ATLANTA MARKET RECAP: EMERGING TRENDS AND CLASSIC FINDS

What a great time I had being in Atlanta a few weeks back. The visit seems like ages ago, with all the crazy weather and then a quick jaunt to Paris, but my experience there was fantastic and the show was filled with buzz and energy. I started off my time at The International Gift and Home Furnishings Mart moderating my Make It Memorable panel of accomplished design voices- Elizabeth Blitzer who does PR, interior designer Lindsey Coral Harper, and shop owner Mac Hoak of Mecox Gardens. We had a lively conversation about being authentic on social media, creating an impression with design in the digital space, staying true to your voice, and coming up with creative hooks to engage your audience. Thank you to all those who came, the turn out was great, and once again I can confirm, Atlantans love their design. Then it was off to cover the show doing video interviews for Editor at Large. I got to catch up with the talented Bobby McAlpine and see the assortment of new high design showroom spaces on the 15th floor of the Mart.  Here is the what caught my eye at the show- so many good things coming for Spring. 

I was greeted by gigantic elevators sharing my panel at the Mart. What a fun, larger-than-life moment. 

Along with other bloggers and designers, I selected favorite finds to highlight through Instagram @stylebeatblog hashtag #ATLMKTFAV and picked new things in a variety of categories, some of which are seen below.

My favorite find? Artist Tommy Mitchell's plexiglass framed vegetable series.  Hand-crafted out of painted tole, the highly realistic vegetables are rustic and charming and would look wonderful in a kitchen or breakfast room. They can  be ordered with custom fabric matting, just ask. They work perfectly for someone that adores their vegan ways or has a green thumb.

Low to the ground with clever storage nooks, this aqua coffee table from Modern History has plenty of surface area for book collections and a slight Greek Key detail in the design.

I love the chalky white finish plaster provides. This new metal armchair from Mr. Brown in a matte white finish has an interesting concentric square arm detail and comfortable cushions.

I discovered this retro fabulous headboard in the far reaches of the Jeffan showroom. Known for their rattan and wicker made in Indonesia, this sweet little curlicued headboard, available in hot pink or white is just the thing for Palm Beach heyday design. 

A little bit Mid Century Modern, a little bit now, this woven accent chair from Palacek adds the right amount of relaxed casual to a seating area.

Bamboo isn't going anywhere. Which is fine by me, because I love it. The material adds a not-so-serious element, and it dresses-down this Gabby Home wing chair giving it a sense of whimsy.

Yellow is starting to gain traction, and I am sure I will see more moment of the lemon yellow shade at the NY NOW gift show tomorrow. Shown with blanc de chine sculptures at Legends of Asia, Asian ginger jars and vases provide a sunny pop of color.

Black and white was huge in Paris at Maison Objet and on the runway for Spring. It will start to trickle over in the US, and here it is in decorative accents from Waylande Gregory. I can always count on Gregory to have something innovative and inspiring. I love these designs- so crisp and statement making with touches of gold. 

A dash of glam and 70's retro was seen in Valentino, and with trays and objects, it can add an interesting bit of texture and color. These are another directive moment from Waylande Gregory. So chic.