Kelley Proxmire, principal of Kelley Proxmire, Inc.,
In her 20-plus-year career, Kelley Proxmire has developed a matchless eye for crafting what she describes as “tailored traditional” interiors. Her projects suffuse warmth and hospitality while maintaining excellent balance, proportion and scale. Her love of color is combined with an appreciation for the fresh sophistication of white and the daring elegance of black. Adept at mixing traditional pieces with unexpected finds, Kelley creates environments that are attuned to the client’s world and faithful to the architecture and setting of a home. Kelley was named the 2016 Designers’ Choice Hall of Fame Designer by Home & Design magazine and inducted into the Washington Design Center Hall of Fame in 2009. She has participated in 25 show houses since 2001, including five DC Design Houses benefiting Children’s Hospital. To see more of Kelley’s projects, visit her Instagram @kelley.proxmire.
Kelley enjoys decorating for the holidays and below she shares some of her favorite holiday decorating tips.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas, mainly because it’s a sacred celebration, but also because it spans a season, not just a single day like other holidays.
Have you been asked to decorate clients’ homes for the holidays? And can you describe the process?
Yes, I have decorated clients’ homes for the holidays, from an entire house to a first floor, as well as some outdoor decor.
I often work with local florists for greenery and flowers. I particularly like white amaryllis and mix fresh greens with artificial ones, creating a fuller arrangement.
I take into consideration the colors in a home when decorating for the holidays to establish a theme. For instance, a condominium I designed for a couple featured a red dining room, so I incorporated red into their holiday decor and added gold and white accents.
Photos of a Kelley Proxmire-designed home she decorated for the holidays, photos by Geoffrey Hodgdon
What colors do you most often use for holiday decorating?
Where do you purchase greenery and other holiday items?
I tend to use gold, silver or white, plus one pop of color, such as red. I often find nice holiday items at Michaels – combined with vintage and higher-end accessories, such as seasonal napkin rings and pillows, you can create memorable spaces.
What does your home look like during the holidays?
It depends on the room! I usually decorate the living room, family room, dining room, and foyer on the main floor. I love to incorporate some of my collectible items, such as nutcrackers and ornaments, but I also change the theme from year to year. Bows generally need to be refreshed each year and I rotate bowls and accessories.
Do you have favorite hostess gifts to give and receive?
For a hostess gift, I like to fill a white vase with flowers and greenery, something the hostess can use in the powder room. And you can’t go wrong with chocolate! It’s a favorite gift to get.
What’s a tip or two to make an impact when decorating for the holidays?
Consider the placement of the Christmas tree in a room. If you can place it in front of a window, it automatically creates a beautiful holiday scene from outside. And it’s always beneficial to have help when doing your holiday decorating, especially when thinking about outdoor decor. It’s a fun family and friend activity, but also one that might require extra assistance.
