Kara Rosenlund in New Zealand

Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand

The lodge at Blanket Bay

Fleur's Place at Moeraki

Hapuku Lodge at Kaikoura

Rosenlund adding her touches in the rooms they stayed in with foliage from their walks

The Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds

The delightful and clever Kara Rosenlund is singing the praises of New Zealand after her recent honeymoon here with her new husband. Brisbane based, Rosenlund is a woman of many talents (you can read her Inspiration Profile here to find out about them) and her photography skills came in handy when she beautifully recorded her South Island stay. Make sure you see the rest of her story and our beautiful country here. Thanks for making us look so good, Kara - you're always welcome to come back!
Photographs by Kara Rosenlund.

Inspiration Profile: Kara Rosenlund

It's Friday again and, for us folks in Wellington, it is Anniversary weekend which means we have a day off on Monday. Nice. Friday also means this week's Inspiration Profile and today we have the delightful Kara Rosenlund. Enjoy.

Kara Rosenlund

Name: Kara Rosenlund

What do you do: I am a props stylist and also a vintage wares retailer. I’ve been involved in the industry first as a photographer some 8 years ago and more recently as a stylist.

Where do you live: Brisbane, Australia

What are you working on: I am always working on my Travelling Wares Caravan Pop Up Shop, this also compliments my interior work for private clients and also magazine and cookbook publications. Right now I am concentrating on launching my online store and props hire.

Who/what inspires me: Anyone who has the self belief, confidence and desire to push their own abilities inspires me. It’s not always easy and there are definitely easier roads to take.

I work best: In the mornings; I am definitely an early morning fowl; not so much a late night owl.

What I do when I’m stuck for inspiration: Generally I get some perspective. Slowing the pace down and getting back to basics and observing. You can learn and be inspired by your own observations so much, it is limitless. I have always been a very observant individual and this has always complimented and assisted my work. I like this approach, as in this day and age it is rare to find a true original sense of inspiration.

The best advice I have been given is: Just do it. This isn’t in the Nike kind of way, just a no nonsense approach.

My latest discovery is: Well, it’s not really a discovery, however I have recently become obsessed with pewter.

Books that I get inspiration from: Ilse Crawford’s book ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’ is a staple; whenever I need clarity I always find this book brings it in bucketloads, both on a personal and professional level.

Magazines that inspire me: World of Interiors, I have always loved. Vogue Living, of course. Monocle, the perfect travel companion.

Blogs that I enjoy: On the home front I really enjoy The Design Files, The Selby, My Vibe My Life by Kelly Wearstler, on the fashion side of things I really like The Coveteur and Garance Dore, on the shopping side of things I really like Father Rabbit's blog, and then on the wedding front (I am getting married this year) I am devouring both Studio Sixty and Nikole Ramsay’s blogs, obsessively, plus Snippet and Ink and 100 Layer Cake.

My favourite room at home is: Our bedroom, it is a true sanctuary away from it all. There is no other purpose to this room except to sleep and relax. No clothes piles, no computer, just beautiful textures and calm colours.

My office is: Unorthodox. An old long heavy worker's bench is my desk, with my ten year reference library archived underneath in piles of books and magazines.

What am I looking forward to: Achieving balance. Home, Life, Work.

Want to know more about Kara Rosenlund? Check out her website here, her 'Travelling Wares' Facebook page here or follow her on Twitter here.

Photographs used with permission from Kara Rosenlund.

The Lovely Work of Kara Rosenlund

The kitchen from Rosenlund's Brisbane home.

I have started up a 'small practice' group with two other interior designers, which I think is great! I was always jealous of my father's and my sister's small practice architecture groups that they belong to. When you work on your own, having a support group to talk to is just so lovely and there is just so many issues to keep on top of.
Another thing that you can share is your sources of inspirations and Kerryn (from my cool new 'small practice' group) told me about Kara Rosenlund. Rosenlund is based in Brisbane and is a talented stylist, buyer and vintage wares retailer. You can check out her website and blog here. Also her home was recently profiled on The Design Files - you can read about it here.
Photographs via Kara Rosenlund.