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For Kelly Neely, design is all about the details. Bringing a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces, the esteemed Birmingham-based interior designer is lending her talents to residences in Alabama and beyond.

A CIDA-accredited interior design program graduate at The University of Alabama, Kelly launched her career in 2017 as a partner in Chickadee Interiors. In 2021, she founded Kelly Neely Interiors to bring her expertise directly to clients. Her studio handles everything from floor plans and finish selections to fabulous lighting and accessories. Get to know our latest Interior Design Crush!

Kelly Neely smiles warmly, seated on a floral-patterned sofa in a room adorned with a lush plant, beige walls, and modern artwork.Pin
Say hello to interior designer Kelly Neely of Kelly Neely Interiors! Image: Hector Sanchez

What inspired your design career, and what made you decide to step out on your own?

My love for all design runs deep. I grew up playing dress up, rearranging my room on the weekends, and designing clothes in my Barbie sketchpad. I love taking different elements and creating something beautiful, whether that’s a tablescape, floral arrangement, outfit, or home.

Aside from growing up with a love for design, I graduated from the University of Alabama’s CIDA-accredited interior design program in 2012. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and after a few years as co-owner of a retail space and interior design business, my business partner moved states, and I began working for myself as Kelly Neely Interiors.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

I would describe my personal design aesthetic as transitional and collected with a bit of Art Deco flair. I love an interesting mix of patterns, vintage and modern pieces, as well as a timeless, clean, and classic look. I think multiple styles can coexist in a home.

Although my personal style shines through on each job, my main goal is to give my client the best version of their own style. I try not to pigeonhole myself into a singular style, which makes working with different clients and styles easier.

Elegant dining room envisioned by Kelly Neely, featuring a dark wood table set for a meal. Black chairs surround the table, and a large chandelier hangs above. Green curtains frame the windows, while a floral centerpiece adds charm.Pin
An eye-catching chandelier brings modern flair to this dining room. Image: Hector Sanchez
The living room, styled by Kelly Neely, features a beige sofa, two armchairs, and a wooden coffee table. Floral artwork adorns the space above the fireplace beside a blank TV screen. Decor includes elegant vases with flowers and neatly stacked books.Pin
Art flanks the fireplace in this timeless living room design. Image: Mary Margaret Smith
Home bar with dark cabinets, decorative glassware, and art pieces crafted by Kelly Neely, a gold faucet gleams under the archway. Patterned wallpaper and wooden floors with a rug complete this cozy setup.Pin
This home bar exudes charm with its moody cabinets, colorful art, and pretty vignettes. Image: Mary Margaret Smith

What is your favorite project to date?

I’m continually humbled to be a part of jobs for my clients, so it’s hard to choose. My most treasured project is my own home, which my husband and I completed in 2022. It was a dream come true to be able to design and build for ourselves and our growing family after years of creating homes for others.

How did your upbringing influence your design style, and how has it changed over the years?

I was fortunate to grow up in a large family. For the last 40 years, we have had Sunday Lunch, a tradition started by my paternal grandparents. The whole family gathers on Sundays to have lunch or dinner. I believe the tradition of gathering and hosting instilled a love of home and an emphasis on the value of bringing loved ones together in a space that reflects you and those who spend time there with you.

My style has changed over the years in the way that it does for everyone. I would say maturing and growing a family impacted my style, as did learning the business and what all is available outside of the mainstream manufacturers.

Elegant dining room designed by Kelly Neely, featuring a chandelier, six beige chairs around a table, and a floral centerpiece. Murals of trees adorn the walls.Pin
We’re huge fans of ornate wall coverings and the floral-on-floral trend. Image: Mary Margaret Smith
A modern kitchen designed by Kelly Neely features white cabinets, a patterned backsplash, and a central oven. Bar stools line a marble countertop, while vibrant flowers and colorful glassware add decorative touches.Pin
A smattering of blue glass pops in this beautiful chef’s kitchen. Image: Mary Margaret Smith
A cozy living room by Kelly Neely features patterned chairs, a gray sofa, and a sleek black coffee table. A pink artwork hangs elegantly above the sofa. Pin
Layers of pattern and texture make for a cozy, classic seating area. Image: Hector Sanchez

What is currently influencing your designs?

My design aesthetic is always influenced by my clients. I truly strive to give them the best version of their own style instead of the best version of mine.

What piece of design advice can you offer us to elevate our homes?

Ignore trends and buy what you love! Yes, there are some design “rules” that should be acknowledged, but beyond that, lighting and paint are two of the most powerful changes that can influence a space. If you’re looking to start small, start there.

A modern kitchen designed by Kelly Neely features white cabinetry and a large island with wooden accents. Pendant lights hang above bar stools, while bright flowers and fruit adorn the counters, creating an ID Crush-worthy decor.Pin
A wood island offsets this kitchen’s white cabinetry and gold embellishments. Image: Mary Margaret Smith
A bathroom designed by Kelly Neely features floral wallpaper, a marble sink with a decorative mirror, wall-mounted sconces, and a white toilet.Pin
More amazing wallpaper! This bathroom is quaint and cute, with its Parisian-style sink and elegant light fixture. Image: Hector Sanchez

What is your favorite space or design element in your own home, and why?

I really love my dining room. The Graffito by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa panels was one of the first fabrics I selected for my home. I love how the traditional table, vintage lamps, and modern fabric all work together to deliver a curated but lived-in look.

If you could design a home for anyone in the world, who would it be?

My first response would be Taylor Swift because I love her and her music so much! And who wouldn’t want to become buddies with Taylor Swift in such a way?! A close second would be Cameron Diaz. My favorite designer, Kelly Wearstler, has worked with her before, so I know I would love her style.

The dining room features a wooden table and upholstered chairs, an ornate sideboard, a charming floral centerpiece, and a modern chandelier. A touch of elegance is added with abstract wall art by Kelly Neely that completes the sophisticated design.Pin
Tranquility reigns in this dining room. And check out that stunning chandelier! Image: Mary Margaret Smith
A bathroom curated by Kelly Neely features a freestanding bathtub and large windows flanked by elegant curtain panels. A small table with flowers, a chair, and a chandelier complete this ID Crush-worthy haven.Pin
This bathroom oozes timeless elegance with its vintage pieces and contemporary stand-alone tub. Image: Hector Sanchez
Bedroom with a white and beige color scheme, featuring a four-poster bed, patterned canopy, pillows, and a side table with a lamp and flower arrangement that seems straight out of an ID Crush design by Kelly Neely.Pin
Pattern brings a touch of royalty to this guest bedroom. Image: Mary Margaret Smith
The charming nursery, a true ID Crush by Kelly Neely, features floral wallpaper, a white crib, plush chair and ottoman. A whimsical pink elephant toy sits under the chandelier adorned with flower designs. Cream curtains frame the windows, illuminated softly by the floor lamp.Pin
What a sweet nursery! With precious pink accents, it’s just the right mix of sophistication and whimsy. Image: Hector Sanchez

I’m looking forward to the revival of color and an emphasis on patterns and textiles.

Can you describe your design philosophy in five words?

Functional. Practical. Beautiful. Thorough. Long-lasting.

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Jenna Bratcher
About the Author
Jenna Bratcher

Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville’s Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.