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Interior Shutters – Q&A with Kathrine McDonald
Exploring the timeless appeal and modern versatility of custom-made shutters with interior designer Kathrine McDonald.
Elegant, functional, and endlessly adaptable, interior shutters bring a sense of architectural polish to any space. To explore what makes them such a versatile choice, we sat down with interior designer Kathrine McDonald who shares her expert insight into why shutters remain one of her go-to window treatments, and how custom-made options from Santa Fe Shutters & Blinds can elevate your home with precision, beauty, and lasting quality.
What’s your favourite thing about shutters?
The way they shape light. That soft, filtered glow that changes throughout the day — it adds instant calm and atmosphere. It’s the detail that makes a space feel complete. I love the added layer of privacy, without completely closing the room down.
How long have you been incorporating shutters into your interiors, and what drew you to them?
I’ve been using shutters in my projects for around eight years now. I was drawn to them because they have such timeless appeal and the way they ‘finish’ a room — they instantly elevate a space and suit both coastal and urban homes. I love how they suit many architectural styles, without feeling overdesigned.
What makes shutters such a design staple for you?
They’re the perfect mix of form and function – clean lines and symmetry. They give beautiful balance to a room, while offering great control over light and privacy. They also last — they don’t date or fade like fabric blinds can, so they always feel fresh.
What should homeowners consider when styling shutters in their living areas?
I’d say three things: scale, function, and finish. Get the proportions right for the window and ceiling height, think about how you’ll use the space and how much privacy you need, and choose a finish that ties in with the overall palette. Those small details make all the difference.
“Shutters add instant calm and atmosphere. They’re the detail that makes a space feel complete.”
Do you have a go-to shutter colour or finish?
Pure White is my go-to — it’s timeless. It works in any style of home. It feels architectural and crisp without being harsh.
What’s one common mistake people make with shutters?
Not planning exterior joinery sizing and also how they’ll open and fit within the space. They’re more structural than most window treatments, so placement and proportion matter. I always think about this early in the design process. Always go custom so the fit and lines are perfect.
Do shutters work in contemporary homes?
Absolutely. I keep them feeling modern by using a slim profile, minimal detailing, and clean white finishes. They blend seamlessly with contemporary spaces and highlight natural light beautifully.
How do you adapt shutters for more traditional or character homes?
I tend to match the shutter format and louvre size to the existing joinery style and sometimes use a slightly more detailed frame. It’s about enhancing what’s already there, so the shutters feel original to the home.
Any trends or innovations you’re excited about?
Yes — new moisture-resistant materials like Woodlore Plus Waterproof mean you can now use shutters in bathrooms and kitchens without worrying about movement or wear. And the finishes have become so refined, which really lifts the final result.
Why choose custom-made shutters?
Custom is everything. You get the perfect fit, the right proportions, and a finish that suits your interior exactly – louvre size, frame detail and finish. Off-the-shelf options just can’t achieve that built-in, intentional look.
From classic villas to modern coastal homes, Kathrine’s design philosophy proves that shutters are more than just a practical window solution, they’re a design feature that adds structure, texture, and light control in one elegant form.
With Santa Fe’s custom-made shutters, every detail is crafted to fit your home perfectly, ensuring timeless style, enduring quality, and a finish that feels truly personal.
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