The “Balloon Chandelier” Test

Not sure if the Length + Width = Diameter formula feels right for your specific dining room? Blow up a balloon (or tape a few empty shipping boxes together) to that approximate diameter and hang it from the ceiling with a piece of string. It looks completely ridiculous, but visualizing the physical volume in 3D…

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The Math Behind Good Design:
15 Interior Design Measurements to Know

A beautifully designed room may look effortless, but there is often quite a bit of math happening behind the scenes. The distance between a sofa and coffee table, the height of artwork, the size of a chandelier, and even the amount of space around a dining table can make the difference between a room that…

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Creating Beautiful Spaces That Work for Real Life

A bright, beautifully designed living room featuring a comfortable white sofa, a natural wood coffee table, and large windows, showcasing a balance of elegance and everyday livability.

As designers, we often see images of perfectly styled rooms that look stunning in photographs—but the true test of great design is how a space performs in everyday life. As a mom, a pet owner, and an interior designer, I understand that life happens. Shoes get kicked off at the door, dogs claim their favorite…

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The Ice Cube Trick for Removing Carpet Dents

Hands placing an ice cube into a carpet dent next to a wooden furniture leg

Have you ever rearranged your furniture only to discover deep dents left behind in the carpet? Before covering them with another piece of furniture, head to the freezer! Place an ice cube in each carpet indentation and allow it to melt completely. As the carpet slowly absorbs the water, the compressed fibers begin to swell…

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Decorate With Your Grocery List

A white bowl filled with fresh lemons, limes, and peaches used as simple summer home decor on a kitchen counter.

Need a quick summer color refresh? Skip the décor aisle and head to the produce section! Fill a favorite bowl with lemons, limes, peaches, or green apples, then repeat that color once elsewhere in the room with a napkin, flower, or small accessory. Fresh fruit adds natural color, texture, and even a subtle seasonal scent—and…

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A Simple Summer Refresh for Your Home

Summer is one of my favorite times of year to refresh a home. The days are longer, natural light is abundant, and our homes naturally begin to feel more connected to the outdoors. The good news is that creating a lighter, more inviting summer home doesn’t require a complete redesign. Often, a few thoughtful changes…

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Give Your Home a “Vacation” Without Leaving Town

A brightly lit, welcoming home entryway and hallway featuring a wooden console table decorated with blue hydrangeas, a table lamp, potted plants, and a framed note on the wall, leading into an open interior space.

Here’s a fun designer trick: Pretend you’re checking into your own home as a weekend guest. Walk through the front door and look around with fresh eyes. Is there a pile of shoes greeting you? A lamp with a burnt-out bulb? A stack of mail that’s become permanent décor? Challenge yourself to fix five little…

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Transitioning Outdoors: Creating Spaces You’ll Truly Live In This Season

A luxurious white colonial-style home in Westport, CT, with a large in-ground pool and a covered patio featuring comfortable outdoor seating and a modern grill.

As the days grow longer here in Fairfield County, our homes naturally begin to expand beyond the walls. Patios, porches, and backyards become the places where morning coffee tastes better, dinners linger a little longer, and summer memories are made. This time of year is always a reminder that outdoor spaces deserve the same thoughtful…

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Quick Fix: How to Safely Clean and Refresh Your Outdoor Seating

Outdoor fabrics hold up beautifully when cared for regularly. I always recommend brushing off debris first, then cleaning cushions with a mild soap and warm water solution rather than harsh chemicals. Let them fully air dry in the sun before placing them back outside to help prevent mildew and keep them looking fresh all season…

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Ready, Set, Style:
The Designer’s Warehouse Inventory Sale

Three women and one man standing in front of the St. Anthony’s Parish Center for the Designer’s Warehouse Inventory Sale by Kelly Designs

For the first time this season, kellydesigns is opening up its extensive inventory to the public for a special two-day shopping event. The Designer’s Warehouse Inventory Sale offers a unique opportunity to acquire designer-quality furniture, decor, and home accents that have been curated by our award-winning team. From high-end staging pieces to showroom-quality furniture, this…

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Celebrate Mom with the Gift of Beautiful Design

other's Day Gift Certificate for interior design and home styling services from kellydesigns

With Mother’s Day fast approaching on Sunday, May 10, I know many of you are looking for a truly meaningful way to celebrate the women who make your lives beautiful. This year, we are making it easier than ever to give a gift that lasts well beyond the holiday. I am thrilled to announce our…

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