Last week marked the end of the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. The Atlanta show attracts gift buyers far and wide but has also become a hub for designers and home accessory buyers. The metropolitan Atlanta area, like much of the sunbelt, has experienced explosive growth in the past decade and announced itself as a major media market. AmericasMart has never been more appealing to buyers with it’s great Southern location and more hotels within walking distance to the market center than anywhere else.

Atlanta had a vibrant focus on wall color, keeping it to a one or two color story and pairing it with accessories with traditional lines in neutral patterns and texture. The color story was strengthened with a layer of accent textiles, like pillows and throws in tonal or complimentary looks. Artwork took a backseat to structured wall décor incorporating mirrors and other reflective surfaces.

Lighting was a big story with every conceivable lamp silhouette available. Retailers are realizing this once overlooked category, plus a strong wall décor offering, equals bigger ticket sales and more units per transaction.

We at IMAX rolled out our first-ever Disco themed night on Friday, and Suite 1100 was transformed into Studio 54. Aching feet were all but forgotten as the entire staff hit the dance floor. Check out all the fun photos on our Facebook page.

These are a few of my observations from the Atlanta market. What are yours? Leave a comment below and let me (and our other readers) know!