I definitely have the fever – spring fever!!  Charlotte was warm (with temperatures ranging from the mid-sixties to low seventies) and sunny today.  That’s my version of paradise.  To top the day off, I took my twins to Ben & Jerry’s as a surprise after preschool ended.   After all, sitting outdoors in the sun is even better with a scoop of peanut butter cookie dough ice cream!   

But just in case you didn’t get to experience a day like I did – or didn’t make it by this weekend’s Southern Spring Home and Garden Show – here’s a peek at what spring might have in store (courtesy of the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show, of course). 

I’m always amazed at the incredible “outdoor” areas they create inside The Park (formerly the Merchandise Mart).  This garden pond was designed by Peaceful Ponds. 

This orchid display was sponsored by the N.C. Piedmont Orchid Society.  Some designers think orchids are too cliché to use in their rooms, but I think that’s a little ridiculous.  Granted, you don’t want your room to look like everyone else’s room … but it’s just a plant, not a whole design!  Plus, many people – including me – absolutely love orchids … and isn’t our ultimate goal as designers to create spaces that our clients love?   After all, they are the ones who live in the space! 

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden sponsored this particular display.  If you are an orchid fan, you must visit The Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.  The Orchid Spectacular is going on now through March 14th, so hurry!!

Need an orchid to call your very own?  While I’ve seen them locally everywhere from BJ’s Warehouse to IKEA, it is totally worth the money to splurge on an orchid from Campbell’s Greenhouses in South End.  Their orchids are exquisite … and when you amortize the cost over the life of the plant, it is often more reasonably priced than fresh cut flowers!       

The Festival of Tables –  a fundraiser by and for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary – is a Southern Spring Home & Garden Show tradition.  This table is entitled “The Easter Bunch,” and was created by the team at Pottery Barn.  Don’t you love the galvanized steel watering cans at each place setting? 

This table by Party Reflections, entitled “Something Borrowed, Something Blue,” was inspired by the idea of an elegant wedding reception … but I’m thinking they took a page from the Tiffany & Co. playbook.  Hey, I find the little blue box to be quite inspiring, too! 

Now here’s where it really gets crazy – a mid-century modern ranch house was recreated in the middle of the hall!  I love the roofline. 

* Random digression:  The roofline totally reminded me of the Park N’ Shop on Wilkinson Boulevard.  It’s such a cool building … and one of Charlotte’s forgotten (and neglected) gems!   

Back to the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show …  

Check out the car in the “driveway.”  Even the newspaper covering the resting (passed out?) resident bore appropriate headlines.  You know how I feel about the importance of attention to detail!   

Here’s a peek at the living room.  Unfortunately, it was very difficult to get an unobstructed photo of the interior of the “house.”  I must say this is not exactly how I picture my mid-century living room!  If you like the table, I’ve definitely seen a number of contemporary interpretations.   

The Interior Design Society also sponsors a series of designer rooms.  It’s always interesting to see what other designers – especially other local designers – do, isn’t it?  It’s much more fun to be collaborative than competitive, and I, for one, like to cheer on my fellow designers! 

Kelly Cruz designed this outdoor-style sitting area.  I’ve never been a big orange person, but after seeing it done by Suzanne Kasler at the Hickory Chair showroom at October 2009’s High Point Market, I’ve totally become a fan!  Here the textured orange wallcovering adds energy to the space.    

This room was a collaboration between Joycelyn Armstrong, Barbara Eldridge, Kelly Cruz, Carolyn Galloway and Barbara Valentim.  I wonder how they divvied up the design responsibilities?   I really like the look of a settee or other small sofa pulled up to a dining room table.  It just seems so cozy!  

Joycelyn Armstrong designed this bedroom.  Black and white is always classic!   Although my boys’ bedroom is very different, it, too, is designed mainly around black and white fabrics.  Black and white is just the perfect foil for almost anything.   

Carolyn Galloway with Decorating Den Interiors designed this family room.  The textured fabric on the slipper chairs was one of the first things I noticed.   See the game table against the wall?  I’m totally planning to start game night with my twins … as soon as they are over Candyland, that is!  It’s so important to remember that your rooms have to be functional as well as stylish. 

