Impressively Irregular: Freeform Designs

In a world dominated by symmetry, right angles and perfect curves, few things can spice up a space better than unusual, organic, and irregular forms—whether a curious rug, odd table or warped mirror. Organic curves, asymmetrical shapes, and surprising forms can create focal points and add a dash of drama and a free, creative sense to a room. They balance rectilinear shapes, creating a sense of balance and visual harmony.

“Irregular shapes can balance out rectilinear elements in a room, creating a sense of balance and visual harmony.”

We’ve searched far and wide for stylish, unexpected, and intriguing pieces that break the mold and dare to be different.

Impatia has redefined gaming furniture by replacing heavy, bulky wood elements with daring, sleek, and modern glass and metal counterparts. It can be difficult to bring together a graceful space with the more common designs of game tables, especially when one eschews the classic, darker, wood-centric designs for game or recreation rooms. Enter the stunning Scivolo Shuffleboard Table, a unique shuffleboard table that’s proof that fun and diversion are not incompatible with cutting-edge design.

The Scivolo (‘scivolo’ means ‘slide’ in Italian) is the most recent project from the R&D department of Impatia, an Italian firm whose mission is to unite the worlds of fun and high-concept design. To this end, they’ve recreated many classic table games in drop-dead gorgeous reimaginings. The Scivolo debuted at this year’s Milan Design Fair where it stopped a lot of people in their tracks and sparked much discussion. It’s the sort of piece that will give you pause if you don’t expect to see it—a definitive head-turner.

The Scivolo and Why We Love It

At first glance, the uniqueness of this shuffleboard table is apparent. It is the first shuffleboard playing surface done in glass. Beyond that, it also features glass legs, a slim wood profile, and an Alcantara playing surface—it’s minimalist and supremely uncomplicated, clean lines and flawless materials combined in well-balanced proportions.

Seen from the side, the Scivolo seems to float on the glass supports, which are made from extra clear, low-iron glass. The wood frame is in walnut for a gorgeous, luxurious texture and grain that’s a perfect counterpoint to the clear glass. 

The large presence of the table is minimized by the use of glass, which maximizes the flow of light and makes this table perfect for a contemporary room.

With all this design work and unusual uses of materials, it is still informed by function—in this case, supporting users playing a game of shuffleboard. Impatia, in their description of the table, praise shuffleboard as a game “renowned for its ability to transcend barriers and unite people.”

Part of a Great Tradition

We’re excited to see what Impatia will do next: the Scivolo continues a 10-year effort by Impatia, which includes the stunning Filotto Billiards Table as well as the Tuttuno Multi-Game Table, a collection that unites a passion for play with world-class design.

Impatia’s products have an unlikely, unique, and one-of-a-kind presence that proves that game room design doesn’t necessarily need to be informed by history alone. That kind of progressive design, testing the limits of the familiar, and using unexpected materials in new ways, is exactly what makes us at Sklar such admirers of the Italian design industry.

We recently had the opportunity to visit Himolla’s factory and headquarters—in Taufkirchen, outside of Munich, Germany— and see in person what makes the seating manufacturer so special. From their sumptuous sofas to their cozy chairs, Himolla has risen to prominence since its postwar founding in 1948 and its industrial expansion from the 60s to the late 90s. Their recipe for success consists of 4 brand values: functionality, versatility, longevity and individuality.

All Himolla pieces embody each of these values, as do their headquarters and the way they do business. From form to function, the factory to showroom floor, sustainability is built into their process.

Driven by their sense of responsibility to their employees, the region of Bavaria, and the environment, Himolla has pursued sustainability measures since 1999. This has led to a number of changes, such as the way they use wood scraps to heat the factory in cold months, or how their new warehouse was constructed with 5,000 square meters of solar panels.

Himolla’s furniture has always been constructed to last: beech wood, the hardest available in Europe, is used for load-bearing frames, while plywood is used in less structurally significant parts of furniture. Support springs are held in place with metal brackets, and plastics are used only when necessary. Foam molds are hand-constructed out of wood, and excess foam is used in packaging.

