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You could just opt for a simplistic set of stackable plastic outdoor furniture for the sake of cost and convenience - but if you’re aiming for a resort-calibre poolside environment, or if you’ve read our pointers regarding swimming pool design, you may also be interested in reading our tips on embellishing your poolside to match the aesthetics of the world’s most scenic holiday villas.

The narrow profiles and lightweight compositions of minimalist furnishings provide the practical functions of seating and table surfaces without interrupting a picturesque backdrop. In the pictured poolside decorated by Les Asia, the scenic panorama of the lush greenery and far-flung blue-green slopes is preserved through the white plastic cane webbing of the Vera lounge chair from the Chiaramonte–Marin design studio.

White furnishings tend to provide a layer of elegance to classically-inspired outdoor environments composed of manicured gardens, brick-lined water bodies, and antique fountains. With contemporary frames and semi-transparent elements, the pictured patio furniture bridges the thematic gap between the classical garden background and the countryside aesthetics evoked by the expanse of wood deck flooring in the foreground.

While white furniture may complement a classical décor, or may be intentionally used to provide seating arrangements with greater emphasis, the predominance of greys in modern architectural finishes often lead to the creation of potentially disconcerting monochromatic contrasts. The previously pictured furniture set is presented in an optional finish of grey to complement the preferred present-day combination of stone, steel, and glass.

The pictured left and right-handed Brafta sectional ends, from the Skyline brand of designer outdoor furniture, are combined to assemble a lounger fit for two on this poolside. The cane weaved backs of these loungers are of a height similar to the planter boxes in the background, creating the impression of upholstery nestled into a rocky nook.

A display of contrasted forms provides a brief respite from spaces designed in strict adherence to the modern aesthetic. The pictured poolside is composed with an abundance of straight lines and right angles serving as implied borders around the circular furniture.