Barbara Eldridge with B.A. Eldridge Interiors designed this unusual living room, which won “Best in Show.”  The dark walls are striking … and you know I like anything animal print.   

Whew.  Now do you see what you missed?  I’ll be sponsoring the First Night Gala again in 2011 … meaning I’ll have tickets to give away again.  So I’ll see you back here next year – same time, same place, ok? 

Photo of Park ‘N Shop by Agility Nut via Historic Charlotte.  All other photos by Traci Zeller.

Need design help?  Email me at traci@tracizeller.com to talk about how I can help!

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I am soooo envious of people who have great handwriting!   I was endlessly frustrated in elementary school about my inability to get above a “B” in handwriting … no matter what I tried.  It definitely doesn’t help that I am a leftie.  Of course, when a well-meaning teacher told me to hold an index card under my hand so that I didn’t smear the ink, I knew we’d reached the point of ridiculous.  Suffice it to say, as soon as it was no longer mandatory to write in cursive, I stopped … and I haven’t written in cursive (other than my signature) ever since.  As a result, I focused on my printing – and, when I’m focusing on it, I do really, really like my own (printed) handwriting.  It’s only when I’m in a hurry or not paying attention that it starts to look a little sloppy.  Nonetheless, when I see someone with great handwriting, that little green monster rears his ugly little head!

Anyway, that is a long way of saying … I saw the most fantastic handwriting ever.  I was in St. Louis a couple weeks ago for a 40th birthday party, and the birthday girl’s brother – Nick – had written (on request of the host) a “eulogy” which was posted on the wall.  Well, I was too distracted by the handwriting to pay much attention to what he had to say.   I’m not one to be shy in these matters, so I expressed my displeasure at having my handwriting upstaged … by a guy, nonetheless!  I was joking – but also delighted that he decided to share his secret – which, of course, is that he’s an architect.  Architects always have the best handwriting, don’t they?  Well, thanks to Doug Patt and his website How to Architect, now we can all learn to write like an architect.  Just watch this video … and practice, practice, practice!  Nick also shared that it is critical to use the right pen.  Architects turn their noses up at ballpoint pens, and instead prefer to use a fine point felt tip.  Personally, I’m enjoying the ultra fine point Sharpies – particularly in a color to coordinate with your stationery!           

Now, once you’ve got it down, do us all a favor and turn your handwriting into a font that we can use on our computers, ok?  It’s easy, I promise!  Just check out Fontifier.  I used Fontifier to turn my handwriting into my own font (Traci Type) for the low, low price of $9, and it’s pretty incredible how well it works.  Nick, I know your sister reads my blog … so consider this my offer to spot you the $9 in exchange for a Nick the Architect Font. 

I did find some other sites (Fonts for Peas is one) that say they’ll transform your handwriting into a font for free (!), but I haven’t used those sites personally.  You can bet I’m going to look into downloading the fonts transformed by Amanda at Fonts for Peas, though, because they look fantastic!!  I can’t wait to start reading through Amanda’s blog.  After today’s post on pleasures of a neatly folded stack of laundry, I think I’ve found a kindred spirit.  So I know what I’ll be doing this weekend … oh, and painting some cabinets.  Enjoy the sunshine!! 

Yes, that is my handwriting in the photo above … and I realize my spacing is more than a little off.  That’s because I didn’t use the Traci Type.     

Need help selecting furniture, colors, accessories or more for your home?  I’d love to help!  Email me at traci@tracizeller.com! 

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Congratulations to Caroline for winning The Comfortable Home by Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams!  And further congratulations to Shannon, Becky, Theresa, Tabatha, Jan, Tiffany and Sherri for scoring tickets to the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show!  I had a great time at the First Night Gala – I’m always amazed at what they are able to build inside a convention center (rock walls!  waterfalls!) – and I’ll be sure to share photos for those of you who aren’t able to make it this weekend. 

Stay tuned for more fun giveaways … and don’t forget to enter to win the autographed Thom Filicia book!  That contest will close at midnight, Friday, March 12.  Good luck!   