Speaking of packaging, Himolla ensures that all packaging is recyclable so that there is no waste generated by their products even outside their operations. They have spent time and energy pursuing the laudable goal of zero waste, and they’ve pursued it in all aspects of their work.

Finally, in addition to well-designed and carefully constructed furniture, they carefully test all pieces and all fabrics in specially designed rigs that apply weight and pressure to frames, or temperature and humidity chambers to test upholstery materials. With over 600 fabric and 200 leather options, plus Dacron underlayers, that’s no small project.

Certified and Awarded

Himolla’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2009, they earned the EMAS award for environmentally friendly supply chain and procurement practices. In 2011, their entire line of products won the Blue Angel award, which is given to low-emission furniture—referring specifically to volatile organic compounds.

Himolla’s products have also earned the Golden M certification, a certification process for ‘longevity and faultless functionality’ of furnishings, health and safety for customers, and low environmental impact of manufacturing. Each facet is examined and approved by independent test institutes.

Finally, their commitment to transparency is demonstrated in the DGM Emissions Label that informs buyers of any harmful substances in a furniture product, based on extensive testing and assigns a letter grade and color depending on the results.

The Goods

Upholstery is Himolla’s specialty, and the sheer number of leather and fabric options on offer set them apart from competitors and reinforces the value of individuality and the ability to create a versatile look for any space.

Longevity is built in as well, through the frame. Functionality goes without saying for pieces like the Mosel Power Recliner, with its gorgeous aesthetics matched by an easy reclining mode and 360º swivel base. Or take the stately Cumurex Chair, comfortable and plush in powered or unpowered models.

Himolla’s efforts to be sustainable are as impressive as the quality of their work. Their seating has won awards and has anchored comfortable, well-appointed living rooms across the world. Not only do they make world-class seating, but they live up to their mission statement: “Great quality, small footprint.”

Whether it’s a dinner party or a quiet evening in the open air, nothing sets the mood outdoors better than lighting. You don’t need to settle for lighting or lamps that make your outdoor oasis less attractive than it could be—we’ve got what you need to create a refined, fun, stylish atmosphere for your outdoor spaces.

The advantage of design lighting goes beyond aesthetics and is also often expressed in the quality of materials used in its production, thoughtful features, and overall longevity versus more mass-manufactured options. Here are four of our recent favorites.

Bubbles Lamp

Taking inspiration from the fun, playful forms of blown bubbles, the Bubbles Lamp is formed from rotationally molded polyethylene resin, so it’s easy to clean, water resistant and durable. Completely wireless, and round except for a truncated face that lets it stand without rolling around, these lamps come with white or multicolored LED lights and built-in batteries. There are four sizes, allowing you to mix and match them to build that ever-elusive ‘wow factor’, and they’re equally suitable for home or commercial use.

We just love how playful and creative these lamps are, and how versatile—put them anywhere, use them to light up a pathway to an event, use them as table centerpieces, the opportunities to delight are truly abundant. The ice white matte finish ensures a diffuse, soft light that creates an intimate glow.

Kukà Lamps

The Kukà Lamp collection is a little more serious than the Bubbles series, but equally creative. The cylindrical form consists of an eco cement upper chamber that houses the lamp and a lower part made of transparent methacrylate, which allows light to flow freely into the lamp’s surroundings. The smaller lamps feature a leather carrying strap that makes them easy to take with you, and rechargeable batteries are built into the lamp.

We’re big fans of the minimalist, futuristic look of the Kuka series, which covers everything from small lanterns, tall standing lamps, to coffee tables. They’re daring, sleek and original, but still have a certain coziness about them that can draw people in and build a focal point.

The Second Light Lamp

The Second Light Lamp is definitely more than a bit meta and playful in its form of a classic lightbulb. With a durable metal base and polyethylene resin shell, it’s durable and built to stand the test of time and weather. It features internal LED lights in white or multicolor versions, as well as a built-in battery that untethers it from electrical outlets and gives you the freedom to put it wherever it creates the right effect.

The multicolor option can help you strike any mood effortlessly, while the lampshade is easy to clean and features an ice white matte finish that keeps this lamp looking cool even in the bright light of daytime. Suitable for indoor and outdoor placement, this lamp is equally striking at home or as part of a chic-looking commercial space.

