This past weekend my friend Karen Parham who is also an Interior Designer in the Atlanta area called me up at the last minute and suggested we go to the International Gift and Home Furnishings Market happening this past week and weekend in Atlanta….this was completely last minute mind you but I’m so happy I went.

I have to admit that I typically do not attend the Atlanta Market because I visit all of the participating showrooms when I attend the High Point Market twice a year. Weather in Atlanta has not been great lately as we’ve seen a lot of rain and cloudy days so what better way to spend a gloomy day than looking at all of the great new furniture, accessories, artwork and lamps.

I had the pleasure of meeting and touring John Beards showroom. He is an amazing self taught American artist who has an incredible collection of originals and giclees that include Abstracts, Impressionism, Contemporary, Costal, Figuratives and more. You can check out his gallery of work here which also includes beautiful pieces created by John’s mother Dee Beard Dean (his sister is also an artist as well). They are one talented family!

LAMPS

I came across this grouping of amazing and unique lamps. What I love about them (besides all of the color choices) are the shades. The shades are are where its at. Check out the one below with the crocodile, how cute would that be in a little boys room. Any takers out there to let me design a room for their little one? I know just the lamp!!

ARTWORK

I could see using this collection of Couture prints in a dressing room or even a sophisticated teenage girls bedroom…they are so chic!

I have my eye set on using these fun prints in a nursery. They are just charming!

And who doesn’t love botanicals! These prints were over-sized and fabulous.

ACCESSORIES

I have a soft spot in my heart for ceramics and decoratives, especially ones of vibrant color. Sometimes you just need that one ceramic piece for that one special spot and this showroom had it, in any color your could imagine. What I especially love it the fact that you can take any of there pieces and turn it into a lamp….semi-custom on a budget!

This showroom below had some amazing vintage inspired accessories, I wouldn’t use them everywhere but a little piece here and there can create just the right feel to a room. I especially loved the trophies, lamps and leather bound sisal rugs….yes you read that right, LEATHER bound area rugs!! They were gorgeous.

BONUS: Designer Tips & Secrets of the Trade

TIP #1: Mr. Brown always does such a great job with their accessories but that’s not the highlight that I spotted in their showroom this time around. I love grouping like items, always have. I think it makes such a strong statement. Do you see the grouping of sphere pendants. They make such a dramatic statement and I could see repeating this look in any home, whether in a foyer or over a table as shown here. What do you think, would you group pendant lights together in your home? Instead of purchasing one large chandelier, think outside the box and group three smaller pendant lights together for a unique, one-of-a-kind look.

TIP #2: One of my favorite bedding lines created these cozy bedroom vignettes with the addition of drapery panels. If you’ve always loved the look of a bed canopy but couldn’t bare the expense, try this creative trick to create a unique spin on the traditional bed canopy. Layer two sided drapery panels next to your headboard and install them on swing arm rods and wa-la there you have it…..a high-end look for a fraction of the cost!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my Atlanta Market highlights as much as I did. Please let me know if you have any questions about any of the products mentioned above. If you’re interested in bringing any of these looks or products into your home, I can help. Contact me anytime here via email or you can call me direct at (67) 316-0113. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

xoxo