Photo by Jason Star, Studio Sixty
If there’s one girl out there to be named the darling of interiors right now, it would have to be Kara Rosenlund. Kara, who has been recently named by Elle Decoration UK as the “modern day Martha”, first came to the spotlight with Travelling Wares, a travelling vintage shop in a 1950’s adorably restored caravan named “Frankie”. Then there’s her blog; moments of her life captured with her husband Timothy O and their two bantam chickens, in their renovated 1880’s workers cottage. If you’re on Pinterest, you’d probably know it well. With a background in photography and more recently a stylist with a home full of the most interesting revolving collection of wares, this blog will have you dreaming.
I can also confidently say that Kara also holds the crown of Queen of the vignette and in a couple of weeks she will be in Auckland with Megan Morton’s The School entourage for a two and half hour class on how to do just that, create the perfect vignette. Apparently no magic wand needed. I’m so delighted to have Kara here today to answer my 5 decorating questions.
Over to you Kara…
Where do you find inspiration for your style?
Absolutely everywhere. It sounds cliché though nature and travel beyond most things really extends my mind… though it can also be in the smallest things too…. even down to the classic enamel blue and white plate. I am always seeking out new colour combinations and ways to reuse and repurpose materials. I’m very observant by nature so I file things away visually until the time comes. Like a human Pinterest board. Ha.
What is a beautiful home to you?
A beautiful home is above all a home you share with your most loved ones; a place that gives you a primitive sense of shelter which inevitably brings happiness and security; ….. a slap of white paint, an old upholstered linen sofa and waxed wooden floorboards underfoot does wonders too.
Is there a formula for a creating a vignette and if so, any tips?
There sure is; in my class I have share my 5 steps which I personally use all the time to help you on the road to beautiful vignettes; easy and achievable. It truly is about training your eye to understandthe age old sense of balance and flirting with the trail of sight.
Old or new?
A confident combination of both. The old gives the new a sense of grounding and the new gives the old a good dose of edge. Together they make each other look their best….. sort of like a younger woman dating an older affluent man…..they keep each other on their toes.
Great decoration…
… never happens by accident.
Thanks so much Kara and I just love that analogy of old and new, I hope you don’t mind me quoting you sometime!
Readers, I’ve heard rave reviews from friends about Kara’s class, if you’d like to join me, you can get your tickets here.
Kara Rosenlund can be followed on her blog, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Mel x
Top photo of Kara by Jason Star, Studio Sixty. Interior photos and styling by and courtesy of Kara Rosenlund
Those doors are gorgeous! They add so much character to the room!
Stunning I agree! Thanks for visiting Elfya:)
Thanks for introducing me to Kara. I’m definitely off to explore her Instagram. Those room vignettes are arranged so beautifully. shame I’m too far away to attend her workshop. Have a good weekend Mel. xx
I’m sure that MM will do a roadshow to Europe soon! Happy weekend Geraldine! xx
I have loved discovering all the wonderous talent in your hemisphere Mel-Kara being no exception! Love her blog and Instagram feed-so inspiring. One day I will have to get back to your side of the world and experience all of these amazing people and what they do first hand! xx
Oh please do Caroline! M x
What a lovely interview Mel! Actually I haven’t heard about Karen Rosenlund before but when the Elle buzz hit the media I discovered her amazing style:-) Thank for sharing, I love your 5 questions posts, great work:-) Have a wonderful weekend Mel!
Thanks Mette. Yes, I really enjoy the 5 Questions series too, always fun to read the variety of answers. xx
I have recently discovered her and do follow her on IG now too. I’d love to attend a class with her here in Europe. Could you tell her? :-) The School is offering amazing programs! xx
The School would be crazy to not do a European roadshow. I’m sure it would be on the books! xx
I’m also a huge fan of Kara’s, she is a brilliant stylist & a lovely person to boot. Enjoy the class Mel, you’ll have a great time as I did at her Melbourne class. Thank you for a great interview.
Thanks Catherine, I’m so looking forward to it all! xx
Hello Mel!
Totally loving Kara Rosenlund’s style, she’s really talented! And I think you’re blog looks ah-mazing too! Great job, will be back here often. :-)
Hugs from a fellow BYW-student,
Inge x
Oh thank you Inge:) A lovely comment to wake to! Mel x
I love Kara’s style and aesthetic. Im a huge fan! I took one of her Styling Vignettes class at The School and had a great time – so much inspiration! You will love it Mel!
I’m so looking forward to that weekend and can’t wait to learn all of the tricks of the trade. I’m going to be exhausted (in a good way) by the end of it I’m sure. xx
this was great to read! She is super talented! that bottom photo is my absolute favorite – so fun, so different, styled perfectly :)
Hi Alecia! It’s fun isn’t it? Thanks for popping by again:) M x
“Human Pinterest Board’ – love it! I’m a big fan of Kara’s so this interview has been a great read, thanks Mel. And Kara’s class is at the top of my wishlist for when The School comes to town! x
Ohhh I hope you come Michelle. We could be class buddies. Go on do it! xx
Mel, I feel truly inspired by this post. What a talent is Kara!
Wonderful work as usual :)
Kate.
Thank you Kate! So glad you liked it, she really is an inspiration. M x