosentino highlights innovations such as Dekton surfaces, which adapt to various climate conditions.
More Than Just Functionality: A Sensory Experience
This new generation of outdoor furniture goes beyond functionality to become a sensory experience. Architect Juan Francisco Fuentes-Lojo describes "outdoor spaces as healing agents", a vision that extends beyond aesthetics to touch almost therapeutic dimensions.
What Does 'Outdoor Feeling' Mean to the Experts?
A common question posed to all interviewees was their interpretation of "outdoor feeling", Musola's brand promise. Their perspectives vary, but they all emphasize its crucial role in outdoor furniture design.
The concept of "outdoor feeling" has been interpreted in various ways by the interviewed experts, all agreeing on its importance for outdoor furniture design.
Emerio Arena highlights the Mediterranean connection with the outdoors, where enjoying the open air is an essential part of the culture. For him, the "outdoor feeling" is a key advantage for Spain’s industry in this sector.
Alex Selma and Clara del Portillo from Yonoh Studio, designers of Musola’s Canasta chair, see the "outdoor feeling" as the connection with the outdoors and interaction with outdoor furniture. They emphasize the importance of products that facilitate shared moments with family and friends, being easy to move and comfortable.
Other experts, such as designer Alejandro Valdés and journalist Gemma Tost, associate the "outdoor feeling" with creating pieces that enhance the outdoor experience by combining comfort and aesthetics, as well as fulfilling the human need to be in contact with nature and sunlight.
Carlos Guijarro describes the "outdoor feeling" as a sense of connection with nature, while Rubén Molina sees it as the creation of environments that invite people to spend time outdoors in comfort.
Boira design Carlos Guijarro
Daniel Marco and Jorge López highlight the importance of natural and sustainable materials, as well as well-designed outdoor spaces that encourage the enjoyment of open-air living. Finally, Juan Francisco Fuentes-Lojo, Teresa Herrero, Verónica Montijano and Jose Arroyo agree that the "outdoor feeling" evokes a sense of relaxation and connection with the outdoors, essential for well-being and the enjoyment of pleasant moments with friends and family.
In summary, experts view the "outdoor feeling" as an essential connection with nature that promotes well-being, comfort, and social interaction in well-designed and sustainable outdoor spaces.
Moreover, the future envisioned by these experts is promising: a democratization of outdoor design that will reach broader market segments, with products that combine technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and a deep emotional connection with the surroundings. Outdoor living is here to stay, transforming our relationship with open spaces and reminding us that design knows no boundaries.
Watch the interviews!
About Musola
Musola embodies a lifestyle, not just a furniture brand. Rooted in the Mediterranean, its products are designed for outdoor spaces with nods to interiors. Founded in 2018, Musola inherits the expertise of Mobiliario Auxiliar de Diseño, owners of renowned brands like Mobliberica and Dressy. Specializing in sustainable, durable furniture—from chairs to cushions—crafted with premium materials, it offers over 40 table finishes and fabrics by Sunbrella and Agora, tailoring every space to perfection. Collaborating with local designers such as Santiago Sevillano, Javier Herrero, and Yonoh Studio, Musola creates products with a unique Mediterranean touch. Defined by simplicity and joy, its style transforms furniture into cherished pieces that endure over time. Musola transcends mere functionality, creating spaces with soul.
