Beautiful design made for life
Suzanne McNamara spoke with Sara Jennings for tips on what to look for in outdoor furniture and advice for furnishing an apartment.
SAGE. Lifestyle focuses on stylish design, quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship that bring furniture to life. Its pieces feature a high-end finish, with customisation a strong suit. At SAGE. Lifestyle, if you love a design but need a different size, shape or colour, they can tailor it to fit your space.
The SAGE. showroom features a wide array of beautiful pieces, including Scandinavian sideboards, tables, luxurious sofas and lounge chairs. SAGE. offers furniture for every room and an extensive range of handcrafted outdoor furniture designed for the New Zealand climate.
SAGE. Lifestyle’s director Sara Jennings is a proponent of clean lines and functional, durable products made for everyday use. According to Sara, with proper care, quality furniture can last for years.
Sara’s top advice is to consider how you want to use your outdoor space, which areas are most important, and where you will spend the most time. “Answering these questions will help refine your furniture choices and guide your budget towards essential pieces, such as a sofa, lounge chairs, or dining chairs,” Sara explains.
Sara also emphasises the importance of examining the quality – materials, finishes, and the origin of the furniture. “Quality goes beyond appearance,” she says.
“Cheaper options might look appealing, but won’t withstand Auckland’s climate.Comfort is crucial, so test the furniture to ensure the dining chair and table heights work well together.”
For apartment dwellers with limited space, Sara recommends opting for multifunctional furniture. Mix indoor and outdoor materials to extend usability. Modern outdoor materials now feature softer and more textured fabrics.
In apartments, consider intelligent storage solutions and multifunctional pieces, such as dining tables with pullout drawers and well-designed cabinets. “Opt for a quality modular sofa with a recliner or designer sofas that double as beds. Minimise the number of furniture pieces while maximising functionality and comfort,” advises Sara. “Avoid cluttering the space with multiple small pieces, as this can make an apartment feel even smaller.”
At SAGE. Lifestyle, you’ll find a blend of Scandinavian, European and Asian influences, with clean lines and warm materials.
Visit its website to explore a comprehensive range of outdoor furniture not all of which can be displayed in the showroom.
At SAGE.’s showroom on the corner of 10 Mt Eden and Boston Road, you can immerse yourself in a stylish collection of sofas, modular suites, lounge chairs and dining furniture, all designed and produced by Saloni.
Inquire about their house and apartment furniture packages, as well as custom design and manufacturing services for commercial projects, including retirement villages, apartments and luxury hotels.
Parking is available under the building, accessible from Boston Road.
Outdoor furniture trends
Current trends highlight the use of mixed materials and textures, such as combining outdoor weaves with marine ropes. Earthy, nature-inspired colours, along with classic hues that stand the test of time, are in vogue. Modular seating remains popular for its versatility, while round and square dining tables are favoured for fostering better guest interaction.
Comfort is paramount. As outdoor spaces increasingly become extensions of indoor living areas, people desire year-round usability.
At SAGE., a variety of Sunbrella fabrics are available and custom fabrics can be ordered to personalise your furniture to your exact preferences.
How to care for your outdoor furniture
Investing in high-quality furniture ensures longevity. For routine cleaning, use a soft brush and mild soapy water to clean teak, outdoor weaves, marine ropes and Sunbrella fabrics. Rinse with clean cold water from a bucket or garden hose. Avoid wire brushes, hard bristle brushes and high- pressure washers.
Specific care instructions are available for aluminium and metal furniture, as well as additional sealing and cleaning options for teak. For detailed maintenance guidelines, visit the Outdoor Furniture Care section on the SAGE. Lifestyle website.