Need help selecting furniture for your home?  I’d love to help!  Email me at traci@tracizeller.com! 

Like this post?  Be sure to subscribe to my RSS Feeds!  Or, to view this blog through Facebook, click "Follow this Blog" in the NetworkedBlogs box.  You can also find me on Twitter, @tracizeller, and on Facebook, where my fan page is www.facebook.com/TraciZellerDesigns.  Thanks for reading!

Back in the day, I was totally obsessed with Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.  I think I’m just a sucker for a makeover!  I was always so interested to see how they would take a total schlub and, in a few short days, turn him – and his apartment – into a nice looking, respectable guy with a nice looking, respectable home.  Truth be told, however, the best part of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was always Thom Filicia. 

It’s one thing to give a few etiquette lessons or cut unruly hair.  It’s an entirely different ballgame to redo an entire home that usually contained one of two things – either nasty piles of old pizza boxes and dirty clothes or spartan rooms that made Army barracks look luxurious.  But you always knew that Thom – with a resume that includes work at Parish Hadley and for Jeffrey Bilhuber – would work nothing short of a miracle.  It came as no surprise that, when Queer Eye for the Straight Guy ended, Thom would go on to bigger and better things!  For one, he hosts Dress My Nest on the Style Network.  I don’t watch too much television, but I happened to catch the makeover he did for Giuliana and Bill Rancic a while ago– and it was absolutely fantastic!!  Most recently, however, Thom has authored a book, Thom Filicia Style, and launched a furniture collection for Vanguard Furniture.  In other words, he’s been keeping busy!   

Anyway, I was fortunate enough to meet Thom at October’s High Point Furniture Market when he debuted the collection.  (Pay no attention to the fact that I look like a linebacker!  I’m blaming that on the sweater I was wearing not fitting too well under my coat.)   

But when Thom did a book signing at nearby Furnitureland South, I leapt at the chance to get a book signed – one to give away to you, my dear readers! – and check out his collection up close. 

Interestingly, I got to Furnitureland South towards the end of the book signing so the crowd had died down (hallelujah).  Thom was engaging, of course, and asked about my blog – so Thom, if you are reading this, “Big Kiss!!” right back at you!  (That’s what he wrote in my book.)

But what I was most impressed by was how hands-on Thom was in the merchandising of his collection.  After Thom signed my books, he continued styling his displays and I began to wander around the showroom.  Approximately an hour later, I ended up back in the Thom Filicia for Vanguard section … and Thom was still styling.  It would be awfully easy for a celebrity name on a furniture collection to be nothing more than the name, but it was evident that this collection is much more than a licensing agreement to Thom!  I really appreciate that Thom is personally involved with his products – and I’m sure other Thom fans do, too.      

Oh, and I almost forgot - the furniture looks good!  I must admit that, from the photographs I’d seen, I had not been a fan of the Copake Eagle Console Table … probably because it’s just not generally my style.  In person, however, I thought it was much more attractive – and I understand why it’s been highlighted in all the magazines! 

My favorite piece, however, is the Slocum Hall End Table.  I just think it is so cute and super versatile!  I love the French gray finish.  The table is so classic, yet totally updated at the same time.        

What’s your favorite piece from his collection?  I’d love to know!  Are you interested in winning his book?  Here’s the deal on the giveaway.  As I’ve mentioned before, I get way too many spam comments on my blog.  So I’m going to do this three ways.  You can comment on this post and follow my blog with Networked Blogs (which takes care of the weird spammers).  Or you can comment on my Facebook fan page.  Or you can tweet about the contest.  Just make sure to use @tracizeller so I find the tweet.  Easy enough, right?     

Need help selecting furniture for your home?  I’d love to help!  Email me at traci@tracizeller.com! 

Like this post?  Be sure to subscribe to my RSS Feeds!  Or, to view this blog through Facebook, click "Follow this Blog" in the NetworkedBlogs box.  You can also find me on Twitter, @tracizeller, and on Facebook, where my fan page is www.facebook.com/TraciZellerDesigns.  Thanks for reading!

