Etsy Influences Atlanta Gift Show Wares
Bold graphics, typography, folk art and vintage chic are still going strong — just take a peek at AmericasMart's aisles
I hit the gift show at AmericasMart here in Atlanta this week and brought back a handful of images of fun home décor items and trends seen there. The influence of Etsy was very clear, as vintage and handmade looks were prevalent. In terms of color, everything seemed to be rendered in black and white or bold color, with not much in between. Charming animals (yes, birds are still everywhere) and exotic flavor are also as popular as ever. Here are six trends that show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
1. Folk art and yard art. One thing I love about the temporary booths is finding crafters and folk artists I might not have found otherwise. Bottle cap artist Donna DiGiorgio has several watering holes collecting bottle caps for her, and she turns them into fun folk art creatures that I'd love to hang on my screened-in porch or from a tree in the backyard.
2. Elephants, typography and relaxed fabrics. At Sugarboo Design's showroom, charming throw pillows and artwork displayed messages and images of charming animals, in black and white with a few bright colors thrown in. The products seem to have taken a letterpress-card look and translated it to living rooms.
The Sugarboo Designs showroom is so beautifully merchandised that I would move in and live there if I could. I have admired many of their items before, and it was fun to see them all in one place. You may recognize the framed You Are My Sunshine artwork from this children's bathroom.
3. Coastal influence. A booth full of colorful pillows at Dillworth & Dorsey celebrated bold graphics and coastal themes.
The She Crab Lamp from Hampton Row is a whimsical item that is executed with sophistication. It's available with a base of acrylic, mahogany or driftwood, and it's also available with an off-white crab.
4. Moroccan style. Exotic items with North African designs show no sign of waning in popularity. Market Street Candles, housed in intricate Moroccan glasses, are a great way to add an exotic touch. Plus, they smell divine.
Browse more Moroccan designs
Browse more Moroccan designs
5. Exuberant color. Waylande Gregory's work is the epitome of eye catching; as I whizzed by the Codarus showroom I literally stopped in my tracks and backed up after catching this arrangement out of the corner of my eye. I also snapped a closer look at the tiger/zebra shelf.
6. Vintage style. Patinated items still have luster; it was a real treat to see everything Vagabond Vintage has to offer in person. These lockers from India, with their glass doors, aged exteriors and bright red interiors were calling my name.
7. Industrial chic. Part of the vintage look is industrial items like these boxes and metal tables, and light fixtures that use Edison bulbs.
I can't share this picture and not mention Vagabond Vintage's lovely hand-painted plates in black and white (shown above) and in bold color combinations .
I can't share this picture and not mention Vagabond Vintage's lovely hand-painted plates in black and white (shown above) and in bold color combinations .
Just some AmericasMart fun; I assume Atlanta is the only city outside of Dallas where you can spy Christmas cacti served up in bright ceramic cowboy boot vases. This is a window by Kalahou.
8. Finally, I loved the message over at the showroom for Design Legacy by Kelly O'Neal, embracing the Portlandia show's parody of all things birded.
More:
Typography Makes Itself at Home
Be Bold, Be Brave With Color
So Your Style Is: Industrial
More:
Typography Makes Itself at Home
Be Bold, Be Brave With Color
So Your Style Is: Industrial