Toward the end of 2016, color experts began releasing their predictions for the trends of 2017, and one of those was a resurgence of interest in green. Pantone’s color report for spring 2017 already included a vibrant green called Lush Meadow, and now they’ve unveiled their eagerly-awaited Color of the Year: Greenery (15-0343).

Greenery is a bright yellow-green, reminiscent of tropical foliage, fresh fruit, and newly mown grass. It’s a refreshing, optimistic color, intended to set the viewer thinking about new beginnings and the joys of the great outdoors. When most of us spend our time in built environments and engaging with technology, Greenery is a reminder to reconnect with what’s real.

Pantone describes Greenery as “nature’s neutral”, a shade that is suitable for any season or application yet retains its distinctiveness. Like most greens, it has a life-affirming emotional effect and, when used inside the home, links the interior with the natural world outside. Some products that we have available in this color are the Baloo Chair and Ottoman and the Glamour Chair Get inspired by Greenery at pantone.com.

In a departure from the greys that have dominated neutrals for the past few years, Sherwin-Williams has declared 2017 the year of taupe. Specifically, Poised Taupe or SW 6039 (R: 140 G: 126 B: 120: hex value: #8c7e78).

Presenting a fine balance between warm and cool tones, with elements of brown and grey, taupe is versatile enough make a great neutral for both contemporary and traditional homes. Whether as a wall covering or upholstery, it provides a refined backdrop that offsets a wide range of accent colors. Sherwin-Williams specifically recommends pairing Poised Taupe with Cultured Pearl (SW 6028), Gauzy White (SW 6035) or Vintage Vessel (SW 9050), but your color choices are really wide open – it’s hard to go wrong with such an all-purpose neutral.

Learn more about Poised Taupe and the rest of the Sherwin-Williams 2017 Colormix Color Forecast, including the dramatic Noir, centered Holistic, energetic Intrepid and exotic Unbounded colorways, at Sherwin-Williams.com.

Match this color with a lighter tone using the Sliding Wall Unit from Aleal or the Elan Bench from Nathan Anthony.

Bright blue skies, crisp fall temperatures and plenty of sunshine were not the only wonderful things about our last six days at the fall 2016 High Point market. Record numbers of buyers, designers and vendors set the tone for probably the most energetic and optimistic market we have seen in quite a while. We came with high expectations and these were met!  But what were the trends we noticed?

From our vantage point – remembering that we are design driven, contemporary and fashion-forward thinking at Sklar – here are our top five trend insights from the market.

1) Color was everywhere.  From American Leather’s new palette of leathers to Guy Hill’s Thayer Coggin showroom speckled with brilliant blue, vibrant yellow and lipstick red.  The pink of Breast Cancer Awareness was also very evident – our own Rick Howard wore his pink shirts and pink bracelet everywhere, and he was not alone!  Our favorite item in this sense was the market’s pink fire truck that guests could sign. We also saw a lot of pink upholstery!

2) Modular seating was in almost every showroom. The ability to have 4 SKU’s only – left and right one armed seat, an armless seat and a corner – give the consumer unlimited flexibility.  Modular seating is casual, comfortable and harkens back to the 1970’s with its “pit seating”.  As a vendor, featuring this kind of seating will hit the millennial (moving fairly frequently – they will love the flexibility) to the GenX (with a young family – they will love the comfort and casualness) to the Baby Boomer (they will have a flashback to the seventies)!

3) Acrylic. This is a great material and has been seen previously in accessories and sparingly in furniture. This year we saw it in many applications: the base of an accent table, the back or side on a sofa and in all kinds of accessories.  It appeared to be of excellent quality so like everything else in 2016, technology has had a positive influence on this material.

4) Whimsy. The the design community decided to laugh at itself and have some fun – forget about the seriousness of the upcoming election. From oversized animals in various materials and chandeliers with birds perched on top, to ceramic bulldogs in sunglasses and pillows with sayings like “Mr Right” (with matching pillow saying “Misses ALWAYS Right!”).

