Livingetc Style Awards 2021 winners: Outdoor category

As chosen by our judges, Livingetc editor Pip McCormac, Livingetc Editorial Director Sarah Spiteri, Livingetc columnists and interior designers Linda Boronkay and Minnie Kemp and fashion stylist legend Lucinda Chambers, these are the best outdoor pieces of furniture and materials you'll want to use in your garden now.

Surfaces - winner: Outdoor Collection by Caesarstone

(Image credit: Caesarstone)

Livingetc has long been a fan of the durability of Caesarstone surfaces. Its kitchen worktops look beautiful and are so much more liveable than natural stone. The judging panel was equally wowed by this inaugural collection of hardwearing, outdoor quartz surfaces, designed specifically by Caesarstone for use in al fresco cooking and dining areas. 

Three shades including a white marble, white concrete and a pale grey concrete complement tiling, stone or decking and are a slick addition to an outdoor entertaining space. “There’s a true smartness to the finish of this range, and it’s so practical and long lasting,” says Pip McCormac.

Shop this collection here.

Storage - winner: Galvanised Metal Freestanding Shelf by String 

(Image credit: String)

This reworked version of the iconic String shelving system is manufactured using durable, galvanised metal designed specifically for all-weather outdoor use. Durable enough to withstand any weather, the freestanding unit can be used for growing herbs, storing gardening tools, cooking utensils, or even zoning your garden. 

“It caters perfectly to the urban gardener who has just discovered growing but doesn’t want to go all country chic” says Pip McCormac.

Shop this storage unit here.

Table - winner: Linear Table by Jennifer Newman

(Image credit: Jennifer Newman)

Linear is constructed from extruded aluminium tubes, which are hand welded and powder-coated to form a watertight structure that can be left outside all year round. This specialist construction method results in almost zero wastage. Unusually for for outdoor furniture, it comes in a variety of bold and beautiful shades, subverting the norms of wood, black and white. It is available in Canary Yellow, Soft White and Khaki. 

“It’s refreshing to see stylish outdoor furniture in a bright colour” says Pip McCormac.

Shop this table here.

Furniture Collection - winner: Latte Chair and Canteen Table by Very Good & Proper

(Image credit: Very Good and Proper)

The first outdoor furniture collection from this British brand includes the Latte Chair and new version of their classic Canteen Table, both created using a sustainable biocomposite. Made using FSC® certified Acoya wood and a biocomposite that combines recycled plastic with hemp fibres, it has a lower CO2-impact making it a sustainable choice that’s made to last. At first glance, it looks like quite a utilitarian design, but the rounded edges, the powder coated finishes and the fact it all feels so comfortable elevates the seeming simplicity of these pieces.

“This collection is just so chic” says Lucinda Chambers. 

Shop this collection here.