Even if you’re not a member of the monarchy, relaxing in luxurious outdoor furniture from Royal Botania will make you feel like one. This award-winning Belgian manufacturer and designer is known for providing fine craftsmanship, high-quality materials and innovative product lines to customers worldwide. Pieter Van Puyvelde, Marketing Manager at Royal Botania, recently talked to us from Antwerp about the company’s enduring success, popular styles and emerging collections.
Gwen Donovan: How did Royal Botania make its mark on the luxury outdoor furniture marketplace?
Pieter Van Puyvelde: When we began in the early 1990s, luxury and refined design were very limited for outdoor spaces and very rarely found. Our goal was to change that. Our inspiring journey over the years has allowed us to channel our creativity and strive for excellence. The end result is a brand that indulges in comfortable, well-crafted and superbly made outdoor furniture.
GD: What are some of your most popular collections?
PVP: The modular Organix Collection (pictured below), with its lounge elements and circular daybed, is a faithful translation of this and helps to shape organic outdoor living. With its flowing lines, not only does it look highly inviting, but its curves automatically create configurations that draw people together and stimulate conversation. The MOZAIX Lounge (pictured above) is a piece of art! Its large grids in teak, oiled mahogany or aluminum– available in four lengths– allow a wide range of combinations to create your preferred set-up. The Styletto Collection celebrates the brilliance of simplicity and induces a sense of refinement and calm.
GD: How about new outdoor furniture trends in 2023?
PVP: Currently, the trend is toward more rounded, softer styles. However, it’s possible that in the next five years everything will become straighter and more minimalistic again. It’s important not to focus too much on what our competitors are doing and to continue doing our own thing, which is what defines us as a brand.
GD: Your outdoor furnishings look stylish enough to be used indoors—is that one of the aspects of Royal Botania that sets you apart?
PVP: Absolutely, our outdoor furniture is so well-designed and sophisticated that it can easily be used indoors. In fact, many of our customers buy our furniture for their indoor spaces because they love the design so much.
GD: Are your pieces also durable for long-term outdoor use?
PVP: Yes, since we sell to customers and clients around the world, our furniture must be able to withstand all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and UV radiation.
GD: Can you share some future design plans?
PVP: This year we launched two new chairs called Ostrea and Fensi, as well as a brand new lounge collection called Mambo Lounge. These products are currently in production and will be available on terraces this summer. Our aim is to constantly raise the bar and provide the best quality and design in the outdoor furniture market, and to be top of mind for those who are interested in luxury outdoor furniture.
This Or That? Choose one in each pair that appeals to you personally.
- Favorite outdoor view: seaside or countryside? Seaside.
- Outside seating: plush cushions or fully upholstered? Fully upholstered.
- Total relaxation- swinging in a hammock or stretched out on a sunbed? Sunbed.
- Outdoor living: Open-air deck or sheltered terrace? Open-air deck.
- Shade umbrella: classic circular or modern square? Classic circular.
Read more of this series from aspire design and home editor Gwen Donovan, here.
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