Basking in the Glow of Master Designer Kellie Burke
Take a long, careful look around your home. Does it look like “you”? Does it reflect your personality? For all the time we spend in our house, it can be difficult to define a style that’s unique to its owner. When we invite people into our private space, we want them to get a sense of our personality through the look and feel of our home. But how exactly do you create an environment that has a style all its own?
This is where design doyenne Kellie Burke comes in very handy. As the visionary behind her eponymous firm Kellie Burke Interiors, Kellie’s vibrancy and flair for the fabulous make clients travel across the country to tap into her creative mind. We sat down with Kellie to find out what inspires her, how to create a unique style personality, and what should be on our watchlist for new trends in home design.
What is it that makes Kellie Burke Interiors stand out from other interior design firms?
At Kellie Burke Interiors, we specialize in high-end residential and commercial design. We work hand-in-hand with architects, builders, and landscape designers to create the ultimate luxury, “boutique hotel” experience right inside your home.
We love to see a grand transformation! We are able to reimagine a private residence to become an escape from the world, which can be a daunting task for people to do on their own. Our team makes the whole design process effortless and enjoyable for every client by eliminating stress and providing expert advice and guidance. Overall, we value the importance of creating a home that is a sexy, luxurious, comfortable, and fun environment for everyone.
You have a beautiful space here in the Design District. Can you tell us a bit about your studio?
Unlike other firms, we have our own 7,500 square foot design studio accessible by invitation only. It is stocked with the latest trends in fabrics, finishes, and silhouettes from across the globe. Our studio allows us to purchase directly from top furniture vendors in the industry and design and create custom cabinetry and upholstery. It’s a great space to spark ideas and creativity.
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
My personal style is curated through travel and the pursuit of all luxurious experiences. I gravitate towards an ‘Old World’ style incorporating modern, functional accents, with a focus on creating a fun and comfortable lifestyle. Our portfolio shows that we are well versed in all tastes and we love to pump up anyone’s style in dramatic ways. Whether you have an entire list of ideas or you have no clue where to start, we take on every project and deliver the unexpected.
What’s a top trend right now in the design world?
It’s all about capitalizing on space! Specifically, outdoor and “flex space”. Flex space goes by many names – spare room, bonus room – but this multi-purpose room is simply defined as an area in a home that can be used for a variety of functions. We love to find untouched space like an unfinished lower level, a little nook off the master bedroom, or a spot under a staircase to create moments of purpose for our clients. This could be providing a new space to entertain, work, or just sit back and relax. Recently we’ve created coffee and wine bars, lower-level clubs, and outdoor scapes with fire pits and ambient water features.
Can you give us any tips on creating a personal style?
The biggest thing when you start a new project is to ask yourself how you want to feel in the space. Creating the right mood is so important! If a space can evoke a specific emotion, whether it be relaxed, energetic, or welcoming, you’ve succeeded.
A great tip is to always take your lifestyle into consideration. Have young children or pets? Then all white cushions might need to be traded in for a soft, bulletproof fabric. Collect lots of trinkets throughout your travels? Then a minimalist look may not be for you. Don’t forget to trust your instincts and be authentic. It’s easy to like things because they are trendy and right there. But rather than purchasing items based on a perfect magazine, choose things you love. Style your home in a way that makes you excited. You’ll be happier and more inspired if you stay true to yourself and embrace your own design tastes.
We love having you in the Design District. What do you like best about the area?
The transformation that the Design District has gone through has had a considerable impact on small businesses in the 06110 zip code. We have grown to be a wonderful community equipped with voices that truly echo each other. Working with the Design District is a fantastic asset to our business.
From transforming a tired space to creating an entire home aesthetic, Kellie Burke Interiors is a full-scale interior design firm dedicated to transforming clients’ lives through design. Learn more about Kellie Burke Interiors at https://www.kellieburke.com/.