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The ultimate summer design dream is a patio or terrace that is every bit as civilized and refined as a well-appointed living room. A place to sit out in the open air with both garden vistas and an impossibly cushy couch. That dream, however, is hard to attain. Because al fresco decor has to withstand rain, mud and the heat of the sun, the cushions are usually a bit tough on the tush, the glassware is more often plastic than crystal, and the rugs tend to have the texture of Astroturf. But over the past few years, crafty furniture makers have been using innovative materials to bring a luxe, indoor aesthetic to backyard spaces. Weighty tumblers, elegant sofas, even fabulous light fixtures are now stronger, more rain-resistant and prettier than ever. Here, five of the best.

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For lighting manufacturer Flos, design master Philippe Starck has created outdoor lighting with a wink, super-sizing the ultraordinary desk lamp into a stunning statement for the terrace. The woven, PVC-frame of the Superarchimoon fixture adds colour and texture to the otherwise steely piece.<br> <br>$13,750 (U.S.). Through lightform.ca.

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Dash and Albert’s Negril rug is as brightly hued as any indoor throw. But the weave is high-strength, UV-treated polypropylene so the soft pinks won’t get washed out in the sun and the mat won’t break down from being trod on by sandy sandals or wet, grass-covered feet.<br> <br>From $38 (U.S.). dashandalbert.com.

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Valencia-based designer Jaime Hayon is known for a clean-lined look with a twist of whimsy. His Gardenias shelves for BD Barcelona Design are vastly superior to the typical backyard storage unit. Rather than a rickety bookcase that got lost on its way to the landfill, it has the gentle lines of a canary cage and is made with weatherproof, powder-coated steel.<br> <br>Price upon request. bdbarcelona.com.

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There’s something decidedly romantic about imbibing a cocktail on a shady patio. That romance, though, is significantly diminished when plastic (or worse, Styrofoam) cups are involved. Schott Zwiesel’s Spots glasses are made of crystal but infused with titanium to make them break-resistant when dropped on a wooden deck.<br> <br>Through cryifiwantto.com.

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Italian designer Paola Lenti’s plush Bench sofa is made for versatility. The oversized cushions (padded with anti-mould, anti-bacterial polyurethane) are backed with steel rods that hook into the Accoya wood plinth (specially engineered not to bend or bow when weathered), so they can be reconfigured to accommodate a place to put drinks, planters or a snack tray.<br> <br>Price upon request. paolalenti.it.

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