Designs by Kelly 

Meet Kelly Brown

The Tree Diva

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Kelly Brown's interview by the Bakersfield Californian Newspaper 
Friday, Dec 17 2010

Putting the sparkle in Christmas season
BY STEFANI DIAS , Californian assistant lifestyles editor 
sdias@bakersfield.com


Kelly Brown may be Bakersfield's best-kept decorating secret. She has

worked in interior design for 15 years, but really embraced her holiday

calling after the birth of her second child, Alexis. (She and her

husband, Patrick, also have a son, Sean). While working from home,

Brown was contacted by a couple at a retirement home who had heard

of her skills, and the rest is history.

Starting with 12 clients, Kelly now has more than 60 trees she

decorates (not counting her mom's two trees and five of her own). But

good luck tracking all those trees down. Some are in Newport Beach and

elsewhere around L.A., and some local clients may not let on who's behind

the holiday magic. (Fairfax Saddle Shop's tree topped with an old pair of

boots-- the owner's grandmother's -- is Brown's handiwork.)

Recognition is not an issue for Brown, who works primarily by referral and is happy to help clients get in the Christmas spirit. This festiveness was instilled early on by her parents, who went all out decorating while she and her three brothers and two sisters were growing up. The family moved to Bakersfield from Chicago in 1986, and, although two siblings live out of state, everyone tries to get together here for the holidays.

The Garces and USC grad and former broadcast journalist has wrapped up her decorating for the season, but she shared some insight on tree trends, last-minute tips and more with us.

We're just a week away from Christmas. Do you have any last-minute decorating tips?

Yes, first find the colors you like, use what you have. The reason why lots of people procrastinate is they don't know what to do with all the stuff they have collected over the years. You don't have to use everything you own. Pick a few things, then put the rest away, rotating decorations year after year. Also ribbon can really make a tree look like a million bucks. But don't buy the same color ribbon as your ornaments. You are defeating the purpose, and your beautiful and sentimental things will get lost.

Growing up, did your family decorate the house for the holidays?

My dad and mom absolutely love Christmas. All the weather guys loved doing their live shots from my parents' side yard. My brothers and sisters and I used to say Dad was like Chevy Chase in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." Thank goodness my parents don't do that anymore, but they always decorate.

Has Christmas always been your favorite holiday? How busy are you with work during the season versus the rest of the year?

The Christmas season is totally my favorite. I love Christmas because it can last a month. I am extra busy during that time. I do have projects throughout the year, but not day to day like Christmas tree time. With decorating and designing projects, you can pace yourself and have time to order and meet with clients, but during the holidays it's more fast paced.

You go all out for your clients, but what's your decorating style in your own home?

Mine is over the top and I love it. My family loves it and that truly is what makes me smile. I use my house as the extreme, taking it to the next level. I have two main trees and a few mini ones throughout the house. My favorite one is the wine tree. It has an all-wine theme and is purple with grapes (it's called the "Mommy Tree" in our house).
The other one is the traveling tree; over the years all the places we go, we bring back an ornament. Another thing the traveling tree has is, whatever we are into that year, we buy an ornament with the date to remember what the year was about. Like my daughter was in dance two years ago, we have ballet shoes; my son started playing saxophone this year, so we have one on the tree. My husband and I enjoy Peet's coffee, so we brought a new ornament, a Peet's coffee cup. I never get tired of decorating our tree. Every year I look at it and I reminisce and laugh with the family.

What's your favorite decorating assignment?
My favorite one is a gal that counts on me every year. A senior and widow. I always walk in the same time every year. My hot cocoa is ready along with warm cookies. I usually get her beautiful small tree done within an hour, but I let it last two hours. I love how much thought goes into her preparation.

You said that you're booked for the holidays by October. How long does it take to decorate the average tree?
Every tree is different, but typically, if it's an artificial pre-lit and about 71/2 feet I can do it in about one hour and half to two hours. Fresh trees take longer and typically more work because the ornaments don't sit as easy and they are never symmetrical.

Are there any new trends/popular decor items this season?
This year bright colors, pinks, limes, candy looking colors are popular... Mesh ribbon has been the No. 1 seller. It is getting more fun decorating trees. Truth is "anything goes."

What's your favorite part of decorating?
The best part is when the owner and especially their children come in and say, "Wow, I love this tree." That makes it all worthwhile.

For big projects, you have a helper to hold ribbon and ornaments. This year you've enlisted girlfriends, so who's been your most helpful "elf"?
Really all of them. Just the fact I can spend time with them is great. I can chat and catch up with them and see how their children are doing. It seems with our busy schedules, we never get a chance to ask more than "How are you?" Plus they get a few new tips each new year, so it's a win-win situation.

Where do you find most of the decorations? Do clients provide some?
I usually shop in July for Christmas at the design center and sometime I go to vendor shows and buy. Lots of times the client has most of their things, I just provide ribbon and accessories, they just need guidance on how put it together. I have some clients that are not sentimental at all, they just want a tree to look like department store. Some want the angels they should have thrown away a long time ago, but can't see to let go.

If you had a motto, what would it be:
Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.

What's the best piece of advice you actually followed?
My mom told me a long time ago during my teenage years that "you teach people how to treat you." It wasn't until my adult years that I finally understood that. Amazingly true.

Complete this sentence: Bakersfield needs more ...
"Good" air days.

Complete this sentence: Bakersfield needs fewer ...
Senseless, careless crimes.

Best gift you ever got:
My two healthy children.. My husband and I say that to them all the time: "You guys are the best gift we have ever gotten."

What's your favorite Bakersfield restaurant? What do you order?
Presently Toro. The first thing I order is the shrimp wrap. My family and I tend to have favorite restaurants every six months to a year. I guess the best place for me is the place I don't have to do dishes.

You lived into Chicago until you were 16. Is there anything you miss? Chicago dogs?
I miss Chi-town, but my husband and I visit at least once a year. More than the dogs, Chicago is famous for its pizza. As a matter of fact, two weeks ago, my mom and I did a mother-daughter trip and enjoyed the carriage ride in the city, the pizza, shopping and watching the Christmas lights go up.

What was the last book you read?
Well I just finished reading, "Does Prayer Change Things?" by R.C. Sproul, that was newest book my bible study group read and just discussed last Saturday, great book.
Finish this sentence: On the weekends, you're likely to find me ...
In Newport, at Javier's having a late dinner.

You enjoy cooking. What is your favorite dish to prepare?
I love cooking everything, from Middle Eastern food to grilling on the barbecue, but everyone loves my "eggplant parmesan."

Favorite vacation spot:
A quick vacation, probably Newport Beach, but if we are talking elaborate vacation, my family and I like traveling to new places anytime we can. We love exploring new places and learning about different cultures and favorite local hot spots.

Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise even the people closest to you:
Well, now everyone knows but I love listening to news. People have music blasting in their cars and I have MSNBC or CNN, anything to do with news. Must be the news background, but I love it.

What they're not teaching in school anymore but should be:
We are not teaching our children how to "Just be kids." We are so bombarded with school and activities that children are growing up too fast.

What's the nicest thing someone has been said to you lately?
Well, if you don't include my husband... (he wins hands down) ... I had a friend tell me, "Your children are so well-mannered." For being a mom that compliment is actually the best one. But this month, honestly, I have gotten a lot of good thoughts sent my way from my clients. They have either texted me or called me saying how they appreciated my time and that their families love the trees.