Malè Lamp

This collection of outdoor floor lamps is a bit more restrained in design than the other examples we’ve provided, with tall and short versions that present forms reminiscent of cacti. Constructed with a stainless steel frame surrounded by a plastic shell to diffuse light, the Malè Lamps feature a sturdy base to keep them steady in all conditions.

These lamps need to be plugged in, so they’re well-suited to more permanent setups outdoors and can be used to great effect indoors as well. Their understated styling makes the Male series perfect for creating a classic and timeless space.

These are just four great examples of fun and funky outdoor lighting. You can still accessorize with lanterns and candles, but a good electric light offers flexibility and ease of use that’s hard to beat. From the unexpected and playful to the austere and calm, you can find the right addition to your outdoor space and take your outdoor gatherings or private oases to bright new heights.

If you’ve been looking for an outdoor lighting upgrade that’s got style, character, and flexibility (all the lights above wouldn’t be out of place indoors), we’ve got just the piece to complement or complete your space. Give us a call or message, or stop by the showroom to see what we’ve got in store.

Ultrasuede is a fabric you may have heard of before, and for good reason. It’s an ultra-microfibre fabric that’s like suede leather but is machine washable, resistant to stains and discoloration, and though it’s a woven fabric is resistant to pilling. One variety of ultrasuede you’re probably familiar with is Alcantara, typically manufactured in Italy and common in luxury products like designer bags and high-end vehicles.

Ultrasuede HP is a specifically high-performance variety of fabric that’s exciting because it’s extra durable and partially made with plant-based polymers. It wears well compared even to leather or suede, and feels luxurious, which makes it great for high-traffic spaces, upmarket commercial use, and for home furnishing for those of you who don’t want to worry too much about pets, children, guests, or just want to know your furniture is easy to clean and unlikely to get stained.

Since we’re always ready to do custom upholstery for our customers and clients, and Ultrasuede is already offered as an option on several furnishings we offer, we decided we’d match its color offerings with some on-trend colors for 2024, and demonstrate how best to use them.

Soft and Serene

Many paint companies chose colors for 2024 that were warmer, more inviting and cozier than the jewel tones they picked in 2023. Pantone came out with ‘Peach Fuzz’, and Glidden announced their pick was ‘Limitless’, a type of warm beige. Dulux chose ‘Sweet Embrace’, a chilled pink hue that’s cooler in tone but still quite cozy.

These on-trend paints are great for creating welcoming and gentle rooms that exude a calming effect. You can pair these paints with Ultrasuede colors such as Bisque, Nectarine, Natural Tan, Rose Quartz or Lilac. Beautiful, neutral, and soft, these fabric colors can be used on big furniture that anchors a room—consider headboards, sofas, armchairs or sectionals.

Cool and Energizing

Krylon bucked the 2024 trend with their color ‘Bluebird’, a zippy, bold and electric hue. Comparable Ultrasuede colors include Robin’s Egg, Real Teal, South Beach, Lime, Sunshine or Orange. All of these are cool, bright colors with sunny dispositions that can boost the impact of a space.

For upholstery, we’d recommend bold colors for smaller furnishings, so you have maximized impact that isn’t overwhelming to the senses. Consider these brighter colors for pieces such as living room chairs, ottomans, throws and pillows, dining stools, or even banquette seating.

Gorgeous Color is Just Around the Corner

Whatever on-trend, stylish look you’re going for, we can help you pair it with the right color and upholstery. Whether your next project is your home, your business, or just a new sofa we’re always more than happy to work with our customers and clients to get a custom look that’s just right. Ultrasuede HP is an option we’re glad to recommend—it’s not just practical, but a wide range of colors make it versatile too, and an ideal option for your next upgrade.

4 Trends from Salone del Mobile 2024

This past April we attended the Salone del Mobile 2024. It was a great opportunity to see what charming, unforgettable designs were making waves in Italy. As admirers of contemporary design, this event is our big chance to see what our favorite designers and brands are doing—a source of insight and inspiration that helps us stay sharp.

