Atlanta Decorative Arts Center: A Local Guide to ADAC in Buckhead

The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) is one of Atlanta’s key destinations for high-end interior design, furniture, fabrics, and decorative arts. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation, a designer working with clients, or a visitor curious about Atlanta’s design scene, ADAC is a major hub worth understanding.

What Is the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC)?

The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, commonly called ADAC, is a large design center located in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. It brings together dozens of showrooms that feature:

• Furniture and upholstery
• Textiles and wallcoverings
• Lighting and hardware
• Rugs and flooring
• Art, accessories, and décor

ADAC primarily serves interior designers, architects, and design professionals, but it is also open to the public for browsing, learning, and getting inspired. Many Atlanta homeowners and property managers use ADAC to explore options and then work with a design professional to access and purchase from the showrooms.

Where ADAC Is Located in Atlanta

Address:

ADAC sits in the Peachtree Hills area of Buckhead, close to Peachtree Road and not far from Peachtree Battle and Lindbergh.

Getting There

• By car:
  Easy access from GA-400, I-85, and Peachtree Road NE. Parking is typically available in on-site decks or lots.
• By MARTA:
  The nearest major station is often Lindbergh Center (Red/Gold Line), from which many visitors use a rideshare or short drive to ADAC.
• Nearby areas:
  Convenient from Buckhead, Midtown, Brookhaven, and Virginia-Highland, making it a central resource if you live intown.

Always check the current hours and parking details directly with ADAC before visiting, as times can shift for events or holidays.

Who ADAC Is For: Designers, Homeowners, and Visitors

Although ADAC is a professional design center, it serves several types of visitors in Atlanta.

For Design Professionals

ADAC is a trade-focused center, so it’s especially useful if you are:

• An interior designer or decorator
• An architect or builder
• A landscape designer or design consultant
• A real estate or staging professional

Professionals often use ADAC to:

• Source products for clients
• Meet with showroom representatives
• Coordinate custom orders and finishes
• Attend seminars, continuing education, and design events

For Atlanta Homeowners and Renters

You do not need to be a designer to step into ADAC. As a consumer in Atlanta, you can:

• Explore showrooms for ideas and inspiration
• Learn what’s available in custom and high-end design
• Get a feel for textures, finishes, and quality in person
• Ask showrooms how they work with non-trade clients

Many showrooms sell through design professionals, so if you find pieces you love, you may be encouraged to:

• Work with your own interior designer, or
• Be connected with a designer who can manage the order on your behalf

This is a common model in design centers, and it’s helpful to know before you visit so you’re ready to discuss how purchasing works.

For Visitors and Design Enthusiasts

If you’re visiting Atlanta and enjoy:

• Architecture and interior design
• Art and decorative objects
• Trend-spotting and style research

ADAC can be an interesting stop, especially during open houses, design festivals, or public lectures.

What You’ll Find Inside ADAC

ADAC is not a single store; it’s a collection of showrooms spread across buildings and floors.

Types of Showrooms

You can expect to see:

• Furniture & upholstery – Sofas, chairs, sectionals, dining tables, beds, and custom upholstery lines.
• Textiles & wallcoverings – High-end fabrics, performance textiles, custom drapery lines, wallcovering collections, and trim.
• Lighting – Chandeliers, pendants, sconces, architectural lighting, and lamps.
• Rugs & flooring – Hand-knotted rugs, broadloom carpet, runners, and custom rug programs.
• Kitchens & baths – Cabinetry lines, hardware, plumbing fixtures, and surfaces (stone, quartz, tile).
• Art & accessories – Framed art, mirrors, sculpture, objects, and styling pieces.
• Outdoor living – Outdoor furniture, performance fabrics, planters, and decorative features for patios and porches.

Not every type will be represented at all times, but these categories reflect what Atlantans typically encounter at ADAC when working on homes, condos, or commercial spaces.

How ADAC Works for Consumers in Atlanta

Because ADAC is a trade-focused center, the process for Atlanta consumers is a bit different from a typical retail furniture store.

1. Browsing and Gathering Ideas

Anyone can generally:

• Walk the public areas
• View displays and vignettes
• Collect tear sheets, brochures, or take photos (within showroom rules)

This is a valuable step if you’re:

• Planning a renovation in Buckhead, Midtown, or Inman Park
• Updating a condo in Downtown Atlanta or Atlantic Station
• Redesigning a home in Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, or Decatur

2. Working With a Designer

Because many showrooms sell to-the-trade only, you may need a professional to:

• Finalize selections
• Place orders
• Manage custom specifications
• Handle delivery and installation

If you don’t already have a designer:

• Some showrooms can suggest local Atlanta designers familiar with their lines.
• You can also look for designers based in Buckhead, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or surrounding neighborhoods who regularly use ADAC.

