Let’s Meet Karina Palmer From American Shutters

Today we are chatting with Karina Palmer, esteemed interior designer and the marketing director of American Shutters. With years of industry experience, we find out about what makes Karina tick and what trends we can expect to see in the upcoming seasons.

How would you describe your personal style?

Neutral colours – a relaxed style with a bit of flair.

What qualities define your brand?

AMERICAN shutters introduced adjustable louvre shutters to South Africa more than thirty years ago and in keeping with our innovative spirit we continually advance our product features and finishes and improve on how our products are engineered.

From products to service we are recognised for our quality, working with many of South Africa’s leading architects and interior designers. We consistently offer good value to all our clients with competitively priced products, wide choice of ranges and additional design features. Our industry is forever changing and becoming increasingly competitive.

We have a no compromise policy when it comes to the integrity of our products and service. Our longevity and stability ensure that we are accessible and ready to honour our commitments, whether they pertain to design, manufacture, installation, post-sales service or warranty.

What sets your brand apart in the industry at the moment?

We believe that our brand is unique. As pioneers in our industry we take our responsibility to set the bar in terms of product innovation, quality and service. Our Security Shutters demonstrate this well, redefining the product through their seamless design and sophisticated aesthetic. Our unique and industry first ‘gear-tilt’ mechanism has abolished the unattractive tilt rod system, accomplishing uninterrupted views through the louvres and an elegance that no other security shutter on the market can match.

What is the most recent purchase you’ve made for your home?

A Dolphin for the pool, not a real one – he’s a robotic pool cleaner and a very welcome addition to the family.

What one design element, trend or furniture item can you not live without.

Shutters of course! Oh, and I love well designed lighting schemes – creating mood and ambience in a living space is such an important element of design. Shutters play their role in this regard too during the day, creating atmosphere by filtering and playing with light and often projecting attractive linear designs.

What has been one of the most challenging projects you have worked on?

We recently completed a private residential home that challenged all aspects of shutter design and installation. Exposed bagged brick openings are a headache at the best of times but when the openings are arched too, the challenge gets notched up a level. We have a wide range of frames to choose from and these are great when openings are uneven like with bagged brick – the end result looked lovely.

What trends do you think we should keep an eye on in upcoming seasons?

Accentuating the relationship between people and nature, bringing the outside inside, the use of natural organic materials such as wood, stone, natural fibres, beautiful plants and plenty of natural light. We work hard in our lives so our homes should be our sanctuaries, being close to nature helps us relax and rejuvenate.

What exciting projects do you have planned within the next year?

We are involved in primary residences in some of the most thriving estates in South Africa like Val de Vie, Steyn City, Waterfall Estate and Zimbali with many of these coming to fruition in 2020. We are often consulted at the early stages of these projects which is great because colour choices and shutter configurations can be considered carefully and appropriately included in the architect planning.

Watch this space and find out more by visiting American Shutters.