As the year continues, new trends in contemporary furniture and design keep emerging. Since creativity never sleeps, we at Sklar are always looking for fresh ideas in interior and exterior design. We’ve noticed five trends and evolutions that caught our attention and provided you further insights below.

Trend #1: Matte Finishes
While touring furniture markets, we noticed a decrease in high gloss and increase in matte finishes. Matte surfaces make a good contrast for polished metal and bright acrylic elements, and can bring a sense of balance to bold or busy rooms. The Aria Table by Aleal in Matte Grey Eucalyptus Frise caught our attention as an excellent centrepiece for dining rooms. Other illustrious modern designer furniture companies like Il Loft and Reflex have also been exploring matte finishes.

Trend #2: Blush and Yellow Accents
Blush is a bold yet diffuse, bright yet restrained shade of pink. Paired with various yellows, blush makes for a playful and refreshing accent that can enhance a variety of spaces. Whether these unlikely colors are paired as accent furnishings or decor elements, they’re popping up quite often this year, and give us hope for a brighter, more colorful future.

Trend #3: Memories of Green
We had heard hints of green making a big return for furniture and decor. It’s a calming color with plenty of shades to suit any mood or space. We kept our eyes open for gorgeous greens, but didn’t see them prominently. However, green is making a return in fashion, which could mean a return in the coming year. The 36e8 Sideboard from Lago is an exquisite example of what is to come.

Trend #4: Modern Outdoor Furniture
Everyone is familiar with rustic outdoor furniture, or outdoor pieces that are more functional than stylish. This is changing, as designer outdoor furniture is exploring more modern styles. One of our favorite examples is the Vondom Suave Sofa, a rounded and elegant modular sofa that’s resilient enough to live outdoors, but would look equally at home indoors.

Trend #5: Bunching Small Tables
Another remarkable trend we noticed is the bunching and mixing of small tables, alone or with poufs—we couldn’t think of a greater way to display your taste in a greater variety of textures, styles, and materials. One perfect combo is the Kailua Writing Table and Maxi Footstool, from Ditre Italia. It’s a functional and flexible combination, and wonderfully stunning in person. Another inspirational design comes from Glassisimo with their Ragno Coffee Table. A beautiful accent piece that works well individually or in sets at varying heights.

At Sklar, we’re always keeping an eye out for the next big trends, wherever they come from. It’s a responsibility to our customers, but also a perk of the job, to be constantly exploring for great ideas, creative concepts, and refreshing styles. Like what you see? Explore our website or come visit the Sklar showroom in Boca Raton for much more.

Sideboards are one of the most versatile, yet overlooked pieces of furniture for a modern home. Not only do the sideboards act as a striking focal point in the dining room, but they also offer a convenient location to store dinnerware, serve charcuterie and showcase your prized possessions. Sideboards can also be the home to items that are often lying around in the living room. They are the perfect mix of display and storage furniture. Sideboards were initially created as an alternative to side tables but since their creation, the designs have undergone creative and innovative changes as we can see in today’s versatile furniture pieces. Discover some of the trending sideboards of the season:

Lago 36e8 sideboard
The 36e8 sideboard is the perfect example of style and quality. Lago, the Italian manufacturer, has given you the option to customize your furniture with its creation of 36e8. The sideboard offers you the option to create an original display and unit furniture piece by combining different shapes and dimensions. With the option of drawers or drop-down doors, various colors, materials and finishes, the Lago sideboard adds a fresh vitality to the room with its clean and elegant lines. This spectacular furnishing unit does not need to be mounted on the wall, thus adding lightness to its space.

Cattelan Arizona Sideboard
Another modern display and storage unit, the Cattelan Arizona sideboard, is a four-door sideboard featuring bronze front and side panels. Arizona’s design and form complement its function, thus creating a timeless piece with an elegant finish. With two heights to choose from, the modular Cattelan table offers you the freedom to choose the right one for your space.

Tonelli Shoji Madia Sideboard
Italian brand Tonelli is continuously striving for innovation and experimenting with new forms of creativity, hence bringing to you the Shoji Madia sideboard. The glass dresser with a frosted glass exterior is a gorgeous end table to flaunt your decor pieces. What’s more, the bold casters allow for flexibility in the relocation of the table and it comes in different sizes to accommodate different space needs.

