Interiors and exteriors are merging into a continuous environment to reflect modern lifestyles.

Contemporary bathrooms are awash with organic, nature-inspired ware and pebbled panels. Mirrors, lamps and vases, meanwhile, have taken a stylish step into the great outdoors. Outdoor walls are being woken up with exterior wallpaper by UK designer Susan Bradley. And just as we are zoning our internal living spaces, outdoor areas are being divided into dining, seating and play sections.

The good news for those planning on forking out for some outdoor furniture is that a lot of the latest looks are designed with an 'in/out' philosophy.

The new Kolorado collection by Mark Robson for Sifas, which features laminated glued beech slats on a stainless steel structure, is just one example. Including low and lounge chairs, a foot rest and coffee table, the sculptured complex surfaces convey a feeling of well-being and comfort.

With all that talk of global warming, it's nice to know that this line, like numerous others being launched, is environmentally friendly. The beech is treated to stabilise the wood using an ecological chemical process to make it long-lasting.

Habitat is also in on the eco act with a range to help us reduce our carbon footprint without compromising on style.

The offering includes a water collector from Garden Trading that allows the re-use of rainwater with a funky attached watering can.

This drought buster offers a hefty 36-litre capacity and allows us to do our bit for the environment by placing one or more of the water butts in an exposed area outside or under a downpipe. The collector's flat back means it can be wall mounted.

Oskar for Sifas by Eric Carrere is a foldable director's chair and Dagobert chair in self-supporting canvas that can be folded away and used both inside and outdoors.

According to Rosa Aznar, director of communication at the Barcelona-based Kettal Group, the latest trend is for clean, organic designs with soft curves for all types of furniture, but especially sofas and armchairs.

Wide modular sofas with interchangeable seating, curvaceousness and texture are huge, says Aznar. "The sofa is the centerpiece, large and comfortable.

"Garden furniture is now more generously sized and is becoming more suitable for indoor use.

"Aesthetics have improved while the essence has been maintained. There is an emphasis on practicability and above all, the greatest weather-resistance possible, " she says.

An array of styles are available, with the use of powerful colours in minimal, spare environments modish, Aznar says.

"The industrial contrasts of black and white will be a great success this season, as well as citrus shades, brilliant, glowing and flat colours, " she predicts.

Maximising space in outdoor areas is a priority for many. The Kettal Group's offering incorporates folding, stackable and adjustable furniture as well as foldaway canopies and roll up sunshades.

"This type of furniture is very easy to store or put away when necessary which, in the long run is very useful, " remarks Aznar.

Kettal's Maia collection, designed by Patricia Urquiola, provides an industrial reinterpretation of handcrafted plaiting.

It moves away from archetypal plaited furniture through the use of contemporary geometry.

The furniture gains in lightness and modernity by combining high-tech fibre and a broad aluminum structure, according to Aznar. The design is finished with comfortable three-dimensional cushions made of innovative three-dimensional polyester cloth, used in sportswear, bonded to a layer of fine polyurethane foam.

"This is an outdoor cover and it is easy to maintain. It can be machine-washed and ironed. The fabric is washable, can be ironed and is 100% polyester. It is perfectly fitted to the design of the furniture and is attached with the innovative and very versatile 'cord stopper' fastening system, " says Aznar.

The new Jorge Pensi deck chair for Triconfort is making waves. Launched by Triconfort, the new Biarritz double deck chair features a swivel system. This indulgent double outdoor bed has an addon canopy for sun protection.

Marks & Spencer has also developed an all-weather daybed that is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

The rattan relaxer sells for 1,575.

Serralunga also creates striking pieces for both interiors and exteriors. Its Paola Rizzatto-designed armless bench is a savvy solution for small spaces.

Another hot seat is Christophe Pillet's Loop polyethylene bench, characterised by its external chrome surface and the lightness of its open shape.

Sculpted vases, including some gorgeous giant models, chic chairs, a large pouffe and colourful accessories are featured in Serralunga's eye-grabbing collection, which recently expanded into outdoor illumination. No wonder the current catchcry is "let's go outside".

USEFUL CONTACTS

>> Kettal Group: Kennedy O'Hagan Ltd, 2 Exchange Street Upper, Dublin 8, 01-633 7760
>> Merton Home & Gardens: www. mertonhomeandgardens.com
>> Serralunga: www. serralunga. com
>> Sifas: Galleria Designs, Briar Hill Business Park, Galway, 091-764 546
>> Susan Bradley: www. susanbradley. co. uk