One room should flow into the next unobtrusively.  The design should sing the same song as it progresses along from space to space.

- Eva Quateman  (as quoted by Ann Omvig Maine, Editor in Chief, in Traditional Home, October 2009)

Photo from Eva Quateman Interiors

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Sniff, sniff … it’s about time to say goodbye to the mini-series on Hickory Chair University.  I promised that I would wrap it all up with a look at some of Hickory Chair’s finished pieces, so welcome to Mezzanine! 

Mezzanine – a 5,000 square foot showroom located at the Hickory Chair factory, but designed to mimic a specialty furniture store located somewhere in the Midwest United States – was created using Hickory Chair market samples, accessories purchased on a limited budget, and the styling genius of Ron Fiore, Hickory Chair’s creative director.  It also serves as a full showroom, including a complete fabric library, for the Hickory Chair line and a fabulous place to host company events, including Hickory Chair University.  Seriously, who wouldn’t rather be entertained at a Collier Dining Table rather a banquet table at some generic restaurant??  Plus, it’s very inspiring to be surrounded by gorgeous furniture pieces that have been customized with different trims and finishes!  

When you walk in, you are greeted by a “living room” centered around this Knole sofa.  I love the modern combination of the traditional-but-glam fabric and the sleek sofa.  Here, the sofa has been customized by leaving off the egg finials and closing the open back construction.  Isn’t the Bristol coffee table the jewelry in the space?   

I’m totally crazy for the petite Ansley chair in a sophisticated polka dot fabric exclusive to Hickory Chair.  

Make sure to notice the custom height Four Panel Screen behind the Knole sofa.  How genius is that?  It perfectly serves to define the space without interrupting your line of sight.  In fact, I have just the right spot for this in my living room!      

I think this is Mariette Himes Gomez’ Calla bed … but look how it takes on a completely different persona in the chocolate brown leather!  This setting is a great example of how a bedroom can appeal to both men and women.  The leather bed and dark wood lean more masculine, but the curved lines of the bed – which are echoed in the side chair and the bedding – soften the room and give it feminine appeal.   Oh, and the “Yes” and “No” pillows also perfectly echo the male and female perspective!  Hee hee hee!!!   

This living room setting uses many of the same fabrics as the bedroom, but in an entirely different way.  The oversized sofa was made using the left arm and right arm pieces of a Hickory Chair sectional, but Hickory Chair has since introduced their M2M (Made to Measure) program which enables you to order many of their existing styles up to 120 inches in length.  If you don’t find what you are looking for in the M2M program, however, you are sure to find it in Hickory Chair’s Silhouettes program!  With Silhouettes, you can customize your upholstery with arm, back, seat, cushion, base, length, height and depth options.  I hope my hubby reads this blog post because I’m dreaming up an 86-inch tight back, T-seat cushion sofa with narrow square arms.  I’m still undecided between exposed legs and a dressmaker skirt … but I’ll keep you posted!   

When I sank into this Leigh chaise by Suzanne Kasler – which accompanied the Candler twin beds in a “bedroom” setting – I immediately started scheming how I could take it home!  When Suzanne (yes, I do have a girl crush on her) designed her Hickory Chair pieces, she originally asked for all-down construction to give that relaxed look.  In response, Hickory Chair created their Luxury Spring-Down cushion, which gives the relaxed look along with an über-comfortable but still supportive feel.  The Luxury Spring-Down cushion features individually pocketed springs in a polyurethane casing surrounded by a mixture of down, small duck feathers and polyester which has been blown into channels on the top and bottom of the cushion along with the borders.  In other words, it’s heavenly!!!  I also died over the combination of white linen with a tiny blue silk flange.  I don’t think it comes any prettier than that!

I chose to sit at this Sheraton dining table during our first evening at Hickory Chair University.  The table is definitely traditional, but – combined with the various styles of chairs – it still works in an updated setting.  What I really find fabulous about this table is the fact that – using arched perimeter leaves – it expands from a 60-inch round table to an 84-inch round table.  Ron also used this table to share some of his styling tips.  When you tuck chairs completely under the table, they just disappear.  Instead, if you are merchandising a boutique or styling a photo shoot, try placing two chairs at an angle – as in the above photo.  Now, you actually notice the chairs! 

