A city known as an abundant resource for antiques and with its colonial homes abound, Atlanta is witnessing a new, emerging trend of using touches of glamour to update, freshen, and modernize their everyday surroundings.

Whether the result of a new generation of Atlantans, the influence of transplants, or the nouveau chic mindset of making old and worn, shiny and new again; it is hard to pin-point the driving force.

This trend is the fashion equivalent of throwing on your old, but favorite cocktail dress, applying a few lustrous coats of Chanel’s Rouge Allure in the colour Dazzling (of course) and hooking a pair of those emerald earrings (a la Angelina Jolie). Whether dining, lounging, or out on the town, there is a movement to reflect and incorporate individuality, beauty, and playful formality.

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles May 2009 – Gold details layered within the green and neutral palette kick this room up a notch. Also, the mixed patterning of the subtle stripe in the rug, the classic animal print, and the whimsical drapery add an unexpected flair.

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, October 2008 – The high contrast of color makes for a dramatic visual in this room. In addition, the layering of the long tufted ottoman with the short sofa table is both unexpected and stylish.

Staceage touts itself as the place for those who want to live famously. For your worn-down slipper chair in need of a makeover, this showroom is the equivalent to hitting the lottery! Furniture, trims, fabrics, rugs, and wallpaper found here add a glamorous touch to any interior. Unexpected, subtle touches such as the angel wings inset in the chairs above differentiate these otherwise “neutral” chairs apart from the rest.

These black lacquered Bergere chairs from The Mercantile receive a splash of color from the over-sized, contemporary palm pattern. This is a prime example of updating a traditional piece to make it fit in an eclectic or modern interior.

Owen Lawrence, Sip of Gold Champagne Goblets (Sieger by Furstenberg) – The black and white trend continues! These champagne goblets have metallic accents which further accentuate their appeal. The goblets themselves have an old-world and luxurious appeal, yet the color & pattern are contemporary.

Nicholas Kniel, a former fashion designer, has brought to Atlanta a showroom full of couture embellishments for the home & your closet. An extensive ribbon collection includes everything from exclusive velvet and hand-dyed silks to every color, pattern, and material in between. His vintage buttons are truly one of-a-kind pieces guaranteed to revitalize any shirt, coat, pillow or tufted detail.

Owen Lawrence, L’Objet Asian Lacquer Tray – Lacquered furniture and accessories offer endless possibilities to insert that unexpected splash of color in your home. These trays hold their own in traditional and contemporary settings.