Our Process

I work in collaboration with you to understand your unique project and the lifestyle it inspires. My experience and passion for design paired with a meticulous eye for detail produce stunning results that reflect your individuality.

  • An initial meeting to look at your plans and explore your ideas. Here we will get to know each other while we discuss the specifics of the property and project.

  • Discuss the overall project requirements, formulate a design brief, make initial contact with your architect or other consultants if required.

  • Define the scope, level of involvement required, including a design fee estimate and project timing.

  • Review current plans, providing detailed comments and suggestions for design development.

  • Source and propose materials and products, providing a variety of samples and advising on design concepts. Provide concept drawings. Conduct meetings and follow up with communication to finalise decisions. Collaborate with architects and other professionals for pricing and feasibility. 

  • Working drawings or manufacturing drawings and specifications are produced once final decisions have been made, these are reviewed for accuracy and signed off before issue to various suppliers, manufacturers for quoting and installation.

  • Ordering of products early in the process to secure availability in line with the process of the build.

  • Attend site meetings and site measures for manufacturing and installation purposes. I oversee the fit-out process by coordinating with builders, trades, manufacturers, and installers to ensure smooth execution and prevent unforeseen issues. 

  • “We engaged Karen from Casabella Interiors to advise us regarding our new building plan details and, interior furnishings. We had firm ideas which we wished to include, and she related well to these aspirations and design concepts. She was excellent in discussing the various styles that would suit our home, the sourcing of quality materials, and supervising the making of the drapes and cushions. Karen has made a significant contribution to the very pleasing appearance of our interior décor. We highly recommend Karen, as she has a pleasant manner which compliments her expertise, skill and patience.”

    J&P Rangiora

  • “I have worked with Karen on several projects in recent years and have found her to be a very thorough, detail-focused person with a clear ability to visualise solutions combined with a good understanding of how to achieve them. Karen has the knack of quickly building rapport with people, and she possesses a comprehensive knowledge of different design periods, materials, fixtures and fittings. Her many years of experience ensure that even the smallest details get attended to with passion and commitment. I would not hesitate to recommend Karen to anyone looking for a quality outcome for their project.”

    Stephen Crooks, Architect

  • “Karen delivered results that we loved. I had complete confidence in Karen’s skills and project management - I was able to walk out and leave her in total control of our character home renovation and repair. Her dedication to our house project allowed me to relax, and her support removed our stress and allowed us to get on with our lives. Karen is a delight to work with - completely focused on producing satisfying and unique results, so it was an easy decision to invite Karen to manage a second project. She updated our holiday home with the WOW factor, achieving fantastic results quickly and within budget.”

    Lynne