Ron also shared how he changes Mezzanine’s look every six months or so – by changing the accessories!  As you can see in the above photos, most of the upholstery is neutral, but you get pops of color with pillows and other accessories.  One room scene that I didn’t capture, unfortunately, had a stack of orange potpourri boxes that really livened up the space!  That day, I happened to be wearing black pants, a charcoal gray sweater and a red plaid coat – which Ron noted perfectly illustrated what he was talking about.  The base of my outfit was neutral and could have been worn with just about anything – but the coat changed the outfit into a “red” look.   See how easy it is to do the same thing with your home?   

And with that, I said goodbye to Hickory Chair University … with a new appreciation for the construction of Hickory Chair’s fine furniture and a fascination with the endless options created by their ability to customize just about everything!  I can’t say enough how thankful I am to Jay Reardon, the president of Hickory Chair, and Laura Holland, Hickory Chair’s director of marketing services, for allowing me to participate in their program.  In the words of one of my fellow participants – Mindy Wolf (who is super cute and undoubtedly a very talented designer!) from Green Front Interiors in Raleigh – Hickory Chair truly is generational furniture.  Of course, it’s not inexpensive – and I know that buying a whole house of Hickory Chair isn’t realistic for everyone (me included!) – but you can be confident that the Hickory Chair pieces you do invest in will be pieces that you can pass down through the generations.  I occasionally do a “cost per wear” analysis on my clothing – nothing fancy, just thinking about how much I’ve worn certain things compared with how much they cost – and it’s fascinating how some of the more expensive pieces have really been the least expensive in the long run.  I know that the same is true for Hickory Chair.  And, on that note, let’s get back to the Silhouettes sofa I’m dreaming about …. 

Interested in purchasing Hickory Chair for your own home, but need help deciding what or where?  Call me at 704.953.6096 or send me an email at traci@tracizeller.com to discuss how I can help! 

Like this post?  Be sure to subscribe to my RSS Feeds!  Or, to view this blog through Facebook, click "Follow this Blog" in the NetworkedBlogs box.  You can also find me on Twitter, @tracizeller, and on Facebook, where my fan page is www.facebook.com/TraciZellerDesigns.  Thanks for reading!  

If you’ve known me for, I don’t know, maybe five minutes, you’ve probably figured out that I am a sucker for stationery.  There is not much that I love more than pretty paper!  Yes, I know, I know - in today’s technology-driven, fast-paced society, the handwritten note is more endangered than the leatherback sea turtle.  (If you have any questions about the sea turtle, you clearly don’t have toddlers obsessed with Diego the Animal Rescuer.)  But let’s just think about a dream day at the mailbox.  For me, it would be filled with magazines, both fashion and interior design, and notes from dear friends - maybe a thank you note, but also perhaps a “thinking about you” card or an invitation to a fun occasion.  Oh, and the American Express bill would definitely have to wait for another day!  

So imagine my delight when I found these gorgeous cards from Dempsey & Carroll, a purveyor of fine social stationery since 1878.  They’ve partnered with Schumacher, the family-owned supplier of decorative textiles since 1889, to create a limited edition of notecards that are – wait, get this – embellished with bold fabric motifs.  You might think that Kelly Wearstler’s ubiquitous Imperial Trellis is a touch over-used in interiors … but how can you resist it as a card????  Really, that is just fabulous.  It’s a good thing that the boxed set comes with two of each colorway, or I’d never be able to decide.  Green?  Baby blue?  Red?   Never mind, I’ll take them all!   

Now, before anyone gets all upset about the price of these, let me warn you that they are un petit peu cher (a little bit expensive).  If you get one of these cards in the mail from me, I probably like you a lot!  Hee hee hee.  With as infrequently as I write notes these days, however, it would be worth it for me to use this card to express my appreciation to a special someone … or for a special something! The other Schumacher patterns used by Dempsey & Carroll are the Chiang Mai Dragon and Chenonceau, both of which are extraordinarily popular fabrics.   

