A home in Northwest DC “needed new everything,” recalls Kelley Proxmire, who brought her signature lively, colorful perspective to the task of updating the circa-1970s spaces. “The owners have great artwork; we placed it in various rooms, then figured out complementary schemes of colors and fabrics.”

With her clients’ traditional sensibility in mind, Proxmire created elegant yet welcoming spaces using existing case goods, re-covered heirloom furnishings and new pieces to fill in gaps. Fresh greens and blues are woven through rooms that juxtapose textures, colors and patterns in fabric and wallpaper; attention to detail is evident in lavish trim embellishing draperies, pillows and upholstery. Says Proxmire of her measured approach, “I like a wow, but it also has to be peaceful.”

EXPERT INSIGHTS
Notes from Kelley Proxmire

• Look at the size of a room to determine furniture scale. Consider how you’re going to use the space.
• Conrad woven shades are a good way to layer a window, providing screening while still letting in the light.
• I love to mix patterns but don’t like a lot of big ones together. For instance, the pattern on the foyer floor is large-scale so I went small with the wallpaper.

Interior Design: Kelley Proxmire, Kelley Proxmire, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland.