Sometimes simply swapping a throw pillow, adding vibrant florals, or upgrading a piece of furniture is all it takes to completely transform a space. But for those of us not blessed with an eye for design, even these small changes can feel like a daunting task. Fear not, Franklin! Help can be found tucked inside a historic building off Lewisburg Avenue, where the team behind Zula and Mac stands ready to help make your house a home.
At the helm is Missie Hanson, a Leiper’s Fork native and cousin to the shop’s owner, Pam Hood. Prior to joining the Zula and Mac team, Missie racked up an impressive resume as a designer and retail aficionado. “I’m a store designer. I have bought. I have designed. I have interior designed,” Missie shares. “I started at Castner Knott and did windows for Frank’s on Main Street. I was recruited by The Limited, then was recruited back to Castner Knott.”
Missie’s impressive 18-year design career came to a pause when she welcomed two children, but her talents have now reemerged as a resource for Franklin and its surrounding cities. Together with assistant buyer and office manager Amy Martin, the duo has led Zula and Mac to the retail and design destination it is today. “Amy is my partner in crime, and she’s definitely our Instagram guru as well as the technological wiz,” Missie shares. “It’s the right and the left hand. Without one, there is no other.”
Zula and Mac is first and foremost a retail center, offering everything from lighting to artwork, throw pillows, custom furniture, tchotchkes, and a dedicated floral room with stunning artificial stems. You’ll be hard-pressed to leave empty handed as you make your way through the multiple rooms packed with stunning home decor items, but the fun doesn’t stop there. The back of the store also houses an affordably priced women’s clothing boutique, and there’s an onsite modern farmhouse packed with additional treasures as well as outdoor pieces for gardens and patios.
“Over the last four years we really have evolved because we know our customer base,” says Missie. “We’re picky, and we take some risks, and we’re shocked at a lot of them. A lot of the crazy stuff usually flies out the door because you just never know who is here.”
The shop sees plenty of locals, but also has an impressive list of regulars who commute to Franklin from surrounding cities, and even states. It’s easy to see why, as the store caters to a variety of styles and preferences. You’ll find plenty of eclectic pieces, as well as reproduction antiques to French country art to modern and mid-century modern.
While there are plenty of items to browse in-store, Zula and Mac also works with custom furniture makers and retailers across the country, one of which does manufacturing nearby in North Carolina. In-store appointments are also available for larger projects, where the Zula and Mac team can help piece together furniture and fabrics for a perfect look.
In addition to big projects, the Zula and Mac team thoroughly enjoys helping customers mix and match in-store items to beautifully decorate spaces in their homes. “When a customer has a picture of a bookshelf, coffee table, or kitchen island and doesn’t know what to do with it, we can help with that,” Amy says. “Sometimes I will literally clear off a cabinet or a table and pull things together,” laughs Missie.
When an iPhone photo or an in-store consultation just won’t cut it, Missie is also available to travel up to 20 miles outside of Franklin to assist with in-home design. “When you make an appointment, I go out to the home, sit down with the customer, and learn what they’re looking for, whether it’s one room, a new move-in, or they want to take what they have and use it in a different world,” Missie says. “I’ve even had customers put every single piece of artwork and lamp in their bonus room and say, ‘Have at it.’”
In-home design services have a one-hour consultation fee, with any additional time needed charged at an hourly rate. Missie describes herself as an eclectic designer but is passionate about working around pieces and styles the customer loves. “If I don’t like something or if it’s not right, I’ll try to reposition it if they’re attached to it,” she adds. “I ask, ‘What do you love?’ or ‘What’s a necessity for this room?’ I offer up any suggestions I can and use as much of their belongings as possible to make the things look right.”
If you like the look and feel of Zula and Mac, chances are you’ll love working with Missie for private in-home consultations.
ZulaAndMacHome.com
