In the bustling streets of New York, there’s a growing trend towards creating personal sanctuaries in the midst of urban chaos. People are increasingly appreciating the value of outdoor spaces, be it a cozy balcony in a Brooklyn brownstone or a sprawling garden in a Manhattan penthouse. This shift has led to a surge in demand for quality outdoor furniture especially that made of solid wood, which blends the charm of nature with the robustness needed for city life.
The inclination started during the pandemic, where people were forced to experiment with open areas, as a means of safety and comfort. Nowadays, with many working from home, the outdoor retreat is an integral part of the property. Our research shows an increase in demand for outdoor furniture, which has carved a sub-niche in the industry.
Commercial charm: outdoor furniture in public venues
It’s not just residences that are transforming; commercial venues across New York are also recognizing the allure of well-designed outdoor lobbies and gardens. From chic rooftop bars to quaint café patios, establishments are investing in garden furniture that offers both style and durability. This trend underlines a fundamental shift in how New Yorkers view their shared spaces – as extensions of their personal style and as oases in a concrete jungle.
The trend began during the summer of 2020, but it never showed signs of slowing down. Today, as we enter 2024, the outdoor lounge remains indispensable. People love to spend time in nature, and venue owners recognize this preference as a valid reason for investment. According to one Statista report that analyzes the outdoor furniture market in the US outdoor dining sets are responsible for more than 80% of the total revenue.
Beyond retail: the appeal of bespoke wooden furniture
While mass-produced furniture is readily available, discerning New Yorkers are turning towards bespoke pieces for their unique appeal. We spoke with Alireza Yavari, co-founder of SENTIENT Furniture, a Brooklyn-based boutique that epitomizes this trend. “Our clients seek something beyond the ordinary,” explains Yavari. “They want furniture that tells a story, that’s tailored to their space and lifestyle.”
SENTIENT’s team of skilled designers and craftsmen specialize in manufacturing solid wood outdoor furniture that transcends the practical, embracing the qualities of the artistic. “It takes a concentrated effort to make stylish and durable products that are able to withstand the weather”, Yavari told us. “There is quite a lot of ingenuity and expertise that goes into coming up with design choices, selecting the right wood species, and making each model by hand”. He emphasizes the importance of team work, and highlights the fact that Brooklyn offers some of the best talent for old-world craftsmanship that is ready to move the furniture industry forward.
Luxury from aesthetics and sustainability
At the pedestal of luxury outdoor collections, solid wood reigns supreme. It’s not just about the aesthetic versatility it offers; there’s a growing consciousness about using eco-friendly and sustainable materials. New Yorkers, known for their sophisticated taste, are increasingly opting for furniture that aligns with these values. Additionally, the durability of solid wood, particularly when sourced from resilient South American species, ensures that these models withstand the test of time and the constant exposure to the elements.
The Technical Edge: Why South American Wood?
Diving deeper into the technical characteristics, the preference for South American imports in outdoor furniture isn’t just about aesthetics. These wood species boast properties like high density, extremely high content of natural oils, and a robust structure, making them ideal for withstanding New York’s varied climate. From resisting moisture and decay to maintaining their integrity under sun exposure, South American wood species offer a perfect blend of beauty and resilience, making them the material of choice for outdoor furniture collections.
We also asked Alireza about the workability of species such as Acacia, Ipe, Tigerwood, Teak and Eucalyptus, and learned that South American wood is generally much easier to work with. For designer furniture that relies on handmade models, this feature is definitely one of the most important factors to consider as it affects the manufacturing process, making it easier and more sustainable.
Their intrinsic properties, Alireza informed us, protect against insects and rot, and make the surface of the wood much more resilient to sun exposure, preventing the all too frequent discoloration that is associated with outdoor surfaces. Paired with the proper finishing coats, wooden outdoor furniture can be a long lasting solution for the garden, which is why restaurants and hotel lobbies often prefer it for their outdoor retreats.
What’s in the future for outdoor furniture?
New York is to the furniture market what Paris is to fashion, so it is safe to assume that local trends are bound to reverberate across the nation. According to Alireza, wooden outdoor furniture is expected to grow even more in popularity, but it’s easy to anticipate a renowned interest for design choices that pair materials together, expanding the boundaries of aesthetic taste.
Alireza expects deepening of the interest for bespoke pieces, as it is custom models that allow for seamless integration between renewable materials, stone, ceramics, glass, metal and wood. Outdoor furniture that boasts different material highlights is appearing across the design landscape, setting a standard for continual innovation and aesthetic excellence.