POLISHED, PRETTY & PEACEFUL

An interior designer’s masterpiece is made even more magical during the holidays by an event designer’s creative vision.

See how an interior designer and event designer combine forces to create this home’s magical, masterful holiday vision.

What makes this North Carolina home’s holiday décor truly remarkable

is a combination of subtle, intentional details and over-the-top statements inspired by the home’s original interior design. In this North Carolina spec home, the welcoming and comfortable interiors were designed by Traci Zeller of Traci Zeller Designs. “I generally think of my aesthetic and what I tend to do for my clients as modern classic,” Traci says. “It’s always polished, pretty and peaceful.”

Traci approached the design with an initial focus on highlighting the home’s existing architectural detail. She wanted to create the perfect floor plan and use fabrics that would accentuate the space and that her clients loved. “I wanted them to touch and see the fabrics,” she says of the decision process. “We used all performance

... and hardworking fabrics, so it could really be a home that they live in and entertain in as well,” she says. The result is a beautiful and comfortable space.

It was in this already welcoming environment that homeowners Katie and Marty Bryant decided to throw a holiday party, and at Traci’s recommendation, they brought in the expertise of Ashley Smith with Pagoda Event Design to outfit the home for the event. “I was thrilled with how Ashley took the house that I had decorated and made it so festive,” Traci says.

“When you have guests in your home, there has to be an element of comfort and an element of surprise .”

The colors that intentionally

both soften and add life to the space became the staples

Christmas for the decorations too.

UNCONVENTIONAL COLORS

The color palette in the drapery panels and Roman shades that Traci selected brought an element of liveliness to the home and set the tone for the rest of the house. Instead of bringing in the classic reds and greens so often associated with the holidays, Ashley went in another direction with the design and pulled from the color schemes Traci originally chose for the home. Greens, corals and other colors that intentionally both soften and add life to the space became the staples for Christmas decorations too.

FRAMED SPACE. Ashley placed two large magnolia wreaths and two oversized floral arrangements at the front door. The classic symmetry creates an elegant and traditional effect.

MADE TO MATCH. Ashley used the drapery fabric as inspiration for the Christmas tree. “We brought in birch, garland and silk fans,” she says. “There are different textures and different levels of style so that it’s not too organic; it still has some sparkle to it.”

WARM & INVITING. Colors from the Roman window shades, the bright seat cushions and various floral arrangements seamlessly work to make the breakfast table a warm and lively place to gather.