It’s summer, which means it’s time for something new and fresh! Discover modern and comfortable furniture to relax on during the heatwave, along with a sideboard that is sure to turn heads. You can make small changes and it will go a long way.  Check out these new European furniture pieces for your home that bridge the American aesthetic with strong European roots for the perfect summer vibe. 

This furniture embraces both old and new styles while providing distinctive designs and comfort. These European designs are affordable, versatile and the trendiest pieces for your home this summer.

Aria Table by Aleal
ALEAL, a luxury furnishings company based in Portugal, uses state of the art manufacturing technology with the highest quality raw materials to manufacture furniture with dramatic designs. ALEAL’s furnishings have distinctive originality and character that can easily be seen in the Aria Table. This table creates a sense of theatre in one’s home with its clean lines and silhouette. Make this luxury table the focal point of your living room and watch how it amazes your friends, family and guests. 

36E8 Sideboard by Lago
Lago envisions design as a discipline that produces not just products but also new models for living. The innovative Italian brand is most famously known for modular furniture like the 36E8 sideboard. The oak timber sideboard is a storage classic with a contemporary twist of creating your shelves by combining different dimensions, shapes and finishes. This sideboard can be creatively positioned in infinite combinations to fit your needs and space. 

Moonstar Sofa by Il Loft
Italian furniture is synonymous with high quality and distinctive designs. Il Loft hinges its brand image on quality mixed with fine and creative designs. Il Loft’s passion and love for color are evident in many of their pieces of furniture. The Moonstar Lineare Sofa is one of the chicest summer sofas from the brand. It’s modern and  features a high backrest that provides uber comfort and its unique design gives it a soft appearance. The magnificent sofa features cushions in various designs and textures that act as small embellishments for the sofa.

Free Spirit Curvo Sofa by Il Loft
Another popular piece from Il Loft is the Free Spirit Curvo sofa. The leather piece comes with dual compositions to suit every room’s aesthetic, a linear structure for clean lines and a curving form for that creative and artistic feel. The free-spirited modern sofa is defined by an upholstered metal tray and cushions that are easy on the back and perfect for lounging, day and night. 

Suave Sofa by Vondom
This summer, draw your guests together by transforming your home into a true oasis with Vondom’s Suave sofa. The Suave collection achieves a high level of softness, comfort and relaxation by fusing fine craftsmanship with advanced technology. The contemporary sofa comes in calm and appealing colors to create a welcoming environment and its delicate fabric reflects the warmth that brings people together. 

At Sklar Furnishings, we source the finest of Italian furniture from internationally acclaimed vendors. From the artistic designs of Reflex to the colorful philosophies of Il Loft; our Boca Raton showroom houses the latest and greatest furniture trends from Italy. We have chosen 5 Italian products that will transform your home. It’s time to experience a taste of Italy!

Michelangelo Kind Bed
The Michelangelo Bed is a sight to behold combining a beautiful design with the utmost comfort. This piece showcases true Italian flair that we have all come to adore. Renowned for comfort and excellence internationally, Conte is considered an industry trailblazer in the manufacturing of high-end mattresses and beds. The imposing Michelangelo bed can come in fabric or leather and has a base created from brown ash. With an anchored headboard in multilayered wood and padding, the Michelangelo King Bed is a masterpiece in design.

Tumidei On/Off Alcova Wall Unit
This fantastic unit houses not only your precious belongings, but can also entertain guests with its integrated seating options. The On/Off Alcova by Tumidei is a stunning Italian wall unit that is designed with precision. It is ideal for living spaces that serve multiple purposes such as a living room with the need for a small desk or home office, or den which also functions as a guest room. This unit from Tumidei suits every occasion and is the perfect companion for contemporary styles in the home.

Borovier and Toso Perseus Chandelier
Borovier and Toso is one of the oldest companies in Italy. They began glass blowing in 1295 and it is still owned and operated by family seven centuries later. They create unique lighting pieces that withstand the changing trends that come and go. The Perseus Chandelier made from Murano glass creates a show-stopping breathtaking presence in any room!

