The trends - from fashion to design - are all about nature, bright and cheerful colours. Gone are the years of minimalism and functional coldness, now warmth and atmosphere are back. The result is that both interiors and exteriors have a natural feel.

Materials, colours and shapes are inspired by nature, so much so that the leitmotif will no longer be 'we and the earth', but 'we are the earth'. These trends have a message: they encourage us to think about our behaviour as consumers and our environment.

In the garden, the imposing designs with extra-large slabs, oversized benches and giant topiaries as planting materials are no longer an option. Today's garden lover is looking for authenticity, identity, warmth and intimacy.

Heat and atmosphere

Cold minimalism is losing ground to warmth and atmosphere. "Tradition, warmth and spirituality are the new keywords. In recent years, the consumer has become increasingly aware of the value of a garden. A garden is a special outdoor space on the border between private and public life. As a result of this change in mentality, people are more interested in the appearance of the garden, but above all in what they can do with it. The functional use of the space has gained in importance and now goes far beyond just being outside.says Bert Huls. Manufacturers are adapting their products in response to these developments. It's time to get back to nature, so enjoy it!

The bling-bling passes but the design remains: the giant sunbeds and canopy furniture of the past few years seem to be the forgotten ones of the summer. Creativity has found a home elsewhere, in original shapes or clever accessories, but now seems to be ignoring the opulence that was on display just a few years ago.

Resistant materials

Urban gardens are also about simplicity. A few stools, a large table and just a few accessories are enough to add a touch of colour. And not just any colour: white and the primaries (red, blue and yellow) and a few well-behaved stripes. Gone are the rather masculine designs or the overabundance of plants and pop accessories. The focus is on functionality and conviviality to feel good on your balcony.

Among materials, woven resin is everywhere. It must be said that its qualities allow it to bend to the demands of designers who make it take on all possible shapes: rounded, curved or right-angled. All of this while offering unfailing resistance, including to the elements. These qualities are also found in Textilene, a thin and resistant covering that is not affected by mould or temperature variations and is very easy to clean. The must-have of the moment. What more could you want? Warmth, softness," say the critics of these new materials, who consider them too cold. The solution: wood, which has never really left our gardens but is now coming back in a more natural form.