Design philosophy: I like to mixcombinations of old and new. Like using an antique piece in a contemporary home. It just gives it a “groundedness” and authentic feel to have a piece of furniture with so much history, rather than everything brand new.

Colours: Pistachio green, red and indigo blue. I like black-but it's not officially a colour.

Fabrics: My passion. I have always loved fabrics. It's how they are combined - it's all about textures and colours and combinations.

Art: (Romanian-born New Zealand painter) Cristina Popovici. I like her work because it's not logical, it's inspirational, it's free and expressive.

House: My dream home would be a big heritage homestead in the country. (Karen shares her Tuahiwi, North Canterbury, home with husband David, burmese cat Toby and border terrier Rubin.)

Food and wine: I'm a foodie. I love seafood - prawns, crayfish, salmon, battered oysters. I'm a big fan of Waipara wines, especially Pegasus Bay. And I love cappuccino - coffee and wine are my addictions.

Movies: My all-time favourite is Whale Rider, because it took you through every emotion.

Holiday destination: I'd definitely want to go to Italy.

Car: I'm not so much a car person, but if someone said I could choose any car, I'd say BMW - the latest. I've got an old model 325i.

Period to live in: Can I say now? Why? I wouldn't be able to be a colonial, old-fashioned person because life's easy today with technology, modern conveniences and comfort.

Is amazed by: Life's synchronicities. How you think of something and it shows up, or you think of someone and they phone up. Or finding the right pieces for clients.