Karma Kinglake

Over time it’s becoming clear to me that the key to a great interior is personality reflective of the owners and Karma Kinglake is all about the owners Karen and Macca.

I stayed there earlier this year in one of the bed and breakfast rooms and was really impressed by the level of attention to detail in this space and the amount of hard work and love that has gone into creating it.  The main space is exactly what it’s supposed to be warm and informal, this is achieved predominantly by the use of wood.  Although the foreground houses a beautiful dining table, it competes for the eye’s attention which naturally goes to the background to the luscious open fire and comfy sofas.  The space is used well in terms of configuration of key pieces of furniture allowing for ease of movement.  The handsome wooden beams form the predominant horizontal line which works well to create a casual atmosphere.

Earthy colours found in both the Australian and South African landscape are used in this space and combine well. With Karen and Macca’s previous expeditions in South Africa being brought to life in the accessories, carvings, art work and animal hides, in various tones of brown.  A variety of textures blend well because they are earthy textures of leather, wood, slate and fur. The one element which seemed amiss was the texture of the South African photography displayed in colour whereas black & white or sepia might have worked better with the overall tone of the space.

You can’t help but feel connected to nature at Karma Kinglake as the patterns in the wall, floors and accessories are grounded and perfectly aligned.  There are many windows to allow natural light but Kinglake is often drenched in clouds which creates a wonderful misty atmosphere in the woods. The artificial light comes from modern pendant light fittings that bring this rustic space up to date.  The main room in the bed and breakfast is balanced through the repetition of texture of natural materials. The fundamental theme of respect of the land is obvious and brought to life through the wood fired stove which fuels the heating system to the corrugated iron that makes the roof.  Inside and out Karen and Macca have created a haven with respect to themselves and their environment and therefore you can’t help but feel harmonious at Karma Kinglake.