Skylar’s Home and Patio

The German poet Goethe once wrote, "He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in the home." These words are true today as they ever were, and while exterior aesthetics are important, with homes, as with people, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Enter Skylar’s Home and Patio, the true up-and-comer in San Diego’s rich landscape of furniture and mattress retail stores. With a selection that rivals larger outlets and unbeatable service, Skylar’s business, to be sure, is booming.

Founded in 2010 by Skylar Ireton — whose relaxed style blends perfectly with Carlsbad’s beach-side mien — the store, like its owner, comes off as perfectly inviting and unpretentious. Situated right across from the Coaster station and merely blocks from the beach, the store’s rustic wood paneling and broad windows present a welcome alterative to the industrial, big-box feel of many furniture outlets.

The storefront’s casual vibe runs parallel to the establishment’s focus on supporting other community outlets and establishments. The walls, painted in tastefully cool palette tones, are decked with paintings and works of art by local artists. These pieces, many of which depict nearby beaches or natural settings, are available for sale and reasonably priced.

The selection of furniture within the store is also impressive. Sectionals are the main attraction here, with couches that range across a wide range of different styles and fabrics. There are wooden four-post bed frames, customized cabinets with carved inlays, hardwood finished benches, hand-carved bookcases, trunks, tables, mattresses, chairs, and at least one of just about anything used for sitting, lounging or storing.

In addition to the fine indoor furniture of Skylar’s, there’s also a sweeping inventory of patio products. From fire pits — which are a real specialty here — to tables and wicker benches, finding the perfect fixture for any yard won’t be a problem.      

The quality of the furniture truly speaks for itself. For its sectionals, the store boasts access to most of the popular styles that are available at Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, and Restoration Hardware — except Skylar’s carries them at a 30- to 50-percent discount. In addition, Skylar’s carries many items that are handmade or otherwise customized, like the Nantucket series furnishings, all of which are made from reclaimed wood and have a seasoned, aesthetically weathered look to them.

As for customer service, there is no competition. The hosts of positive Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Skylar’s is a fresh business, with a young owner and small staff who all have an intimate knowledge of their products. Ireton himself is often there to guide customers around the store and help them locate the perfect item. The staff often encourages customers to take home fabric patterns and designs to check whether or not the pattern will be a match for their home décor.

Say goodbye to conventional and monotonous retail-shopping errands. Going to Skylar’s feels more like visiting the home of a new friend — a new friend, that is, with impeccable tastes in fine home furnishings.

For more information, visit skylarshomeandpatio.com.