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!