Of course, if you aren’t married to the fabric-turned-notecard idea, there are lots of fabulous stationery options out there!   I particularly love Alexa Pulitzer (because who can resist crowns or chandeliers??), Kate Spade (preppy fabulousness), Multiple Blessings (locally designed by another twin mommy), and Design-her Gals (cards that look like you!).  If you live in Charlotte, I highly recommend you check out Swoozie’s, Paper Source, Paper Twist or Salutations … because you are sure to come away with something you love.

Happy letter writing … and hopefully receiving!

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So what do you call the large upholstered furniture piece in your living room?  I say “sofa” … but does it really matter?   To me, it’s almost “I say to-may-to, and you say to-mah-to.”  But apparently it does matter to lots of people!  I learned at Hickory Chair University that, when consumers say couch, they are thinking of a piece that is more comfortable than they consider a sofa to be. 

Isn’t that so interesting!  Maybe it’s because we often use the phrase “couch potato,” but I’ve never heard anyone called a “sofa potato.”  Well, let me tell you this – at Hickory Chair, your furniture will be comfortable whether you call it a couch or a sofa … and I’ll show you why!  

Come with me on my highlights tour of the upholstery workroom … 

It’s easy to forget that – because upholstered pieces often have exposed wood – the upholstery workroom must do many of the same things that the wood products workroom does.  Here you see an artisan carving sofa feet.  I think this machine is amazing, as it enables the artisan to carve multiple feet at the same time.  By directing one, he is able to direct them all.    

I love that this workbench looks like a personal work space you might find in someone’s home.  It just goes to show the pride that the employees take in their surroundings – and the products they produce. 

Again, Hickory Chair keeps a carefully managed inventory of parts so that they can fulfill customer orders in a timely fashion. 

An artisan assembles a wood frame.

I am not exaggerating when I say that the Hickory Chair employees are true artisans.  Not only is their work at Hickory Chair artistic, but many of the employees use their artistic talents in other areas of their lives.  One artisan we met is also a concert pianist!   Here, you see a painting done by another artisan.  He started painting as a way to relieve stress, and look what he can do!   His fellow artisans came up with a way to display his latest works for everyone to enjoy.  Of course, he has now been commissioned to paint various attractions in the Hickory area, so I don’t think this painting will remain in the Upholstery Workroom for very long!  

One of the brilliant ideas that the dedicated Hickory Chair employees came up with was to elevate the furniture so that employees could apply the stains more evenly, even to the bottom of the piece.  (Memo to self the next time I decide to get crafty and spray-paint!)   

Did you know that you can have your furniture hand-painted?  Talk about talented artists!   Here’s a sampling of what Hickory Chair has done …    

Meet Diane, who hand-painted the delicate floral motif on this chair.  If you can dream it, she will do it for you!  Just check out this crazy Empire Tall Chest she custom-painted for a client in Michigan.   On one hand, it hurts my feelings to see such wild paint on such a beautiful piece of furniture – but, on the other hand, I love that you can make the Hickory Chair pieces uniquely your own.  I’m also happy to know that the little girl – I’m just guessing here – who gets this piece will be able to pass it down to her own daughter … or refinish it to use in her grown-up bedroom!  

No comments on my super stylish safety eyewear … 

Most plain fabrics can be efficiently cut on a machine that uses AutoCAD patterns. 

If the fabric has a pattern, however, talented seamstresses cut the fabric by hand.  This enables the seamstresses to spread out the fabric, look at the repeat, and figure out how to cut the fabric so that the pattern is four-way matched (that is, matched on all sides horizontally and vertically).  Four-way matched also means that the inside back and seat back are matched, as well as all cushion sides – which means it all still matches up when you reverse the cushions.  See what I mean about their attention to detail!  

I am so impressed with the hand-tufting, which is done with polyester tying twine that will not break or fray.  After each button is knotted, the twine is attached to the frame so there’s no way the knot can work its way loose … and no way the buttons will pop out.   Isn’t this ottoman gorgeous?  I’m loving the yummy leather …

It’s all coming together … and I love this fun fabric!    

