A Sneak Peek at Summer in Atlanta

Jennifer Polanz

This July marks the return of Casual Market at AmericasMart Atlanta, the second year the International Casual Furnishings Association has located its show there.

There have been a few new developments, too, since the inaugural event last year. First, an expansion of the show, set to run July 15-18, including more than 70 permanent showrooms and 100-plus temporary exhibitors in Building 1.

Next, this is one of two Casual Markets this year, with the second taking place in the fall (September 16-19) and now will include the addition of temporary exhibitors. And, finally, the ICFA board in April confirmed both the summer and fall shows will remain in Atlanta through 2027.

If you go in July, you won’t just see outdoor furniture, either. Casual Market runs concurrent with Atlanta Market (July 16 - 22), with permanent and temporary exhibitors featuring gift, décor, holiday and more. Buyers will see the brand-new design for The Gardens in Building 2 on Floor 9 with 60 garden exhibitors, as well.

We teamed up with the folks at ANDMORE to find out just what new products you’ll see in July. Here’s a mix of furniture, garden décor and gift to whet your appetite.

1. West of the Wind: In The Gardens portion of Atlanta Market (Building 2, Floor 9), this company offers all-weather outdoor canvas art. Each piece is UV- protected, waterproof and can be placed in any outdoor location with direct exposure to the elements. The art pictured is called Ascension.

2. Skyline Design: This set is definitely a conversation-starter. The Horizon Pergola Dining Set offers up to eight hanging chairs that can support 350-plus lbs. and includes a full-size aluminum pergola, along with teak or aluminum tabletop options. Skyline Design is a new addition to the permanent showrooms in Atlanta.

3. Tropitone: The Kenzo Cushion Collection is an outdoor patio furniture line that exhibits simple, graceful lines and a wide frame. It features Tropitone’s exclusive RELAXplus technology for optimal comfort, longevity and mildew resistance.

4. OW Lee: The company is reintroducing its popular Pasadera collection for 2024-25. It’s an iron collection featuring transitional lines with a modern flair. Versatile and suitable for any backyard setting.

5. Gift Essentials: A whimsical addition to an outdoor space, these Ladybug Chimes are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Balinese villages, making each piece an original. The chimes make a gentle sound when the wind blows. Gift Essentials can also be found in The Gardens.

6. Anamese: Earthy and moody, the handcrafted Sansui Collection seamlessly blends with the Helio and Vietnamese Unglazed collections. The folks at Anamese say these three finishes are consistently at the top of their sales with no signs of slowing down.

7. Armen Living: The new Rhodes Outdoor Patio 7 Piece Dining Set is made with aluminum and features Sintered Stone and Gray cushions. Water and UV-resistant, this set, which comes in 5 and 7 piece options, is a contemporary design for outdoors. Cushions are removable with zippered covers. Armen Living is another new permanent showroom addition in Atlanta.

8. The Gerson Companies: These two lovelies are new additions to the Garden Meadow lineup, which feature the company’s patented solar lighting technology. Left is Green Garden Meadow hummingbird and right is Blue Garden Meadow hummingbird. They join a variety of solar outdoor critters under the Garden Meadow brand.

9. Tuuci: The Urban Garden Planter Collection provides space delineation while adding a visually appealing botanical element that can complement the existing setting or enhance a new build project. Pictured is the Highland Planter series, featuring polished ridges between arched and smooth channels finished in 14 choices of either rich Aluma-TEAK wood tones or neutral powder coat colors. GP