There was an abundance of new and interesting uses of materials, unique hues, and a wealth of experimental textures wherever we looked. Salone is always fresh and innovative, but this year it seemed like a feast for the senses. We explored as much as we possibly could and identified 4 major trends that we expect will be leading the furnishings world in the coming months.

Cool New Colors

Color trends are a chance to see the return of some old favorites or new spins on classics. This year was no exception with the five most pronounced colors at the show being burgundy, turquoise, cream, toffee, and green. Zanotta and Moroso, two trendsetting firms, were showing many pieces with pastel tones, suggesting that pastels are poised for a comeback. Finally, we saw a lot of funky pieces done in green, suggesting yet another trending color.

Out of the bunch, we like burgundy the best. It’s a versatile hue of red that’s subdued enough to work as an accent in a minimalist space, but lively enough to work as a supporting complementary color in more dynamic spaces. Our favorite burgundy piece at the show may well have been the Tau 40 Murano Glass Table, just a gorgeous little table with great color.

Tactile Textures

Designers are getting interesting results pursuing sensorial designs that use materials and textures that invite touch. We saw a lot of unexpected designs along these lines, from well-known classics to entirely new designs that are destined to become classics in their own right.

Moroso’s ‘Bouquet’ chair is the standout for us. It’s an amazing design piece and so bold it stopped us in our tracks. It features an uncomplicated metal base topped by a seat and frame covered in burgundy leaves made of folded fabric sheets. Zieta Studio was exhibiting an inflated stainless steel stool that looked really interesting as well, almost like a mylar balloon standing on the ground.

Marvelous Materials

We saw a lot of exploration in how materials were used and combined. We also saw materials being distorted from their natural state or juxtaposed, and the unique effects and looks which come from that. We saw lots of metals and many glass pieces with bubbly, uneven, sometimes wobbly surfaces. Finally, we saw a lot of dense, thick, colorful fabrics that take bouclé as inspiration and run with it.

Shake Design’s freeform marble table with a glass insert is a great example. This coffee table just stunned us—it’s an evocative, gorgeous and moody piece that brings together two different materials very effectively, proving just how potent of a technique it can be.

Sustainable Design

Year after year, we’re seeing continued investment in sustainable designs and reclaimed materials. Recycling was a big theme this year, with exhibitors talking about their aluminum pieces as the best example of an easy-to-recycle metal. The growing problem of plastic waste was addressed by many designers as well.

So it’s fitting that our favorite sustainable design was a set of outdoor furniture from Magis, made with recycled plastic. These standouts featured bursts of color, paired with playful forms and a smooth, delightfully fun design.

With new textures, forms, and materials come new styles to transform and improve our spaces. At Sklar Furnishings, we are dedicated to bringing you the finest in contemporary design. Visit our showroom and discover our carefully curated collection that reflects the latest trends and the most innovative and stylish pieces.

Warmth in Metal: Exploring Earth-Toned Finishes

In contemporary interior design, metal finishes are making a bold statement. Evolving from traditional shiny surfaces to sophisticated earth-toned hues, metal finishes will be popular in 2024 and beyond. At Sklar Furnishings, we’re excited to showcase this new trend, which brings warmth and character to any space.

Earth-toned metallic finishes are currently at the center of modern and contemporary design, offering a balance between elegance and natural beauty. Brushed finishes, matte bronze, and rich soil tones dominate design, infusing spaces with a sense of depth and texture.

Elevate Your Space with Sustainable & Chic Fabrics

Indulge in both style and sustainability with Sklar Furnishings’ exquisite upholstery collection featuring cutting-edge sustainable fabrics. Among the premium selections is Luonto using R-PES and AquaClean technology, and American Leather using Ultrasuede® HP in its fabrics.

Elegance Meets Eco-Friendly: Luonto’s Sustainable Fabrics

The fabrics used by Luonto showcases that elegance and environmental responsibility can seamlessly coexist. What sets Luonto apart is its commitment to eco-friendly practices. Unlike the traditional spray-on or surface coatings, AquaClean is a patented technology that intricately engineers each fiber with a hydrophobic barrier. This ensures that the fabric is not only stylish but also easy to clean, thus providing a hassle-free experience.

