Today on the blog we’re sharing our first post in our “Meet The Designer” series, where we’re pulling back the curtain on the people behind our designs. Starting with me!
If you are new here, welcome to The Home Studio and our blog.
Also, full disclosure – it turns out I have NO pictures of myself, and then ones without a child in my arms, drink in my hand or wearing sunglasses is even more difficult to come by. This was taken at my sisters wedding, the last time a professional lens snapped me!
The Long and The Short Of It
My name is Karen and I founded The Home Studio almost four years she, when I moved back to South Africa and saw an opportunity to do things a little differently.
I have met people – literally around the world – with the desire to make their homes look more ‘put together’ and needing professional help to get them there. While they would have loved the help of an interior designer, they either could not afford on, were put off by the presumed cost, or thought their project would be considered too small for a professional designer.
So I founded The Home Studio to change all that.
Our goal is to give clients the opportunity to consult with design experts regardless of the scope of the project (and budget).
Whether you want a little refresh, a total room makeover, or need to tackle a full design and renovation project, The Home Studio is the easy and affordable way to design your dream space.
Our process is well planned, collaborative and relaxed. Whether it be a new colour scheme your home is craving, or a complete makeover for your old, but well loved space, we take on every project with the best intentions to present solutions that are both beautiful and functional.
The blog is our platform where we have the opportunity to connect with everyone, whether a design client or someone just as design obsessed as us. It’s the place where we can share all the details, behind the scenes, work in progress and before + afters on all our client design projects. It’s also where we love to share tips, advice and product sources to help inspire your property makeovers. (And if DIY isn’t your style, get in touch about our E-Design and other design services!)
Who am I?
An interior designer, a world traveller (you know, pre-covid) and mama of two little girls. Design is a fundamental part of my life. Whether I am at home with my family, travelling the world or in my little design studio, it inspires me and ignites my creative vision.
I truly believe that good design should be applied to all our facets of life, from our homes, to work environments, right through to public spaces, and urban and town planning. I’d love to be able to say that I left the world just a little more beautiful than how we found it through good design, a respect for history and a commitment to caring for the planet around us. Something I am always working towards.
My Design Style
I would describe my design style as minimal and contemporary, but with an underlying maximalist streak. I also love mixing modern pieces in more traditional settings. This mostly plays out in my own home, or when clients offer me the opportunity to be bold.
For me, it’s not just about good design, it’s about simplicity, timelessness and creating a space that looks and feels like home.
What My Friends Say About My Home
I think most of our friends enjoy how welcoming and calm our home always feels, and they definitely comment on how tidy it is. I am perpetually tidy, to put it mildly. I also think they enjoy watching me when kids come over and destroy the place in two seconds flat.
Number 1 Design Crush Right Now
Dark and moody spaces – especially with painted ceilings. I’m talking black walls, black ceilings and bold accents.
My housemate (also known as my husband or The Client, depending on the context) always jokes I am happy with any colour as long as it is white. However over the last couple of years I have developed a deep love for very dark and moody spaces. Something I applied to our new home office space.
What is Your Favourite Space Saving Move?
Built-in storage (and nesting side tables). There is no better way to maximise storage potential and organise your personal space, than by customising built-in storage.
As someone not big on coffee tables in small or busy living spaces, nesting side tables are a perfect solution. They take up very little retail space while offering flexible and usable table space when needed.
What advice would you give to your 23-year-old self?
A: Start your own company. Be confident, don’t be afraid, and trust yourself. While you are young and fearless go for your dreams. If it doesn’t work you still have time to establish a career. Invest in yourself.