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What's Hot from the Atlanta Market
January 12, 2009
Spring into Color: Classic and Exotic Looks Steal the Show. BY TRACY BULLA
Here in Atlanta, color rules, as vendors aim to seduce buyers with a tempting array of designs in fresh, lively hues.
At Two’s Company, an orange and pink vignette creates ultra impact with juicy, bold color.
The widespread use of color goes a long way toward promoting a positive mood and generating energy on the floor. Ultra-bright combinations, such as hot pink and orange or lime and turquoise, generated the biggest visual impact, but softer pastels that read almost as neutrals are also a key look. Spa blue, mint and celery paired up with sand, cream and linen for an ultra-clean, calming effect.
Coral-topped decanters take to high-style seas at Vellum.
As the trends turn at a slower rate, some tried-and-true favorites emerge as the winning looks at market. Classical competes against intrigue, juxtaposing opposite extremes in design.
Classic looks delve back into antiquity, spotlighting easily recognizable symbols such as busts, urns and Greek key motifs on accent furniture and accessories. Updated just enough to feel current, the sensibility is elegant, pure and streamlined, but stills retains the classical essentials. Roman-style benches and table bases, and Etruscan-inspired ceramics round out the feeling of timelessness.
Arte Italica’s overscale Pompeii urn moves an ancient design into the modern age with a fresh wash of color.
In addition, French designs continue their hold on home accents. Antique-influenced looks are spruced up in mock croc or lacquered finishes, complementing subtly simplified designs. French looks also move into the modern era, borrowing from the early 20th century. Hammered and chiseled metal offerings reflect a sculptural, artisan quality, playing off crisp, aerodynamic Deco designs.
The Topkapi Palace pillows from Natori Home burst with a lavish medley of intricate pattern and color.
At the other end of the spectrum, exotic looks surge to the forefront. Unlike many seasons, there’s no clear bent toward, for example, Morocco. Instead, it’s a lavish profusion of influences from far and wide: Morocco, India, Thailand, Indonesia. The resulting mix is jam-packed with color and pattern, particularly dizzying geometrics and intricate medallions.
Barbara Cosgrove’s ancient warrior lamps put exotic elements in the spotlight with sculptured finesse.
Richer, more saturated colors are the norm here, set off by crisp white and beige for a cooling effect. Ikat and Suzani prints are dominant, reworked on natural linen and cotton. Gods and goddesses abound, especially in sculptural form, and are shown in glossy ceramics or gleaming metallics on the modern side. Antiqued and distressed designs in wood and metal are also popular in this trend, capturing the feel of genuine artifacts.
Wooden busts showcase the timeless appeal of classical design with a hip spin at Dransfield & Ross.
Posted by Wes Kennedy on January 12, 2009 | Comments (0)