5) Fur – we noticed many pillows, ottomans, chairs and stools that look like furry animals!  This trend was in almost every showroom from accessory vendors to the big guys!

Once again we bought all kinds of new product to keep our showroom fresh and exciting.  With all that we have coming in from Milan and all the new product from High Point, make a point of coming in to Sklar to see what’s new!

This is the Color Trend Everyone Will be Adding to Their Home Next Year

Salone del Mobile Milan is the interior design industry’s premiere event and is a big indicator of what will be on trend in the upcoming year. Many of the exhibitions have a lasting impact on mainstream design for several years.

Every show has its color trends and at this year’s instalment, blue and brown both combined and as separates dominated. The tones and richness of the hues varied. For the blues we’ve seen everything from robin’s egg to deep petrol, and for the browns we’ve seen colors as deep as chocolate and soft as sand. These colors pop against each other and make for a modern and sharp color combination. Playing up colors found in nature creates a settling and nurturing backdrop in the home – blues and browns are easily spotted by the ocean, so utilizing them to create a soothing space at home is a very natural step – especially if you are someone who grew up by the water.

Here are two pieces you can use to get jumpstarted on the trend:

The chocolate stained walnut of BDI’S Corridor Bar Cart adds both warmth and masculinity to a room. For a quick burst of the blue and brown color trend in your home, sit some folk-patterned blue and white china atop this piece, or some blue glass. Corridor has a mid-century modern design and its louvered double doors keep the items inside neatly tucked away. The Corridor doesn’t need to be used exclusively as a bar cart. With it’s plentiful storage and tabletop space it would make a great night table, side table, or could be used for extra storage in a washroom.

The Manolas Area Rug is centred around various shades of blue, brown, and black juxtaposed against each other. As the pattern moves outwards, soft white is introduced into the mix, creating a rug that features color, but is also neutral enough to be incorporated into most rooms.

By now you’ve probably heard enough about the color Rose Quartz after Pantone anointed it color of the year (along with Serenity, a soft shade of blue). There is no denying that pink has really stolen the spotlight this year and this is going to continue well into the summer (more on that later in this post). Despite pink’s popularity there are a couple other trending colors that are worth some serious consideration when refreshing your home for summer.

Fiesta Red: We love this color! This fiery shade of red can serve as the perfect pop of color and even a small dash of it adds a lot of vibrancy to a room. If you’re looking for an accent chair consider a piece like Kartell’s Mr. Impossible in the vibrant hue.

White: When it comes to interior design, white never goes out of style. It serves as a perfect base – many elements can change around it, but the shade adapts. In 2016 we are seeing more and more focus being placed on white. On Pinterest it repeatedly occurs as a common theme on people’s interior design boards. White has a very soothing, spa-like quality and as society continues to seek ways to ease the stresses of everyday life, decorating the home to aid in tranquility is a logical step. Infusing white into the home, especially during the summer months adds an extra hit of crispness to the house and helps balance out summer heat. We are big fans of Kartell’s Dr. Yes  chair in white. This piece transitions with ease from indoors to outdoors, is particularly modern looking in white, and absorbs less heat than darker-hued patio furniture. Another great way to utilize white is with Connexion’s Outdoor Collection, which includes a white sectional, ideal for lounging and entertaining.

As we mentioned, this summer we are going to continue to see the proliferation of pink – in all its dusty and blush-y forms. Shades that compliment it like dove grey, sand, soft blues and most importantly white – will all serve as a crisp backdrop to draw the color out.

Here are some tips for adding pops of pink to your home without making it look like a candy-land:

1. Avoid baby pink and aim for dusty roses. When we talk pink, we’re referring to its more distinguished, dustier shades. They carry less of a child-like vibe and can be very soft and soothing after a long day.
2. White with pink undertone. One subtle way to incorporate pink into your home is to select a white paint for your walls that has a pink undertone. This will add warmth and a touch of romantic ambiance to a room.
3. Accessories are your friends. Because dusty rose is so popular right now it means accessories are readily available in this color. A candle or throw are two small items you can pick up to get an idea of whether or not you like the color in your home. Flowers are one of the most inexpensive and disposable ways to test out a color in your home.