Ditre Italia Cut Chair
Ditre Italia illustrates its Italian craftsmanship with this sleek leather chair. It completes your contemporary living room. The outlines on the chair reveals comfort contained in a shell shaped piece, interrupted by the passing stitches that interrupt the vast volumes. The chair is a modern design icon that emphasizes the brand’s unique Italian detailing and style. The Cut Chair is available in a range of colors and fabrics.

There’s nothing like lounging on your patio, the sun high in the sky and not having a care in the world. Enjoying life on the deck will need more than just the sagging lawn chairs, so it’s time to freshen up your patio for the Summer Season! Outdoor furniture decor has evolved over the past few years and there’s no reason why your patio or terrace should be left behind. We’ve rounded up the 5 patio pieces you need this summer to make the most of your outdoor space.

Hammocks

Remember your childhood when everyone used to fight over the swings and hammocks? Bring back those times by adding a modern hammock to your outdoor furniture. Satala Hammock from Aqua Creations is a piece of artwork!  There’s nothing more relaxing than swinging back and forth, with a refreshing drink or book in hand.  

Daybeds/Chaise

Snooze in the sun with a comfortable daybed or chaise lounge chair. Daybeds usually feature an adjustable back that reclines in different positions and also lies flat. Think about tucking yourself in and get hours of rest and relaxation. The Surf Sun Chaise is a chic outdoor chaise lounge that is available in bold colors to add the extra pop to the patio.

Media Table

Adding a side or media table to your patio is always a great idea. These often-extendable tables come in handy when throwing a party or just hanging out with friends and family. They’re easy to move around and with tables like BDI’s Bink Mobile Media Table, they are also extremely eye-catching.  

Patio accessories

Little things create a big effect. Patio accessories are small decor pieces that will add a personality to the outdoors and make your patio a true extension of your contemporary home.

Adding in smart lights, flowerpots or glass table lamps are the little accessories that will make your patio a wonderful place to unwind. Borowski’s Tawny Glass Table Lamp is a beautiful example you should consider adding to your collection.

Lighting

When the sun goes down, it is important to have lighting if you want to enjoy your outdoor patio after dark. You can create ambiance by simply stringing lights across your patio or try the Vondom Outdoor Light that makes any space look elegant with the turn of a switch.

You don’t need to go on a vacation to relax and soak up the sun, especially when you can do it all in your own backyard! With the right furniture and accessories, any patio can be transformed into an area for relaxing and entertaining guests. We can help you with a few outdoor style tips to help you kick start summer in style!

Coastal Styling

Nothing says summer more than the blue and green hues inspired from the ocean. Using soft shades of blue and green and mixing them with neutrals does the trick of keeping your outdoor area simple yet elegant. Cabana stripes can add a playful touch to the patio. Outdoor-friendly cushions in aquamarine hues will add depth and dimension to the patio. Our Tamiami Outdoor Collection’s patio chairs feature a captivating aquamarine palette that adds the perfect coastal flavor to the outdoors.

Rope Styling

At first glance, the Diva set from Couture Jardin radiates an air of sheer elegance. Thanks to its smaller frame and rope structure, it can easily adapt to all environments. There is an extensive choice of pieces throughout the Diva collection, both for seating and dining, to create outdoor paradise you crave.

Wicker Styling

Wicker is a beach house staple and there is no reason why it shouldn’t be added to the outdoor patio. Wicker furniture can handle the summer heat and stays fresh season after season. If you use Tropical hardwoods, they can be left outdoors year-round. The Curl Daybed from Couture Jardin is a gorgeous summery piece of furniture that is as sculptural as it is unique, and it provides a great space for relaxing.

Tuscan Styling

Styling the outdoors in Tuscan style is all about rustic simplicity and old-world charm. Adding in some plants will create greenery. Long benches and tables made of teak will make your outdoors an enchanting place to entertain. South Beach Sectional and Ella Dining Chair are light and airy teak furniture pieces that will add the perfect amount of charm to your outdoor oasis.

