Designer Richard Frinier Reveals That Luxury, More Than Anything, Is a State of Mind and the Willingness to Unplug From Our Screens

Designer Richard Frinier Reveals That Luxury, More Than Anything, Is a State of Mind and the Willingness to Unplug From Our Screens

Uniqueness, quality, personalization, and experience: these are keywords for the ultra-luxe market in outdoor living. “Luxury buyers and the architects and interior designers who cater to them are not interested in trends,” explains designer Richard Frinier. “There is an ultra-luxe market that is little known except for those experiencing it and catering to it.”

For over 35 years, Frinier has designed furniture, textiles, lighting, and accessories for interiors and exteriors that shape trends across markets, from grab-and-go Target lines to high-end casual furniture. His iconic outdoor collections include Andalusia for Century Furniture, Orbit for DEDON, and his Sunbrella textile line, Caravan. His original designs continue to influence outdoor furniture and decor at every level.

Beyond Trends: Crafting Originality

Stephen Block, an exterior designer and owner of LA’s Inner Gardens, serves the same trend-eschewing clientele: “Our stuff is custom, very organic and natural. We work with a client base that cares more about quality and tradition than what’s ‘hot’ now.” Block’s team embraces a dynamic installation process, experimenting on-site rather than relying on static plans. “We lay out plants by hand and decide as we go. Clients love getting something original—a design that comes to life in the moment.”

“Comfort doesn’t have a price,” Block adds. “Even with expensive vintage accents, antique fountains, and deep seating, it’s about creating soulful, comfortable spaces—not the cost.”

Luxury as a State of Mind

“Living luxuriously is a state of mind,” Frinier emphasizes. “It’s something you must experience internally before manifesting it externally.” For those curating outdoor spaces, he notes that international trade shows remain key indicators of future design directions. His observations from recent events include:

Materials

Mixing new technology with vintage elements, handcrafted textures, and eco-friendly production is trending.

Color

Palettes range from soft pastels and sun-washed hues to desaturated primary and secondary colors. Metallics and reflective finishes are also resurging in textiles and finishes.

Styling

Architectural styling for furnishings is diverse, but modern and soft modern designs are gaining prominence—now capturing around 30% of consumer interest, up from 10% historically.

Inspiration Beyond Screens

Frinier draws inspiration from global travel and technological innovation. “I’ve visited over 40 countries across five continents. Materials and experiences from those journeys deeply influence my work,” he says. He also thrives when experimenting with new technologies or reimagining existing materials—a nod to his roots as a sculptor.

Yet, he cautions against over-reliance on digital connectivity: “People are losing sight of their true vision outside social media. Unplugging, unwinding, and undoing are the new luxuries. Time is all we have—it’s the ultimate luxury. How will you spend yours?”