There is an increasing amount of awareness surrounding sustainable, eco-friendly products. Our showroom has a growing number of options for those looking to make an eco-conscious decision when furnishing their home.

Here are five of our favorite sustainable choices:

1) The Catalina Bedroom Set is manufactured by Vermont-based Copeland furniture, a family business focused on creating sustainable furniture made out of natural hardwoods. Copeland’s designs are influenced by Scandinavian and Craftsman style furniture but many of their pieces, like The Catalina Bedroom set sport an extremely modern twist. The bed’s minimal legs elevate it to a level that makes it seem as though it is floating. Its sleek finish is GREENGUARD CERTIFIED, meaning it meets a strict chemical emissions test.

2) The Connection Dining table from Huppe is a piece we found irresistible as soon as we saw it in the market. It’s Canadian made, with a footprint close to zero. Its legs are made from a grainy wood and slightly splayed, softening the look of the table, which has a metal tubular frame. The tabletop comes in either wood or glass.

3) The Linea Bedroom Collection also from Huppe, has a modern European feel. The fabric finish of the headboard gives it a softened look, but its metallic legs provide this modern bed an added touch of cool. The matching dresser and nightstands have a boxy shape, with clean lines that let the grain of the wood stand out in contrast with its metal tubular legs.

4) Chamcha furniture is made from the Acacia tree, a plant that grows extremely quickly, allowing it to replenish itself rapidly, making chamcha furniture a sustainable choice. The Chamcha Wood Console retains the likeness of the Acacia tree, with its distinct wood grain and tree-like appearance.

5) Dream Weavers are a brand we feature in our showroom that makes rugs, throw blankets and pillows from recycled materials like nylons, silk ties, yarn and elastic. They deliver an eco-friendly, stylish choice all at once.

Pantone, the world’s color authority has announced the two colors of the year for 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity.

The New Jersey-based company says they chose the colors because modern consumers are looking for ways to remedy everyday stresses. According to Pantone’s announcement the two colors were selected because of their soothing properties. Pantone describes Rose Quartz as a “warmer embracing rose tone” and Serenity as a “cooler tranquil blue.” With awareness of mental illness on the rise, the selection of these colors is timely.

The influence of Pantone’s Color of the Year selections really does find its way into home and fashion trends. It’s a combination of the brand’s ability to pick up on what is already going on culturally and in modern design. These two factors tend to go hand in hand as social concerns impact design both overtly, and in more subtle ways. Pantone’s Color of the Year selection acts like an adrenaline shot to colors that were already subtly influencing design, as designers and manufacturers immediately start creating products in these shades.

Marsala was named the color of the year for 2015 and was embraced by both the home decor and fashion world. Many brands immediately started carrying items in the color. While at a Christmas party the other night, nearly every man in attendance had a pop of Marsala in their outfit— when asked if they were aware they were all wearing the color of the year, none of them were, but they all agreed that it was a great color to sport.

Much like Marsala, Rose Quartz and Serenity will find their way to the masses and influence the design world in 2016 onwards. If you don’t want to wait for the colors to get popular before jumping in on the trend, the quickest way to test out the color in your home is to paint an accent wall in one or both of the shades.

Pantone, the world’s color authority has announced the two colors of the year for 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity.

The New Jersey-based company says they chose the colors because modern consumers are looking for ways to remedy everyday stresses. According to Pantone’s announcement the two colors were selected because of their soothing properties. Pantone describes Rose Quartz as a “warmer embracing rose tone” and Serenity as a “cooler tranquil blue.” With awareness of mental illness on the rise, the selection of these colors is timely.

