There is nothing more timeless than a piece of sleek, rich leather upholstery. A natural material, leather is not just being used in furniture and accessories. Lighting, flooring and even wallcoverings are now incorporating leather. A wise investment, leather becomes more supple with age, remains hardy against sun and heat and is easy to clean.

one: 8-light chandelier, Suzanne Kasler Dressage Collection, by Visual Comfort, available at Metro Lighting.

Nesting tables give you endless options for arranging a room. Whether stacked together or pulled into a variety of configurations, nesting tables were designed with flexibility in mind.

one: Lotus nesting tables, available at Savvy Surrounding Style.

two: Giorgio consoles, available at Amini's.

three: Bassey nesting cocktail tables, available at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

For our May Green issue, we are asking local designers if reclaimed wood is a classic or a craze. Here is what they had to say...

Dinnerware and glassware doesn't have to be displayed in a traditional china hutch. MOdern styles make showing off your prized collection fresh and stylish.

one: Liquor cabinet, available at Kenn Gray Home.

two: Bunching china, by Hickory White, available at KDR Designer Showrooms.

three: Bossa nova display cabinety, available at Three French Hens.

Minimalist, functional and simplistic, Scandinavian design began to emerge in the late 1920s. Originating in the European countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, the height of the design movement came into focus after World War II.

The introduction of mass production paired with the increased availability of new, low-cost materials following the war allowed for furnishings to be high quality and accessible to everyday people. Often referred to as democratic design, Scandinavian furnishings appealed to the masses and were affordable.

Martin Goebel, owner and designer at Goebel Furniture Co., shares his distinctive design philosophy.

SLHL: So how did you start designing furniture?
Martin: I received my formal design training at Rhode Island School of Design during my MFA work in furniture design. Previously, I was classically trained in the art of furniture craft and cabinetmaking. My heightened understanding of traditional craft methodology and BFA in sculpture greatly informs my formalized process which I honed at RISD.