Luxury Interior Designer Shares Top 5 Design Secrets

Kellie Burke Interiors

Tue, Sep 25, 2012

While most people would like to believe that their home is impeccably designed with the utmost taste and style, the fact remains that not everyone knows as much as an interior designer does. Their skills and expertise allow these professionals to bring the most unique design schemes into reality. For those individuals who would like to give interior design a try on their own, premier interior designer Kellie Burke Interiors is revealing the top five interior design secrets.
Taking your interior design to the extreme is the work of top interior designers, but for a simple room change-up, here are a few helpful tips.

• Secret 1: Let the light shine in. You can change the entire ambiance of a room simply by changing the lighting. Try hanging a large pendant light above the center piece of the room, like a dining room table or a large coffee table. Add in a dimmer switch to casually adjust the mood when necessary. Be aware of the color of your shade, as this will greatly impact the light reflected in the room. 

• Secret 2: Don’t let the TV consume your life. While everyone enjoys watching a little television, if it’s too large it can completely throw off the interior design of a room. In order to ensure the right size television, measure from the sofa to where the TV would go and divide this number by 2.5. That sum is the width of the television screen you should have in that room. 

• Secret 3: Don’t overcrowd your space. It is nice to be an accommodating host, but having too much furniture in a room makes it feel cluttered, messy and small. You want to have enough space inbetween your furniture to comfortably walk by. Start by marking imaginary furniture into a room and then walk around to see how much space you really have. 

• Secret 4: Choosing the right paint color is essential. Without the help of an interior designer, choosing paint from a color chart can be difficult and daunting. Instead, buy sample pots to paint on to thick white paper and then hang on your walls. This will allow you to see the color when it is dried and the way it reflects with the light in the room. 

• Secret 5: Be careful when hanging pictures. Many people make the mistake of hanging pictures too high or low. A good rule of thumb is hanging a picture 1.5m from the floor, which is the average person’s eye line. 

Interior design can be fun, but for expert advice and a hassle-free design experience, enlist the help of professional interior designers at Kellie Burke Interiors.

Jewelry at Kellie Burke Interiors

 In addition to carrying home accessories and Vietri dinnerware, Kellie Burke Interiors also has a great selection of jewelry and fashion accessories!  We offer a range of styles and prices, there is something for everyone.  Right now we are featuring the bangles shown below for $49

Restaurant Design by Kellie Burke Interiors

Good food and customer service are the core of a successful restaurant, but the ambience can make all the difference to diners. When guests first walk into a restaurant, the interior design is the first aspect that grabs their attention. There are several components to take into consideration when it comes to the interior design of a restaurant, but with the help of professional decorators like Kellie Burke Interiors, dining perfection is possible.

Kellie Burke Interiors can sculpt the ideal interior of restaurants. This Connecticut design company has meticulously crafted the interior of Bricco Trattoria and Grant’s Restaurant.
The decor should encompass both a welcoming ambiance and the ability to seat plenty of guests comfortably. Professional interior decorators are able to identify those problem areas in a restaurant, and transform the space to accommodate their guests' desires.

Appealing to clientele poses the question: what do diners want in their dining experience? Guests crave an intimate, yet lively atmosphere that is pleasing to the eye and comfortable enough to fully enjoy. A skilled interior designer understands how the use of shutters can create a more intimate space, hiding the parking lot scene while still allowing light to filter in. The addition of window treatments will both flank and warm the space, as well as providing acoustical value, depending on fabric choice.

Everything from the windows to the floors needs to appeal to diners. In today’s interior design world, there have been great advancements in commercial flooring. Restaurants can keep a classic look on the floor while still being modern, with ceramic tiles that are designed to look like wood, but with added durability.

While the core foundation is important, diners are most concerned with being comfortable while dining. Creating open spaces within the restaurant allows diners to feel like they have room to breathe and eat with family and friends. The use of unique lighting and ceiling treatments can really define an area, with custom woodwork built into the walls and utilitarian areas.

Whether it’s a farmhouse industrial theme or a futuristic appeal, the interior design of a restaurant is always important. Pair with Kellie Burke Interiors, adding in divine food and customer service for restaurant success.

Linen Embroidered Pillows

Linen Embroidered Pillows, $140 each

 At Kellie Burke Interiors we love to change out the pillows on our sofas and chairs seasonally, and when we came across these linen embroidered pillows we couldn't wait to share.  These bright, fun prints are the perfect way to brighten up your sofa in these late summer months and into fall!

