Modern REMIX

Back in the go-go 1980s, modern taste in Atlanta was defined by color—and not just by the blue-green mirrored glass skyscrapers that sprouted up across town. Indoors, mauve and gray wall-to-wall carpet and coordinating art were de rigueur.

NOW
Those same colors look fresh in new combinations. This curvy sofa—in a more organic shape than those of the hard-lined ’80s—is evidence of the revival.
 
“BEAN” SOFA BY TOM DIXON $9,200, Context, 75 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta 30303. (404) 477-3301; contextgallery.com

1990s

When loft living became a viable option in Atlanta, the city saw its heyday of chrome, steel and glossy wood finishes—much of it an imitation of so-called New York-style “big city” living. But as the decade progressed, Atlanta’s urban dwellers came into their own, establishing their own design vocabulary.

NOW 
A real high-rise city, we’ve
still got the gloss, metal and shine, but the look is more streamlined than in preceding eras.
 
“METROPOLIS” COLLECTION OF PORCELAIN OBJECTS BY LLADRó ATELIER $225-$600 each. (201) 807-1177; lladro.com

2000s

The idea of formal living rooms—even amidst traditional bones—became obsolete as we rang in the new millenium. This Jill Vantosh-designed sitting room, complete with multiple seating areas that can be rearranged at whim, reflects a shift in the paradigm.

NOW
Pull up a seat anywhere. This Roche Bobois piece proves that form follows function, even in a whimsical sort of way.
 
“MAYFLOWER” CHAIR BY FABRICE BERRUX $3,092, Roche Bobois, 3400 Around Lenox Rd. NE, Suites 204 & 205, Atlanta 30326. (404) 467-1900; roche-bobois.com

2001s

In 2001, we got our first glimpse of rustic and industrial materials making their way into our homes. Dings, dents and scratches became OK—we called it patina. And mixing metal chairs with a wood table? The idea of matching furniture en suite was over.

NOW
Mass-produced modern classics such as this “Wishbone” chair are updated in fresh colors, proving that sleek and warm can happily coexist.

Lacquered Wishbone chair in chartreuse, designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son $855, Design Within Reach, 2451 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta 30305. (404) 841-2471; dwr.com

2002s

George Nelson’s iconic 1954 Marshmallow Sofa was considered a modern classic and was part of Atlanta’s early 21st-century fascination, revival and appreciation of Mid-Century design.

NOW
In lieu of polished chrome and leather, the same circle motif is reimagined in organic materials.

“Briciole” room divider by Paola Navone $14,834, Context

2003s

As Kelly Wearstler’s Hollywood Regency style reigned supreme on the West coast, Atlantans incorporated glamour in their own low-key way.

NOW
This clean-lined “Bend” sofa, one of Patricia Urquiola’s designs for B & B Italia, demonstrates Southerners’ take on chic sophistication: glamorous yet soft.

“Bend” Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia Starting at $9,800, Context

2004s

As the “Chihuly in the Garden” exhibit broke records at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlantans realized that art needn’t just be relegated to walls; ceilings were cool, too.

NOW
Playful shapes and forms debunk notions of too-serious settings.

“Hues” Tables by outofstock $1,335, Ligne Roset, 805 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 30308. (404) 881-0500; ligne-roset-usa.com

NOW
That same less-is-more approach is still a favorite of fashion heavyweights such as Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani, who has extended the look to his home collections, including this vanity.

“Guapo” vanity by Armani/Casa $14,105 as shown, Armani/Casa, 97 Greene St., New York, New York 10012. (212) 334-1271; armanicasa.com

NOW
Aqua Creations’ “Anana” chair contributes cushy comfort, making it a favorite for any modern house.

“Anana” Chair by Aqua Creations Available to the trade only through August Avery Inc., 351 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Suite 320, Atlanta 30305. (404) 841-5858; augustavery.com; aquagallery.com

NOW
The simplicity of this English-style sofa epitomizes the softer side of modern design while offering a cocoon-like setting to curl up or stretch out.
 
“Oscar” sofa by Matthew Hilton $5,550, The Future Perfect, 55 Great Jones St., New York, New York 10012. (212) 473-2500; thefutureperfect.com

NOW
Forget the plastic. From fabrics and furniture to flatware, objects used in today’s outdoor spaces are as elegant as anything used inside.

Mono-A Black Edition Cutlery Set by Peter Raacke $320, SWITCHMODERN, 1193 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta 30318. (404) 605-0196; switchmodern.com

NOW
Contemporary furniture pieces like this coffee table by Karim Rashid are works of art in themselves.

“Forkola” coffee table by Karim Rashid $19,589, Context

NOW
Beyond art on walls, color can be found underfoot, proving that one item can be the “star” of any space.
 
“Frisian Wouw” rug by Claudy Jongstra Price upon request, Context