Indoors Styling for the Outdoors

Create a space that combines the comforts of indoors living with the open-air of your surroundings; it is time for some al fresco entertaining beneath the stars. Summer is just around the corner and we have some fantastic pieces that look at home both indoors and out. The cushions and frame can often differ, but it is near impossible to tell the difference in fabric. Even though outdoors furniture has a specialized performance fabric for long lasting use in the elements.

Visit the Sklar Showroom and receive advice on how you can get with the trends this summer and enhance your outdoor living.

Almost half way through 2019, a big styling trend is hitting the design industry. The small but mighty benches are a furniture item that does it all without any clutter. An entryway essential, benches are the perfect transformative furniture that adds seats and storage to any contemporary living room or modern bedroom. This small and multipurpose furniture piece is a great alternative to bulky furniture pieces that block views in your living room. The benches also work as beautiful accent pieces that works in every room in the house. Easy to move around, the benches solve the decorating challenges that come with an awkwardly shaped entryway or a nook.

Ways to style benches:

Open up your living room
In the past, living rooms would consist of two long sectionals or sofas and two chairs opposite one another, creating an inclusive square shape. The latest trend is now removing a chair and adding a bench. This would occur in front of the window creating a new focal point, showcasing the magnificent views from your living room. The Edison bench and Cierre bench are beautiful examples of the furniture unit, stylish yet multipurpose in nature. The Edison Bench can be used as a bench, ottoman or cocktail table.

Style up your bedroom
Add a classic touch to your bedroom by placing a bench at the end of your bed. A bench by the bed serves multiple purposes – extra seating, storage, placing your clothes at the end of the day.

Spruce up a lacklustre corner
If you’re looking for ways to style a dull corner in the house, a bench will save the day. Not only is it useful, it is also super easy to decorate. Cushions, throw pillows, artwork and plants are just some of the things that can be used to decorate the already beautiful benches. The Zoey bench is a contemporary designer bench that will instantly light up any room its used in.

Dining in numbers
Adding a bench to your dining room is also a great way to add some extra seating options. How often are you short a seat at the dining room table? A bench is the perfect solution and also creates an intimate experience with your guests.

Visit Sklar showroom and view our fantastic array of benches to suit your home.

A sofa and sectional is one’s long-term companion that will manage one’s relaxation needs, and probably handle multiple spills. It is an investment piece for any living space and no investment should be made on a whim. There needs to be careful consideration of one’s lifestyle, budget, and future use of the sofa. Other things to consider is the look and feel of the sofa. Will the sofa have a modern or classic look? High back or low? Lastly, and most importantly, will it be fabric or leather? With a thousand different choices available in a furnishing store, the quest to find the perfect sofa can be daunting. As a result, we have rounded up pointers to remember when going sofa shopping:

Look for Durability
The higher the quality of materials, the longer they will last. For fabric; cotton and linen are both great options, and when mixed in with some synthetics, the fabric is usually easier to clean and more breathable. Fabric sofas can pill with high use, however in choosing a high-quality fabric this will decrease the risk of pillage.

In the leather world all vendors name their different grades different names. The less treatment a leather has, the higher grade and more expensive it will be. Alternatively, the more treatment it receives, the lower the grade and the better durability.

Leather’s durability, easy maintenance and soft feel makes it one of the most popular upholstery options. Dakota, Oxford, Rawhide are just a few types of leather, and each of them have a distinct look and feel. Determine what kind of leather will fit in perfectly with your lifestyle and living room style. Cheaper leather will crack and eventually start to fade, thus taking your investment down the drain.

Life Factors
Life factors is another important thing to keep in mind when going sofa hunting in the wild furnishing world. Answer a few questions: Do you have pets who make occasional accidents? Do you have children who like to play with colors and sharpies? Do you have dust allergies? If you answered yes to any of the above three questions, you need to consider a leather couch. Leather sofas are hypoallergenic, and easier to clean. Kendall Sofa and Sectional is a timeless and functional leather sofa that comes in a variety of leg color options.

