As we set our clocks ahead for Daylight Saving Time, we also “spring forward” into the warmer season dreaming about enjoying the outdoors. Here are ten of our favorite outdoor furniture designs. Some exist, and some are concepts, but all will inspire an afternoon taking in the fragrance of a fresh new season.

1. Bye, Bye Wind

Designers Marco Marotto and Paola Oliva have come up with an outdoor furniture solution to address those strong breezes that can make dining and entertaining outdoors difficult when a gust comes along. And what about that cool arbor anchored by the two planters? Not to mention the table with molded inset grooves to hold plates, glasses, napkins and even plants so you don’t have to hold them down. Check out the smart and attractive Bye Bye Wind here.

2. Sun and Snow-Loving Woven Outdoor Furniture

The woven COD chair by Israeli designer Rami Tareef for Gaga & Design was one of my favorite pieces at Tent London’s Super Design Gallery. Made for outdoor use, though perfectly suited for interiors as well, it’s constructed of a sophisticated woven closed loop epoxy sleeve over a chrome and steel rod frame. Check out more of the COD (Craft Oriented Design) collection here.

3. Ribbons, Sky Scrapers and Jewelry

While browsing the recent Architectural Digest Home Design for outdoor showers and appliances for outdoor kitchens, I came across some cool new outdoor furniture whose designs were inspired by skyscrapers and wearable architecture. My favorite piece was the Ribbon Chairs, wonderful strips of colorful powder-coated steel woven together to form sculptural seating that would enhance any garden or indoor space. Not sure which I love more, the red or the blue. Take a look and tell me which color is the best.

4. Baptized by Nature: Driftwood Outdoor Furniture with Modern Lines

Every two weeks designer Catherine Op de Beeck scours the French Camargue beaches for driftwood to incorporate into her stylish, modern, and functional furniture collection, Baptized by Nature. Isn’t that romantic? Spy some of her beautiful collection here.

5. Ergonomic, Easy Care, High Style

Kirv is a line of ergonomically designed tubular steel outdoor low-maintenance furniture intended to be left outside all year. Handmade in the UK, the colorful collection built with 304 grade stainless steel with a bit of added chromium and nickel, withstands exposure to the elements due to the steel’s anti-corrosive qualities and strength. Check out the other pieces; they are all fantastic.

6. Plant Furniture and What Lies Beneath the Surface

Say you want a table or a set of tables and you also want some planters. But in your small space you don’t have room for all of them, so you have to choose. No you don’t. Frédéric Malphettes, designer of Végétagère and Anno plant trellis systems, has another clever solution for small spaces. Learn more about his solution here.

7. The Quad Bar: Flexible Furniture For Small Space Entertaining

For those who love to entertain but don’t have the luxury of a grand ballroom to host guests, the Quad Micro Bar by Joe Warren may be the ideal stylish, small space solution. From standing bar table to party-of-four, the unit folds in or out to suit your needs. Here’s how it works.

8. Outdoor Furniture with a Sense of Humor

Italian designer and artist, Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba, echos my feelings exactly when he says (my translation), “I never give up irony; irony is a serious matter. If a good idea is also fun, I cannot resist bringing it to life.” I agree. I can’t resist having fun. Here are 10 indoor-outdoor home and garden pieces deliver a sense of humor to any home and garden space.

9. One Piece, Five Jobs: Lounger, Hammock, Chaise, Rocker, and Side Table

Designers at Leif.DesignPark are thinking double or triple-duty design with Moccar, an outdoor lounger on two wheels that’s great for small urban spaces as it’s easily moved and converts to several individual pieces with multiple uses. You can appreciate Moccar’s flexibility here. 

10. Amelia Earhart Meets Outdoor Design with the Earhart Bench

Reminiscent of the long wings of a plane, Nichetto’s inspiration for his Earhart Bench comes from the famous pilot Amelia Earhart, who disappeared in the 30s flying a red aluminum Lockheed Vega. Designed and constructed of aluminum honeycomb for French company La Chance, the bench is a modern take on the Tête-à-Tête seat, one that shines in any space, in a small urban outdoor or indoor living room. Learn more about the Earhart Bench here.