Sculpting Summer: Design, Art, and Outdoor Living Take Center Stage

As the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living continue to blur, collectors are increasingly seeking pieces that bring artistry, character, and functionality to every corner of the home. That spirit is at the heart of Circa Auction’s The Summer Edition, taking place online on Saturday, June 6 at 9 a.m. PST. The curated sale features an impressive selection of sculptural garden furnishings, iconic twentieth-century design, contemporary art, lighting, and decorative objects, with a particular emphasis on mosaic-tiled garden sets, rare Willy Guhl forms, and statement-making outdoor pieces.

Drawing together works by celebrated designers including Gio Ponti, Pierre Chapo, Vladimir Kagan, Osvaldo Borsani, Warren Platner, George Nakashima, and Willy Guhl, the auction captures the relaxed sophistication of summer living. Whether you're looking to transform a garden into an outdoor gallery or add a conversation-starting design piece to your interior, the catalog offers plenty to discover. Here are four standout highlights from the sale.

Monumental Multicolor Mosaic Dining Set, France, 1960s (Lot 5)
One of the most impressive lots in the auction is the Monumental Multicolor Mosaic Dining Set, France, 1960s, carrying an estimate of $8,000–$12,000. The substantial concrete table features an elaborate hand-laid mosaic top accompanied by matching curved benches, creating a cohesive sculptural installation that feels equally at home in a garden, atrium, or expansive interior. Vibrant geometric patterns and architectural scale combine to create a piece that embodies the growing demand for outdoor furnishings that function as works of art. Beyond its practical use as a dining set, it serves as a statement piece that transforms its surroundings and reflects the craftsmanship and optimism of mid-century French design. 

Philippe Makhloof Sculptural Metal and Rope Sofa, 1980s (Lot 81)
Estimated at $5,000–$7,500, the Philippe Makhloof Sculptural Metal and Rope Sofa is a standout example of collectible design that blurs the line between furniture and sculpture. Executed in blackened metal with an integrated black rope seat, the sofa's intricate openwork structure creates a dynamic silhouette that appears almost weightless despite its substantial scale. Makhloof's work is celebrated for challenging traditional notions of furniture, and this piece exemplifies that approach, inviting viewers to appreciate it from every angle. For collectors interested in functional art, it offers a rare opportunity to acquire a work that is as visually compelling as it is usable. 

Black Contemporary French Metal Sculpture, Artisan-Crafted, 1980s (Lot 136)
The Black Contemporary French Metal Sculpture, Artisan-Crafted, 1980s carries an estimate of $5,000–$7,500 and demonstrates the enduring appeal of large-scale outdoor sculpture. Constructed from welded steel, the work presents a dynamic arrangement of geometric forms balanced around a central axis. Its matte black finish highlights the sculpture's architectural qualities, while colorful accents introduce movement and visual contrast. Standing more than six feet tall, the piece commands attention without overwhelming its environment, making it equally suitable for a garden setting or contemporary interior. Rooted in postmodern abstraction, it reflects the growing collector interest in artworks that bring personality and sophistication to outdoor spaces. 

Red Mosaic Tile Dining Set, 1960s (Lot 1)
With an estimate of $6,000–$9,000, the Red Mosaic Tile Dining Set, 1960s is one of the most vibrant offerings in the sale. Featuring a circular table surrounded by integrated curved benches, the set is adorned with hand-laid red mosaic tiles that create a striking radial pattern across the surface. The sculptural concrete base grounds the design, while the vivid color palette injects energy and playfulness into any outdoor setting. At a time when outdoor living spaces are increasingly treated as extensions of the home, pieces like this demonstrate how furniture can serve as both a functional gathering place and a work of decorative art.

What makes Circa Auction’s The Summer Edition particularly compelling is its ability to bring together diverse styles, periods, and materials under a unifying theme. From monumental mosaic garden installations and rare sculptural furniture to contemporary outdoor artworks and iconic design objects, the sale celebrates the idea that great design enhances how we live, gather, and experience our surroundings.

For collectors, designers, and enthusiasts alike, the auction offers more than just individual objects, it presents a vision of summer living that is relaxed yet refined, collected yet intentional. As outdoor spaces become increasingly important extensions of the home, the pieces featured in The Summer Edition demonstrate how art and design can transform those spaces into something truly memorable.

Register to bid on Bidsquare.com.