Since its launch in 1979, California-born Summit Furniture has embraced its roots. “California style is all about effortless sophistication, blending relaxed, natural elegance with modern lines,” says European and UK director Emmanuele Cattani. “It is a fusion of indoor-outdoor living, where each piece invites comfort while celebrating craftsmanship and materials. California style embodies the beauty of nature combined with a sense of ease and attention to detail, perfect for creating inviting spaces under the sun.” This ethos remains at the heart of everything the brand creates.
Summit Furniture was “launched with a vision to create luxury outdoor furniture that could match the sophistication and quality of fine indoor furnishings”, according to Cattani. Originally starting in the residential sector, founders William and Jane Sieberts also saw an opportunity to elevate the quality of furniture found on superyachts. Recognising the rising importance of outdoor living spaces - especially in the superyacht world, where owners increasingly seek connection to the surrounding environment - they set out to design furniture that meets these exacting standards.
“Our clients required pieces that could withstand the specific challenges of life at sea, from saltwater exposure to intense sunlight, all while preserving a refined, sophisticated aesthetic that complements the luxurious interiors of superyachts,” Cattani notes. To address these needs, Summit Furniture exclusively uses marine-grade stainless steel and offers specialised finishes designed for the harsh marine environment.
The brand also recognised the need for versatile furniture that could adapt to the multifunctional spaces on board - for example, a sundeck transitioning from daytime relaxation areas to evening entertainment spaces. Summit Furniture provides solutions with designs that can be easily rearranged, stacked or stored when not in use. You can find Summit Furniture on the decks of some of the largest superyachts in the world. Recently, 77.8-metre Energy in 2022 and 90-metre Dar in 2023 were outfitted with Summit exterior furniture. Even going back to 1999, the 139.2-metre Al Salamah was furnished by Summit, and it continues to cruise today with its original furniture.
In order to create these beautifully handcrafted pieces, Summit Furniture collaborates with distinguished American and European designers, including the likes of Andrew Winch, David Linley and John Munford, drawing much of its inspiration from these partnerships. United by a shared philosophy of superior quality and craftsmanship, each designer brings unique perspectives and expertise, enriching Summit Furniture’s creations with innovative textures, forms and ideas.
“Together, we draw from diverse natural landscapes and the refined simplicity of modern architecture,” explains Cattani. “Through this collaborative process, we’re inspired by how people use spaces to connect with nature, and we aim to design furniture that not only withstands the elements but elevates outdoor living to a new standard of elegance. Every piece we create embodies natural beauty and effortless sophistication, shaped by the hands of craftspeople dedicated to excellence.”
This synergy results in beautifully handcrafted, sustainable teak furniture and fabrics suitable for both interior and exterior applications in residential and marine environments. The environmentally friendly teak comes through the brand’s sustainable tree-farming practices throughout Southeast Asia, making it fully certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Further to this, each piece of furniture can be fully customised with various fabrics and finishes to suit the style of different environments. “Our collections are designed with adaptability in mind, allowing them to seamlessly fit a variety of spaces while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic,” Cattani adds. “The customisation options with fabric and finishes allow us to meet the precise needs of superyacht interiors, offering clients a versatile foundation that can be personalised to create a harmonious transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.”
Visit the Summit Furniture website to view its range of collections or contact the team to find out more information.
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