Checking out Chairs at ADAC - Trend Watching

Chairs Display at ADAC

Several days ago link I discussed a day session at ADAC in mid-town Atlanta sponsored by the Hearst Design Group and ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center).  In addition to sitting through several informative sessions sponsored by several of the over 60 showroom patrons at the Center, I wandered around to perform my own trend observation.

Here are some ideas I walked away with that inspire my own work:

• Structural pieces (wood exposure, interesting angles and lines) are as important as ever. 
• Solid fabrics, sometimes but not always neutrals, are key to flexibility in decorating.
• Heirloom/reproduction pieces are key to not being overly matchy-matchy or too predictable creating more interesting spaces.
• Lots of painted woodwork and/or exposed lighter wood surfaces are shown in most showrooms - not too many with dark traditional wood finishes (or at least a mix of the two).
• Traditional shapes and styles like wing back, bergere/French, and regency are still (and may always be) hot!
• Oversized pieces are "out" and moderate-sized (even compact) can be just as comfortable and even "masculine". 
• Restrained but elegant woodwork (whether painted or not) are incorporated in designs - not heavy or expensive woodwork unless somehow diminished (e.g. by painting, leaving natural).

So, this review was good for my personal decorating sensibilities (styles, shapes) but also challenging in regard to my interest in highlighting upholstered furniture with great patterned fabrics - so I will address fabrics in a separate posting!