It is an undeniable fact - the furniture marketplace has begun to develop an eco-reflex in the choice of materials it uses and the way in which furniture, accessories, mattresses and carpeting are all made.
There is definitely a greater emphasis on product characteristics and origin to meet a growing number of consumers who prefer to “buy green": FSC (or other tracking systems) certified wood from renewable forests, non-toxic paints and stains, water-based paints and resins, eco-textiles (natural and organic fibers), reclaimed and distressed wood and lastly, the reuse of products back into the production cycle.
Organic is not just about the food we eat. Designers are using unpretentious materials like jute, rattan, bamboo, rocks, and water to marry a soothing earthy palette and look with the sophistication of modern design. Accessories made from roots and submerged logs, water features that blend slate, stainless, rock, and water and canvases left free of frames and glass are all part of this earthy element.
All these efforts are a part of a shift towards eco-friendly values among both consumers and manufacturers. As a citizen and tenant of the planet, Sklar Furnishings has pledged to work towards becoming “Greener”. Our Green commitment started with joining the Sustainable Furnishings Council-an organization that places expectations and responsibilities on retailers to monitor their vendors and to act responsibly themselves. We are continuing with our Green commitment by actively pursuing Green-minded vendors. Read more about out Green commitment by clicking here.
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Interesting—one of our very first customers came in to buy an occasional chair to go with her leather sofa she bought almost 8 years ago. When I asked how the sofa was she replied “just like brand new--- we knew we were buying quality when we purchased it”
Music to my ears! We are constantly explaining value and quality to our customers—furniture purchases are not always about price. Many consumers do realize that money spent on quality saves money in the end. In the same breath though, we better be ready to explain that quality story. And we do have the story - we carefully choose vendors with positive reputations in everything from design and research, to manufacturing, to the way they handle their customers. We visit their factories, we talk to their reps and then we choose product we love!
What happens from there is the part of this business I think we love the best - we develop these wonderful friendships and relationships based on a love of excellent design, quality craftsmanship, beautiful materials and the mutual goal of providing the best furniture for the customer’s home or office. Many of our vendors are small family businesses located in the hills of Northern Italy — their pride is palpable when you visit their factory. Just as many of our vendors are right here in North America, and their pride is no less strong.
The value part we also understand because we are consumers as well as retailers. We all want to know that we are getting good value for our hard earned money - furniture purchases can fall into the investment category when they are such good quality that they will last long enough to be passed down to the next generation. Now that is value!
This longevity trait also appeals to our “green” consciences - something that can last that long and be used for 30 and 40 years rather than disposed of in 4-5 years definitely has a bit of “greenness” to it.
