Home Decor Shopping In Atlanta

Hi there.

I just spent the past 4 days at the fabulous Haven Conference. Before I left Dallas, I shared with you 10 Things to Pack in Your Bag for a Conference. While I am traveling back home, I thought I would share with you my after~conference experience from 2015. Last year, I spent an extra week in Atlanta, shopping and visiting with family. Even though this shopping spree took place a year ago, the places we visited are still there and still great places to shop.

Next time I visit with you, I will be home, sharing the last peach recipe of my summer peach adventure. So please drop back by Bluesky Kitchen for a delicious Peach Clafouti.

Home Decor Shopping In Atlanta

I’m back home in Dallas after a week in Atlanta, first at the Haven Conference and then a few extra days visiting with family. The conference was an eye-opening experience and I can’t wait to return next year; and what can I say about spending a few days with two of the sweetest, cutest little girls ever.

Anyway, I have a question.  When you are out of town, if you shop, where do you go? Tourist shops? Boutiques you don’t have at home? Antique stores? Flea markets? Book stores? Do you shop for clothes? An item for your home? A book from the place you are visiting? The malls? I can yes to all of the above except for going to a mall. I don’t like to shop them at home and definitely not on vacation. So, on this trip to Atlanta, I went where all lovers of home decor go – the real stores of my favorite catalogs: Frontgate, Ballard Designs, and Grandinroad. I’ve ordered items from all three, so it was fun to visit their outlets, even if I didn’t buy anything. Prices are reduced since the items are either returns, damaged or overruns. But if you find the piece you’ve been eyeing, it’s a smart move to check them out. Since there is no shipping, it helps if you live close or have a big truck.

The Grandinroad Outlet and Frontgate Outlet are right next to each other so we went there first. I almost bought this chaise last year, but opted for a different one.

If you need outdoor furniture, Grandinroad was the place to find it.

Lots of good stuff here too.

I actually bought this small ceramic vase with French writing on it (I have a weakness for anything with French writing on it.), “Le Bain”, which means Bath in French.  It will look pretty on my bathroom vanity.  I shipped it home with a bunch of my other freebies from the conference

I did see the cushions that I ordered last summer.  I didn’t look at the price, just in case I might scream at the amount of money I could have saved.

You have to walk across the street to get to the Ballard Outlet.  It actually was our favorite, in terms of inventory and selection.

Buyer beware: check out the “All Sales Final” sign.

I love the mirror and metal oval coffee table.  Sort of reminds me of my living room coffee table which is rectangular and glass and metal.

The next morning my daughter took me to At Home, which used to be Garden Ridge.  I loved this store, for its great style, prices, and inventory. They have a website, but it’s only for viewing their products, not selling.

You could practically furnish an entire house here. Rugs, lighting, furniture, accessories, pillows, cushions, party decorations – all at very reasonable prices.  I saw this versatile piece, which I want to buy.

This could be a seat – I sat on it and it is very sturdy.  I think with some white spray paint and a little cushion, it would be really cute on the patio.  But maybe I would put a top of some kind on it and it would make a nifty side table.  Or turn it upside down and line it with moss and it could be a planter.  Or a basket for toys or a waste paper basket.  Possibilities are endless.  I’ll let you know if I get it.

I really, really want new cushions for our love seat and two chairs on the patio.  Ten years ago, I was into browns and dark greens. Today, not at all.  I’ve told Sweet Shark that we can have new cushions made (doesn’t want to spend the money) or I could chalk paint them (he doesn’t quite believe that is possible).  Maybe these cushions would be an affordable choice.  I think the blue would be great with my solid Sunbrella Air Blue.

I love these lanterns.  I think the French vintage style would be so chic in so many places.

Our closest At Home is located about 30 minutes from my house so I think a trip out there is definitely on the schedule this week.

You may ask yourself, “What is a girl who loves to find vintage furniture at flea markets to re-purpose and re-love doing in a big box store?” Because the possibilities are endless.  Just a few items can fill in the gaps, perk up a corner, or complete a room.  I love the mix between old and new, precious and affordable.  It makes life and home interesting.  Hope you like it too.

Thanks for reminiscing with me.