The art of living well: A collection that shapes life outdoors
Written by
06 April 2026
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3 min read
Outdoor spaces shape how we live, and at Milan Design Week 2026, Roche Bobois will lean into this idea with a new outdoor collection that treats terraces, gardens and poolside environments with the same care and design detail as the interior. The result is more than a furniture collection: it’s an extension of the brand’s vision of French art de vivre, the ‘art of living well’.
Catalina: Behind the design
This vision is shared by designer Stephen Burks, widely regarded as one of the most influential designers of his generation.
Always having been interested in the way the things around us influence the experiences of our lives, Stephen’s award-winning interdisciplinary studio, Stephen Burks Man Made, has forged a unique approach to design at the intersection of craft, community and industry.
Convinced that design should reflect cultural diversity, he develops projects with craftspeople worldwide, integrating traditional techniques such as weaving, basket making and cord work into pieces destined for industrial manufacturing.
With its soft curves and oversized frames, Catalina offers a new level of sensuous comfort to the Roche Bobois outdoor lifestyle.
Collaborating for a second time with Roche Bobois to bring Catalina to life, Stephen’s expert craftsmanship is evident throughout the collection, with a particular focus on finishes and the use of sustainable and responsibly sourced materials.
“At Roche Bobois, we are constantly striving to broaden our vision of design by embracing strong and unique creative sensibilities. Stephen Burks embodies this approach perfectly. His multicultural perspective and the attention he pays to craftsmanship bring a deeply human dimension to his creations,” says Eric Amourdedieu, Roche Bobois Group Executive Director.
Defined by low, expansive seating and enveloping forms, the collection introduces a spatial rhythm, encouraging moments of pause, conversation and immersion in the surrounding environment.
“With its soft curves and oversized frames, Catalina offers a new level of sensuous comfort to the Roche Bobois outdoor lifestyle,” shares Stephen. “As the first collaboration since our groundbreaking Traveler collection, Catalina was a joy to develop. Its strong yet timeless vision had unanimous appeal to the Roche Bobois design team.”
Introducing the Formentera collection
Complementing Catalina is Formentera, a captivating collection of outdoor seating where materials, colours and patterns come together in a bold and vibrant style. Designed by Philippe Bouix, the pieces are expressive, with colour and pattern bringing vibrancy, and upholstered surfaces from Italian maison Missoni shifting in the day’s sunlight as it interacts with the different textures.
As a designer, Philippe is deeply attached to the notion of visual comfort, which shines through in each of his collaborations with Roche Bobois. He believes a piece of furniture should look comfortable at first glance, even before experiencing it physically. It should embrace the space, and without exception, the furniture he designs embodies the delicate balance between creativity and functionality.
Founded in Paris in 1960, Roche Bobois has built its identity as a leading high-end furniture and decoration brand with much of its work grounded in collaboration. Today, with a presence in 55 countries, the brand’s emphasis on individuality, cultural dialogue and craftsmanship remains at its heart.
Each piece within the new outdoor collection has been designed and crafted for where it will be used, and how. If you’re inspired by design that elevates outdoor living, ArchiPro makes it easy to discover products and the professionals shaping exceptional spaces. Explore projects that seamlessly connect indoors and out, or start curating ideas for your own home.