Again, aren’t you impressed?  Stay tuned because next week, when I wrap it all up, I’ll share some of the finished upholstery pieces … which are too beautiful for words! 

Interested in purchasing Hickory Chair for your own home, but need help deciding what or where?  Call me at 704.953.6096 or send me an email at traci@tracizeller.com to discuss how I can help! 

Like this post?  Be sure to subscribe to my RSS Feeds!  Or, to view this blog through Facebook, click "Follow this Blog" in the NetworkedBlogs box.  You can also find me on Twitter, @tracizeller, and on Facebook, where my fan page is www.facebook.com/TraciZellerDesigns.  Thanks for reading!

“A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add but when there is nothing left to add but when there is nothing left to take away.”

- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, French author and aviator (as quoted by Ann Omvig Maine, Editor in Chief, in Traditional Home, October 2009)

Photo from Hickory Chair; interior design by Suzanne Kasler

Like this post?  Be sure to subscribe to my RSS Feeds!  Or, to view this blog through Facebook, click "Follow this Blog" in the NetworkedBlogs box.  You can also find me on Twitter, @tracizeller, and on Facebook, where my fan page is www.facebook.com/TraciZellerDesigns.  Thanks for reading!

Spring is about to arrive in Charlotte … at least at The Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart)!  

The Southern Spring Home & Garden Show, the Carolinas’ largest garden and lifestyle show, opens on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 and runs until Sunday, March 7, 2010.  Inside the building, you’ll find twenty-four beautifully landscaped gardens, inspiring rooms from Interior Design Society member designers, and more than 400 hundred companies – eager to talk to you and answer your questions – showcasing the latest and greatest in kitchen and bath, building and home improvement, outdoor living, green living, the green market, decorative arts and crafts, and wineries.  If you are planning a home or garden project, or even thinking about one, the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show is a great way to start!  There are also lots of super demonstrations; click here for the schedule.   

Oh, and if you’d like to go to the show, you’ve come to the right place!  Traci Zeller Designs (my business) sponsors the First Night Gala -  to benefit the Council for Children’s Rights – which officially opens the Southern Spring Show.  The First Night Gala is March 3, 2010 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.  Tickets are $50 each, which includes food by Porcupine Provisions (yummy!!), beverage (adult!), entertainment, and access to the main exhibition hall (and most exhibitors are present).  All funds raised go directly to help children in crisis.  Don’t be scared off by the word “gala” – no long dresses are required!  You’ll find people wearing all sorts of things, most often business attire as they are likely coming straight from work.

But here’s the best part -  I have FOUR pairs of tickets (worth $100) to give away to the First Night Gala!   And SEVEN pairs of tickets (worth $20) to give away to the show itself!   Can I get a woop woop??  (My deepest apologies to Jay-Z.  That probably hurt his feelings.)    

What’s the catch?  There really isn’t one!  To enter, just …  

(1) Follow my blog in Networked Blogs.  Have a Facebook account?  It’s easy!!  Just click “Follow this blog” in the box on the right-hand side of this page.  

OR

(2) follow me (@tracizeller) on Twitter.  

(3)  Then send me a tweet, leave a comment on this post, or post a comment on my Facebook fan page to let me know you want to go!  If you’d prefer tickets to either the First Night Gala or the regular show, let me know that as well. 

Deadline to enter is midnight on Saturday, February 27 (three days from now).  I’ll post the winners first thing on Sunday so they can make plans!  Bonne chance!!

Interested in a project for your own home, but need help deciding what, where or how?  Call me at 704.953.6096 or send me an email at traci@tracizeller.com to discuss how I can help! 

Like this post?  Be sure to subscribe to my RSS Feeds!  Or, to view this blog through Facebook, click "Follow this Blog" in the NetworkedBlogs box.  You can also find me on Twitter, @tracizeller, and on Facebook, where my fan page is www.facebook.com/TraciZellerDesigns.  Thanks for reading!