Lifestyle Comfort
Lifestyle comfort is all about testing the sofa and sectional individually. The aspect of comfort is subjective and so is what feels more comfortable to one’s body. Another key thing to remember here is the time for treating spills. Fabric and leather have different procedural steps to clean and treat the spills. Leather is a little more forgiving when it comes to this and can be treated by a dry cloth. A fabric sofa is extremely porous and will require more effort in cleaning the stains. Don’t forget the fun element of reclining sofas. While the Althon Sofa from Ditre Italia provides a unique seating unit that comes with an adjustable back height for comfort.

The options are endless but with our industry insights, we hope you pick the right material for your home.

Wood has always been a traditional and a beautiful interior design element. However, when used in furnishings, wood often comes across as rustic. Rustic does not mean outdated or worn-down, in fact when used in the right style, rustic can be graceful and bring along a balance to the modern interior style. The highly versatile material comes in a variety of colors, textures, and grain patterns to please every interior design taste. The use of wood does not have to be limited to furniture, as it can easily be incorporated into flooring and walls as well. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for when you have figured out where to use wood as the base style element.

Maintain the color tone of large furniture pieces

Mix and match is good but sometimes it creates a lack of harmony in the space. So, if you decide to use different varieties of wood, make sure that the larger furniture pieces are in a matching brown shade. Now that big pieces have added a harmonious appeal to the room, feel free to add smaller furniture pieces or wooden accents in different shades of brown to add a little pop and color element to the surroundings. The Karma Dining Table pairs well with the Elodi Buffet storage unit in size and color shades.

Integrate the shades throughout the room

Another key point to keep in mind is to integrate the different wooden shades throughout the room and not divide the room up by keeping lighter wood on one side and the darker on the other. By spreading out the different colors of wood, it will create a smooth flow of calmness over your modern style room. 

Alternate the wood colors with furnishings

A majority of the modern or contemporary living rooms follow the monochromatic or the lighter shade influence, which will be out of place for a dark wood furnishing. Color coordinate the furnishing sets with alternate wood colors. Combining Ditre Italia’s Cut Chairs with Dellarobbia’s Sakai Area Rug is a perfect example of combining two tones of wooden elements into one corner of the room.  

Every new year brings with itself a plethora of new styles and decorating patterns. A new and fresh take on the old styles is available in every spring tabloid and magazine. You don’t have to follow every trend that exists and bring it into your home. But if you wish to breathe some fresh life into your living space, look forward to making small changes – painting the accent wall with a new color, decluttering and going all the way minimalist, or even adding new pops of color to the otherwise monotonous spaces. A home upliftment or a small decorative remodel doesn’t have to be an entire overhaul since even the smallest changes can change the entire room.

New furniture

Furniture units tend to be the focal point of any contemporary living space. If you’re looking to do a slight makeover of your rooms, change the furniture. If there is a budget constraint, updating the upholstery is an easy way to change the appearance of the room. If contemporary style is on your mind, look for sleek furniture pieces that will easily blend into the current theme of your room. Tonelli Livingstone Dining Table is a beautiful example of a contemporary furniture unit that extends to fit all your spacing needs. Skorpio Keramik is another dining table that’s a balance between creativity and contemporary styling.

Change the color palette

Changing the upholstery, and the color palette of one’s room can change the entire look of the space. Bring in some throws, pillows or wall accents in the latest Pantone Color of the Year 2019 – Living Coral, add in some dramatic colors like bright red, fuschia, organic greens and bold yellows to a muted or neutral colored room. Morning Glory lamp from Aqua Creations is a graceful piece of floor lamp that doubles up as a fascinating piece of art. Adding a sparkly chandelier to a living room can drastically refashion a room’s ambiance. Stella Chandelier is the perfect light fixture to modernize your home in 2019.

Multifunctional space

Another stylish way to do a quick remodeling of one’s living spaces is to declutter and go minimalistic in furnishing approach. A minimalistic approach makes a room appear more spacious. The minimalist approach goes perfectly hand-in-hand with Tumidei’s On/Off Alcova Wall Unit. The wall unit comes with an integrated bench, and storage, and is the perfect companion for contemporary styles.