Atlanta vs Charlotte

I received an email from a Charlotte client in response to February's Newsletter about my January buying trip to Atlanta. I enjoyed reading about "Hotlanta, ADAC and the new trends for 2006. So what's "Sizzling in Charlotte"? I know Charlotte is lacking in the resource department - does that make the decorating styles different in Atlanta vs. Charlotte.

In this day and time, just because Charlotte does not have a major design center does not mean that the same resources are not available to Charlotteans. Anyone who works with a professional interior designer has access to the ADAC (for example) via their designer. It is a matter of whether or not the designer pursues resources outside of metro-Charlotte. Furthermore, the networking throughout the southeast and New York has always been strong; today's internet has made researching for antiques, furniture, art, rugs and fabrics are just "a click away". The fact that the "world is shrinking" applies to the interior design profession in a very positive way.

For my practice, Charlotte is a great place today to find antiques, rugs and art. The number of specialty antique shops continues to grow. The number of trips to Europe by owners continues to increase annually. The amount of inventory arriving in shipments continues to be quality, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Let's not underestimate the advantage of being within driving distance of High Point - which is still the largest furniture market in the world. The mid-to-high showrooms in High Point are increasingly becoming more "designer friendly" (as opposed to "retail furniture store friendly"). More and more showrooms are available to designers by appointment only.

I am not an expert on comparing design/decorating styles between Atlanta and Charlotte. I see the same articles in Southern Accents, Veranda, etc. that you do (and, yes, Atlanta designers get featured A LOT). I see many similarities in both geographical areas. One of the strongest styles is "classic Southern" which I would describe as elegant with a casual attitude. Interiors designed in this manner are comfortable, uncluttered and designed with "good flow" both -traffic- wise and color- wise. Scale and proportion emphasize the "classic" approach to this decorating style. There is often a mix of French and English antiques with contemporary accents for a transitional feeling. Attention to detail is critical in achieving the blend of old and new.

Just as the Southeast is a mixture of many people and personalities, design styles in the Southeast embrace a wide variety of interior and exterior styles. One can drive through many neighborhoods in Charlotte, for example, and see contemporary, French country, English Tudor, a one story ranch house (soon to be leveled), a bungalow with swings on the front porch and what I refer to as a "bigger is better" house with no style what-so-ever. Not all of you would agree with me, but it is difficult to argue with freedom of speech and the American way - even in design and decorating.

Enjoy the first signs of spring, daffodils and longer days!

Anita

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