A Family Affair Inspires Interior Design and Holiday Decorating Tradition

Holiday Foyer A masterfully decorated Christmas tree lights up the foyer. The team at Carla’s A Classic Design are known for their unique selection of Christmas décor including festive candles, antiques and high-quality ornaments. | Photo Ron Ruscio

Decorating their showroom for the holidays is serious business for the tight-knit team at Carla’s A Classic Design in Centennial. Countless hours of planning go into turning the space into a winter wonderland. “With themed trees, festive garland and a store full of all things holiday, we are known for our Christmas décor and also for having the best gifts for all the loved ones on your list,” explains Michelle McElroy-Moriarity, the firms’ lead interior designer.

Interior design and holiday decorating are in Michelle’s DNA. The designer learned the trade from her gifted mother, Carla, who founded Carla’s A Classic Design in 1995 in the basement of her home. When Carla was a young child, she had shown interest in the field of design, often rearranging her mother’s furniture to make the space feel “just right.” This devotion led to a successful career in design, spanning several cities and locales. Carla planted roots at her Centennial location, with her children helping to grow the business. All of her mother’s training informs Michelle’s award-winning design work today. “Carla is semi-retired,” says Michelle.

Daughter/mother design duo Michelle McElroy-Moriarity and Carla McElroy enjoy spending the holidays with their extended family. | Photo Susan Lanam

Festive garland adorns a cozy fireplace. “We believe the quality of the tree and garland is the most important part of holiday decorating,” explains Michelle. | Photo Ron Ruscio

“We kids have now taken over most of the business. I am lead designer with my sister-in-law Shannon McElroy. My brother Wes is the inventory and warehouse manager.” The team works in harmony while preparing their showroom for the holiday rush. Customers from all around the country stop by to browse the incredible assortment of holiday offerings. The same kind of care is taken when decorating for the holidays at home.

Carla creates an inviting space for Michelle and brother Wes and their children to celebrate the holiday, featuring a special visit from Santa Claus. “My brother and I have two kids each. Since the kids were really little, Carla has had Santa visit each year at her house,” says Michelle. “Even though the kids are getting older, we still love this tradition and making magic and beautiful memories every year. It’s the same Santa for the past 10 years, and he has become like family! It’s such a wonderful day for us to sit back and remember what Christmas is really all about.”

Photo Stevie Crecelius

Holiday Tips: from the Pros at Carla’s A Classic Design

REMOVE ORIGINAL STRING OR ORNAMENT HOOKS from ornaments and hot-glue the tops with floral wire. “This allows the ornament to be wired around the branch,” explains Michelle. “This way it holds tighter to the branch and fits exactly where we want it.”

START DECORATING THE TREE WITH THE LARGEST- SIZE ORNAMENTS. “After hanging all of the big ones, move to the next largest size, and so on and so on. After that, add in the floral and decorative picks. Then finally, ribbon.”

ADD COORDINATING GARLAND to the room featuring the Christmas tree, including the fireplace, staircases, doors and windows.

ADD HOLIDAY DÉCOR TO ALL OF THE ROOMS in the house, including the primary bedroom and guest bedrooms. “There is nothing more magical than a beautiful lit tree to look at while you go to sleep,” says Michelle.

Entrance “Not only are we a full residential and commercial interior design firm but we also set up and decorate homes,” says McElroy- Moriarity. “Our team goes to the clients’ homes and sets up tress, garland and accessories for both the inside and front-door area.” | | Photo Ron Ruscio