The influence of Pantone’s Color of the Year selections really does find its way into home and fashion trends. It’s a combination of the brand’s ability to pick up on what is already going on culturally and in modern design. These two factors tend to go hand in hand as social concerns impact design both overtly, and in more subtle ways. Pantone’s Color of the Year selection acts like an adrenaline shot to colors that were already subtly influencing design, as designers and manufacturers immediately start creating products in these shades.

Marsala was named the color of the year for 2015 and was embraced by both the home decor and fashion world. Many brands immediately started carrying items in the color. While at a Christmas party the other night, nearly every man in attendance had a pop of Marsala in their outfit— when asked if they were aware they were all wearing the color of the year, none of them were, but they all agreed that it was a great color to sport.

Much like Marsala, Rose Quartz and Serenity will find their way to the masses and influence the design world in 2016 onwards. If you don’t want to wait for the colors to get popular before jumping in on the trend, the quickest way to test out the color in your home is to paint an accent wall in one or both of the shades.

Floridians, who are envied for their beautiful weather, sunny skies, white sand beaches, spa blue waters and gorgeous vibrant flowers, have a little “autumn envy” come this time of year. Anyone who grew up in the north remembers the reds, oranges and yellows of the trees as well as the bright blue sky and fresh crisp air.

What is fall in Florida? After much discussion it was decided that it is all about changes. The heat and humidity have started to ease a bit – the white summer sky is changing back to a pale blue and the flowers that are not heat resistant are starting to bloom again.  All of these things add up to a change in the light level and intensity.

We see this in the vibrant pinks, lavenders and oranges in our sunrises and sunsets; in the bright yellow and deep green of our flowering trees and shrubs and in the sparkling turquoise blue of the ocean. Our Design Team used fabrics and photos to demonstrate this yearly change and hung it on one of our mood boards in the store.

Fresh dryer air and our own kind of color – that is a Florida autumn.

Cool temperatures, bright blue skies and an optimistic group of furniture retailers and you have all the ingredients for a fun, energetic and successful market. Add the fact that the manufacturers were feeling exactly the same way and had arrived with all kinds of wonderful new things to choose from and you will understand why we are still excited about the last week of shopping.

What were the trends is one of the first things our Design Team ask. It is true that is one of the reasons to take the time to visit as many diverse markets as time and money allow.

The color blue was so prevalent that it “almost” became overkill. Furniture was covered in solid blues of all the different ranges from baby to navy, prints either were predominately blue or had a hint of blue somewhere, walls and carpeting in most of the showrooms were blue. As a matter of fact even our market badges were attached to a blue lariat!

Of course there are few secrets in the furniture business so the rugs, accessories and artwork were also heavily directed to the blue and purple tones. In keeping with the optimism we also saw a fair amount of canary sunshine yellow and personally invested in a couple of bright yellow leather chairs from one of our Italian manufacturers.

Laser cut steel was on some pieces you might not expect – buffets, bedrooms and of course accessories.

Motion and comfort continue to be on the front burner – most of the manufacturers doing motion (battery or not) have figured out how to have every seat move and these are the companies who will get the lions share of the business. The young and older crowd both want luxury, comfort and technology and these pieces offer it all.

The marble coming out of Italy is breathtaking. One is black with random veins of white – paired with a chrome base or brass metal this marble changes an ordinary dining table into a piece of art. Another magnificent stone is really the reverse – mostly white with veins of black – stunning! Watch for them in our store in a couple of months, they will be produced as quickly as possible but they do have a journey by water of about a month. Patience!

One of the most innovative uses of “marble” was seen on another Italian dining table. Looking exactly like white Carrera marble it is in fact ceramic and virtually indestructible. This will become mainstream for sure – imagine the look and wearability story in the same table.

These are just some of the rends we saw. We bought many new exciting pieces, found a couple of new vendors who we look forward to building a strong partnership with and came home rejuvenated and ready to go to continue helping our Design Team make your dream a reality!