The Classics, Updated
By Samantha Siegel

From fabrics to furniture, Kat Burki uses her designer's eye to craft stylish and sophisticated home goods

Kat Burki, founder and creative director of Kat Burki Home.

Kat Burki, the founder and creative director of Kat Burki Home, draws from her background as an interior designer to create pieces that are chic, elegant and livable, in a lifestyle collection of home furnishings ranging from bedding to side tables. Her line, dubbed “updated classicism,” mixes old world construction with modern touches. Using lace from the same manufacturer that supplies Dior and Galliano allows Burki to infuse her designs with her love for fashion. Since opening her first store in November, Burki has been busy expanding her collection and adding new looks to her “To The Trade” program, in which members receive exclusive designer pricing on all of her products as well as access to fabrics and furniture sold only to the trade.

Did you always know you wanted to design? How did it come about?

“Yes, I think somewhere in my mind, I always wanted a line of my own. I was making pieces for my clients and just by doing that I developed a network. I started designing everything I couldn’t find. Initially, it was more for my clients, and it just grew from there.”

Is there a certain era or place that inspires your designs?

“My inspirations come from a variety of places, like the fashion house Chanel. The overall feeling is clean and approachable. Also, Studio 54 days—the music, the art, the fashion—it’s unique. And 18th century Paris, Park Avenue and Princeton, N.J. I grew up riding my bike through Princeton University. The architecture is beautiful and every restaurant you go to has some sort of intellectual conversation going on.”

Swatches of fabric from Burki's "To The Trade" program.

What made you want to start your “To The Trade” program?

“It seemed natural. A lot of companies choose to do one or another, I wanted to do one for the consumer and one for the trade.”

What can people expect to see from you in 2009?

“We have a great new line including the expansion of our bath and body collection, the Kat Burki Fabric Collection is going to be available through Old World Weavers at seven STARK locations nationally and we are working on some high profile design projects. Also, STARK approached us about creating pieces at lower price points with the same high quality fabric, using less embroidery and more solid colors.”

Resources

• Kat Burki, 888-881-7677, katburkihome.com