What new features will we see in outdoor next summer? Trends in outdoor furniture in bars and restaurants focus on comfort, sustainability and versatility. And, in response to a growing concern for the environment, natural and recycled materials, such as teak and rattan, dominate the choices. But that's not all. Furniture must be multifunctional, such as tables with storage compartments or modular seating, ideal for optimizing space and adapting to the needs of the venue. And the minimalist design that has reigned in recent years gives way to curved and organic lines, to create cozy and relaxing environments that foster the ‘get together with yourself’ feeling that drives new consumer choices, especially Millennials and Gen Z. We talked about it with some of the protagonists of the Furniture and Technology sector at HostMilano.

Speaking of sustainability, explains Andrea Osti of Blumohito, which designs furnishing elements inspired by greenery and water: “Sustainability is now the present and must be rooted not only in marketing, but in daily operations. Technology supports us in this direction: an online meeting avoids the consumption for an in-person meeting, perhaps for just a few minutes; photovoltaics help us contain costs and pollution. Our products are the result of this culture, and our staff are convinced actors in this process.”

“Our latest or planned products are made with sustainable and technological materials,” adds Lorenzo Crema, General Manager of Crema Outdoor, known in particular for its sun umbrellas. “Sustainability and innovation, combined with the sartorial customization typical of Made in Italy, are the way to engage decision makers in the coming years. For example, our umbrellas are made of 'recycled PET solution dyed outdoor,' a material from plastic bottles, with excellent quality and durability characteristics.”

“The new layouts present a new awareness and culture of livability of outdoor spaces, accompanied by innovation, which will remain for the future,” concludes Gianni Andreetta, Technical and Marketing Operations Director of KE, which specializes in pergolas and awnings. “The design of a new product always involves an in-depth study of these two issues. For example, bioclimatic sensors that connect to software applications, defining smart scenarios that maximize both comfort and energy savings.”

The no-miss place to discover all the innovations is at Host 2025, at fieramilano - Rho from 17 to 21 October 2025.