Tips for Shopping ADAC

By Linda Castle, ASID, Decorated Designs

The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center has catered to the needs of the Southeast’s professional design community for over 50 years. Located in Buckhead’s Peachtree Hills neighborhood, ADAC previously was open only to the trade or individuals who were accompanied by an interior designer. On Oct. 1, this 550,000-square-foot complex opened its doors to all design enthusiasts.

The ADAC campus consists of more than 60 showrooms offering an expansive line of furniture, fabrics, rugs, lighting, accessories, floor and wall coverings, antiques, fine art and framing, home theater products, and many other decorative items. It’s open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop at the registration desk to obtain a badge.

ADAC is an amazing resource for inspiration. The variety of goods and services offered is much greater than you might find using more traditional retail shops. Although it’s now available for public browsing, it’s strongly encouraged that you use a professional designer. Depending on the scope of your project and the customizing you wish to incorporate, a designer could save you significant time and money as you progress through the creative process. And, prevent costly mistakes along the way.

Most showrooms have a list of designers or you can pick up a consumer brochure with helpful suggestions at the front registration desk. The Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers also has an office at ADAC.

Find a decorator with whom you have a good rapport. I have found decorating to be a very personal journey. Ask friends, relatives and business associates for the names of people with whom they’ve had a good decorating experience.

Before meeting with your chosen designer, it’s often prudent to view publications and define your own sense of likes and dislikes. This will help the designer capture your style and essence much more quickly and save time (and money).

Often, a preliminary consultation in your home is valuable because most decorating will be built around some of your existing items that you wish to keep. It may be that comfortable sofa or perhaps a treasured rug or piece of art that you want to work from.

My personal design philosophy has always been to get into the customer’s shoes. When all is said and done, your home should capture what you want and reflect your style, not mine. Enjoy, enhance and have fun embarking on a wonderful experience to make your home a special place to return to.

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