3. Direct Purchasing (When Available)

A few showrooms may:

• Allow direct consumer purchases
• Offer floor samples or specific items that can be bought more like retail

Policies vary widely by showroom. It’s always best to:

• Ask at the front desk or in the showroom
• Clarify whether they work only with the trade or also with retail clients

Typical ADAC Experience: What to Expect on a Visit

To make the most of a visit to the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, planning helps.

Before You Go

• ✅ Check hours and access – Confirm open hours, any event restrictions, and whether you need to check in at a reception area.
• ✅ Gather measurements – Bring room dimensions, photos of your home or condo, and notes about ceilings, windows, and existing pieces.
• ✅ Set a budget range – ADAC tends to showcase mid-to-high-end and luxury lines. Even if you’re just browsing, it helps to know your spending comfort zone.

When You Arrive

You can usually:

• Check in with a reception or information desk for maps and showroom locations.
• Pick up printed directories or floor plans that make navigating easier.
• Ask about current events, exhibits, or public programs that may be happening that day.

While You’re Inside

Many visitors:

• Visit multiple showrooms on the same floor to compare styles.
• Take pictures (as permitted) to share with family or designers.
• Sit, touch, and test pieces to get a better sense of comfort and quality.

If you’re working with a designer, you may meet them there to walk through options together.

Key ADAC Highlights for Atlanta Residents

Below is a quick reference-style overview specifically for locals and repeat visitors.

Events, Programs, and Community at ADAC

ADAC is more than a set of showrooms; it’s also a design community center for metro Atlanta.

Types of Events You May See

While details change from year to year, ADAC frequently hosts:

• Design talks and panel discussions – Featuring designers, architects, and industry experts.
• New product launches – For fabrics, furniture collections, or décor lines.
• Seasonal open houses – Where more showrooms may open their doors to the public.
• Educational sessions for professionals – Often focused on trends, business practices, and technical topics.

Some events are intended primarily for trade professionals, while others are open to the public. If you’re a consumer interested in learning more about design:

• Look for publicly advertised talks or open house days.
• Call or check updates from ADAC to confirm whether an event is trade-only or public.

How ADAC Fits Into Atlanta’s Broader Design Scene

Atlanta has a growing design and architecture culture, and ADAC is one of the major hubs within that ecosystem.

Relationship to Other Atlanta Design Resources

People often combine ADAC with:

• Local design boutiques in Buckhead, West Midtown, and Virginia-Highland
• Art galleries in neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill and Midtown
• Antique shops and markets in areas such as Chamblee and Scott Antique Markets

ADAC tends to represent the designer-driven, curated end of the spectrum, while retail shops and markets provide more direct purchase options.

Why Atlantans Use ADAC

Common reasons local residents and professionals rely on ADAC include:

• Access to custom and higher-end lines not widely sold in regular retail stores
• The ability to touch and see materials in person before committing to major purchases
• A central, climate-controlled place to compare options for whole-home projects in areas like Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, or Morningside
• Opportunities to stay current on design trends without leaving the city

Practical Tips for an Efficient ADAC Visit

To make your time at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center more productive:

• 📝 List your priorities – Are you focusing on a living room, a single rug, or a whole house?
• 📸 Bring reference images – Photos from your Atlanta home, inspiration photos, or mood boards help showroom staff understand your direction.
• 🎯 Ask targeted questions – For example:
  • “Do you work directly with consumers or only with designers?”
  • “What is your typical lead time for custom orders in the Atlanta area?”
  • “Do you have local installers or recommended delivery services?”
• ⏱️ Give yourself enough time – ADAC is large; even a focused visit can easily take a couple of hours.
• 👥 Consider involving a designer – Especially for larger renovations or multiple-room projects, a professional familiar with ADAC can streamline decisions.

When ADAC May or May Not Be the Right Fit

ADAC is likely a good fit if:

• You’re planning a full renovation or major furnishing project in your Atlanta home or condo.
• You want higher-end, custom, or trade-only furnishings and finishes.
• You’re working (or willing to work) with a design professional.
• You enjoy seeing a wide range of coordinated design options in one place.

ADAC may be less ideal if:

• You need same-day, take-home furniture at entry-level prices.
• You strongly prefer traditional retail shopping with direct checkout.
• You’re only interested in small accessories or quick décor updates—local boutiques, big-box stores, or online retailers might be more practical for that.

The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center is one of the city’s main destinations for interior design resources, especially for larger or more design-driven projects. For Atlantans and visitors who want to understand how high-end residential and commercial spaces come together, ADAC offers a clear window into the region’s design talent, materials, and possibilities.