To purchase, please contact: 

Kellie Burke Interiors 

993A Farmington Avenue 

West Hartford, CT 06107

860.232.9128

All About Window Treatments!

Window treatments can be custom made in a variety of different styles, and working with a designer will help select the perfect style for the house, design style of room, and needs of client.  Between panels, shades, swags and valances the choices can seem overwhelming, but a good designer can help narrow them down and select whats best.  At Kellie Burke Interiors, we can also combine treatment styles or even create a whole new custom look depending on needs and wants of client.   Window treatments are the best way to warm up a space, make it feel homey and give a room a finished look.  Many clients are worried about losing their view or having a treatment that is too heavy, but even a simple top treatment can make all the difference in the world without obstructing the view. 

Layered looks for window treatments are also key.  The best under-treatments to start with are woven wood shades, shutters, or shades in custom fabric options.  These all make a great foundation to start with, and for those with a tighter budget more ornate layers can be added on later.  The under-treatment is the best way to control light and privacy.  Any additional layers, with the exception of some panels, are best to be used as a decorative option. 

Window treatments can be as ornate or as simple as the client and the space requires.  Panels are the most versatile, as they can be ultra-modern with clean lines in a simple fabric, or trim can be added to a patterned fabric and you’ve already stepped up the look. Additional options can be layered with panels including cornices, swags and jabots (just to name a few). 

Working with a designer is most beneficial when it comes to window treatments because many time stock sizes aren’t quite right, leaving an unfinished look.  A decorator will also understand scale and proportion of the space, as well as placement of the treatments on the wall.  Color and texture are also two qualities that can enhance a space when used correctly.  

For more information, or to set up a consultation, please contact Kellie Burke Interiors at 860.232.9128.

Kellie Burke Interiors Summer Sale!

Construction has finally begun!  We are transitioning our space from a retail store to a design studio, and all of our floor samples have to go!  Come shop our in-stock floor samples and find amazing deals of 50% off!  Sale includes all furniture pieces, chandeliers and lighting and larger home accessories.  All items will be on sale until they sell!  We are open Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, come by and check it out! 

Chandelier: $1060 (Was: $2120)

Slip Covered Chairs: $418 each (Was: $836)  2 Available

Column Lamp: $220 (Was: $440)

French Pet Bed: $880 (Was: $1760)

Mirror & Gold Leaf Chest: $1097 (Was: $2195)

 **** Sale Applies to In-Stock Items Only.  Final Sale, No Returns, Exchanges or Refunds.  Exclusions May Apply. ****

Habersham: Old World Elegance

Kellie Burke Interiors is proud to announce that we are the Connecticut dealer for Habersham Kitchen & Bath!  After 40 years in business, Habersham Home launched their Kitchen and Bath Collection in Spring 2002.  Designed with luxury and elegance in mind, Habersham Kitchens and Baths are “inspired by the elaborate furnishings of Europe’s 18^th century palatial estates and the simplified, romantic styles of the French countryside.”

Custom Habersham Kitchen

Our favorite thing about Habersham Kitchens is that they are fully customizable.  From sizes to styles to finishes, every detail is hand selected.  We work closely with our clients and the staff at Habersham to design a kitchen that best suits the needs and wants of the client.  Kitchen storage has improved drastically over the years, and Habersham has all of the latest options for pots and pans, pantry storage and everything else imaginable.  Habersham also has a large selection of finishes to choose from. There are Studio Finishes which combine color and texture in a gradual layering process that has amazing depth and character.  The Connoisseur Finishes have the look of fine antique furniture seen in many estate homes.  Habersham also works with Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams to provide custom colors in any paint selection you find.  Habersham Home also makes furniture, so the look that you select for your kitchen can be carried into the dining room and beyond. 

Habersham cabinetry also has a home beyond the kitchen; it is great for a home office, creating a great built in storage look that, like their kitchens, is fully customizable.  Habersham also makes dressing rooms that are to die for. They can be customized to hold laundry, closet rods, shoes, jewelry and more. 

Because we are a full service interior design firm, we have the ability to do a complete kitchen remodel; from moving walls and windows to selecting the cabinet finishes, counter tops and hardware; an entire design scheme will come together beautifully.  

Custom Habersham Dressing Room

Custom Habersham Dressing Room

Custom Habersham Bathroom

Custom Habersham Media Center

Custom Habersham Door/Bookcase