The West Loveseat Sleeper is a stunning piece of furniture that embraces AquaClean fabric. This multifunctional loveseat seamlessly combines elegance and functionality, offering a perfect solution for those seeking comfort without compromising on style.

But the commitment to eco-conscious choices doesn’t end there. For the West Sleeper, Luonto also utilizes R-PES fabric, crafted from recycled water bottles. Made from 100% recycled polyester, R-PES is an environmentally friendly material. This eco-conscious approach is not just a nod to sustainability but a powerful step towards reducing environmental impact.

Choosing AquaClean and R-PES isn’t just about selecting stylish and functional fabrics; it’s a conscious decision to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Sustainable Luxury with Ultrasuede® HP

Another fabric that takes center stage for sustainability is Ultrasuede® HP. Boasting a groundbreaking 30% plant-based composition, Ultrasuede® HP takes center stage in the American Leather Lisben Sofa. Ultrasuede® HP isn’t just a fabric; it’s a technological masterpiece. As the world’s first plant-based non-woven suede material, it integrates plant-based polyester, reducing environmental impact and setting new standards for sustainable design. Breathable and stain-resistant, Ultrasuede® HP delivers luxury without compromise, making the Lisben Sofa an elegant and eco-friendly addition to your living space.

At Sklar Furnishings, we’re passionate about selecting furniture that not only enhances your living space visually but also aligns with your values. The West Loveseat Sleeper and the American Leather Lisben Sofa showcase our commitment to providing sustainable and chic options for your home, featuring R-PES fabric, AquaClean technology, and Ultrasuede® HP. Rest assured, with these choices, you’re not just investing in furniture; you’re investing in a greener and more sustainable future.

If you’re often working from home, you know how important your home office space is. If you’re feeling like you aren’t at your best in your home office, we’ve got some pointers and furnishings that will help you turn it into a supportive space that can assist in your productivity.

There are three key criteria to keep in mind for each piece of office furniture: functionality, capacity, and aesthetics. Functionality refers to what it helps you do, by capacity we typically mean storage, and aesthetics is the style and appearance—combine these three attributes in the right, personalized way and you’ve got a home office that’s perfect.

Style and Storage

The Air System is a collection of office furniture centered around the use of glass as a structural element that strikes an excellent balance of functionality, capacity and aesthetics. The Air Desk, for instance, features a solid oak desktop that seems to float in place, while the glass base allows light to flow through. If working in a dark space drains you of energy, the Air Desk could be a lifesaver. An integrated drawer ensures there’s always room for storage and helps you stay organized.

The Air Study Bookshelf includes glass supports between shelves so that light can flow freely between them. Plenty of shelf space and optional storage units ensure you can stay organized and have access to what you put away. The Air Study Bookshelf is also available in the same finishes and materials as the Air Desk, and the two pieces can be integrated to form a stunning desk/shelf combo unit.

Other Top Picks

A well-appointed, functional home office can help to keep your mind active and positive, plus it will help you stay organized, comfortable, and focused on your work. Investing in an office chair that supports you properly is worth the time and effort, and will pay dividends in comfort and productivity.

Designs such as the Guapa Office Chair can be ideal complements to the classically-styled home office and are also surprisingly comfortable. More modern variant such as the Proform® Office Chair incorporate innovative features such as lightweight polymer armrests combined with ergonomic designs.

If you want your home office to promote your health, a standing desk is worthwhile. Standing desks are great alternatives to fixed-height desks, and allow you to work while standing, or take a break from sitting every now and again to get the blood flowing and stretch your muscles without walking away from your tasks. Something like the Centro Lift Desk will serve you well and contribute to a modern, dynamic look.

The final part of a well-appointed home office is storage and organization because sometimes you do want to have supplies, equipment or accessories completely out of sight (and out of mind) while they’re not in use. Something like the Componibli Storage Unit can enhance the look of your home office and add the storage you need to keep your workspace tidy.

At Sklar Furnishings, we have the furniture selection and design expertise to help you make the most of your home office. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just working from home more often these days, we can help you zero in on the perfect furnishings to achieve the perfect balance of aesthetics, functionality, and capacity to keep you empowered to do your best work.