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.

Get It While It's Hot!! Hunter Douglas Now at Kellie Burke Interiors!!

Kellie Burke Interiors is proud to announce that we are now a dealer for Hunter Douglas!  To celebrate we are offering a free measuring appointment, a savings of $150!!***  As a full service interior design firm we are always looking for products that will enhance our client’s home and for that we love our Hunter Douglas products.  

Hunter Douglas offers a full range of treatment options including, wooden blinds, woven wood shades, soft shades, shutters and motorized options.  Hunter Douglas’ treatments can all be customized to suit your needs. The Design Studio Roman Shades have over 300 fabric options to choose from, as well as four shade styles and six valance options.  Many of the other treatment options have variety of fabrics and options to choose from as well.  The translucency of the treatments can also be customized, with options ranging from sheer to blackout in many varieties.   

Hunter Douglas is also keeping up with the latest technological options, many of their brands can be installed with the Easy Rise Touch feature which allows the shades to rise and lower with the touch of a finger.  This easy, cordless option is great for families with kids, or those that want a clean, streamlined look.  Many treatments can also be motorized, which is an excellent option for spaces with high windows.  This feature is great because you can have you full view when you want it and sun protection and shade when you need it.  This can be done with radar remote or, if you are building a new house, can be hardwired into a wall switch.   

As designers, we love Hunter Douglas for the layered look that they provide when used as an under treatment.  Many times we have clients who want a full window treatment, complete with panels, swags, jabots and tons of trim, but they still want the light control and privacy option of blinds or shades.  Because Hunter Douglas can be customized, we can make sure that the under treatment coordinates with the treatment and the room’s design scheme.  Aside from the functionality of the under treatment, the layered window treatment adds depth and texture to the design; at Kellie Burke Interiors we love woven woods underneath.  They can include the right amount of translucency or opaqueness desired, plus a great look and texture for the space.  If you like a clean modern look, Hunter Douglas products can also be great as a stand-alone window treatment. Gone are the blinds of yesteryear, these products all have an updated, contemporary look that is great in any household.  

Hunter Douglas Provenance Woven Wood Shades

Hunter Douglas Design Studio Roman Shades

Hunter Douglas Heritance Hardwood Shutters

Hunter Douglas Luminette Draperies

Hunter Douglas Pirouette Shades

*** Measure fee of $150 to be paid upfront and then deducted from purchase of $500 or more ****

The Animal Kingdom: Leopard

Alright, we have to admit it; at Kellie Burke Interiors we have an obsession with all things animal print.  We have our favorite design techniques; adding a pop of color, mixing textures and playing with sparkle, but animal print may be our favorite thing to add to a room.  Leopard, a classic animal print, might take the cake as far as favorites go.

Small Accent with a Leopard Print Pillow

Like most, if not all animal prints, leopard is essentially a neutral.  It can work in any design scheme, and in some form, almost any style of décor.  The key is using it properly. Unless you are using leopard as a major design statement, it is best to use it on smaller furniture pieces or accessories.  We love an ottoman upholstered in a classic leopard with nail head trim. Pillows are also a great way to add touches.  If you are looking for a more subtle effect, look for even smaller touches.  We recently installed a chandelier in a client’s home; the inside lining on the candlestick shades were a leopard silk and it looks fabulous. 

With the popularity of leopard there are thousands and thousands of fabrics to choose from.  This allows you to find both a scale and color way that best fits the design scheme.  If you have a small pillow in a traditional scheme, a small scale classic leopard would be perfect.  Likewise, if you are upholstering an ottoman, you may want to consider a larger scale print that better suits the piece.  There are so many color variations of leopard today.  Rather than varying from light to dark, we can now find leopard in any color of the rainbow. If you have an elegant, sophisticated space a leopard in a deep wine and tan could suit it perfectly.  If color and funk is what you’re after a hot pink or deep turquoise would certainly brighten the space. There are also monochromatic color ways which are great for neutral design schemes, or a client who isn’t sure they want to make the full commitment. Either way, there is truly something for everyone!

Leopard Print Side Chair in Nursery

So join us in our addiction! Try some leopard! You can start off with little hints and accents here and there, and see where your design inspiration takes you!

Haute News! Now Introducing Kellie Burke Interiors Private Label Fabrics!

Kellie Burke Interiors is proud to announce our new line of Private Label Fabrics, exclusively available at our West Hartford Center showroom: Window by Kellie Burke.  After opening Window in Fall 2011, we were looking for the next way to bring style into the homes of our clients; this new line of fabrics is the latest and greatest way to get Kellie Burke Interior’s signature look. 

The Kellie Burke Private line includes fabrics in a full range of colors and styles, varying from sheers to silks; linens to lavish wovens, ensuring that there is something for everyone in the line. In addition to becoming a go to line for our design clients, we also utilize this line as part of our Window showroom services to assist clients in selecting window treatments that are perfect for their décor and lifestyle.

Come explore our signature fabric line or to get a design consultation! 

Kellie Burke Interiors 

993A Farmington Avenue 

West Hartford, CT 06107

T- 860.232.9128

kellieburke.com 

Hours: 

Monday- Friday: 9:00am- 5:00pm

Window by Kellie Burke

Kellie Burke Interiors has been a staple in West Hartford Center for years. Aside from being our design studio, Kellie Burke Interiors is also a boutique specializing in unique home accessories as well as candles, jewelry, and Vietri dinnerware.

In September 2011 we expanded our offerings with Window by Kellie Burke! Window is a unique showroom where clients can come in, browse row after row of beautiful fabrics, and work with our designers to achieve a custom look for their windows. If you've got a room that  is already decorated but needs a fresh update or finishing touch, new window treatments are the best way to do that. New window treatments can breathe new life into a not so new space, all the while making it comfortable and cozy to live in. Window by Kellie Burke is a great way to get a dose of Kellie Burke's signature style!

Stop by and visit us today!

Specializing in high-end residential interiors, Kellie Burke established her West Hartford, Connecticut based interior design firm in 1995. After earning her degree from Skidmore College in upstate New York, Kellie worked as a studio artist by trade and also as a faux painter.

After studying design in Florence Italy, Kellie continued traveling and found inspiration for her design work in many different countries including; Portugal, Russia, Italy, France, Brussels, England, Estonia and Scandinavia.

One of Kellie's philosophies in designing a home is that "it should feel like a well traveled home and not have a matching store bought look". Her favorite style is 'Old World' to transitional with a focus on family friendly environments. She understands functionality with kids and feels that "scale is the most important design element". Kellie feels interior design should be about a client and designer coming together to create a unique space.

Kellie's design firm is located in prestigious West Hartford Center. Her attached design studio provides exquisite furniture in luxurious fabrics of your choice, high quality oil paintings, decorative lighting, custom tailored window treatments and other fine accessories for the home. Kellie provides a full spectrum of design services styled to suit each client's needs and taste.