karie soehardi

Born: Sydney 1974
Hometown: Inner West, Sydney
Degree: BVA Sydney University, Fashion Certificate East Sydney Tafe
Has lived in: Sydney, UK and the Middle East

My favourite interior accessory:  A chair, it’s like a  pair of shoes for me, they can make or break an ‘outfit’.

The best design advice ever given to me: My Dad told me not to worry about what everyone else is doing but to go with my gut instinct. If I was going to survive in a creative field I had to be true myself.

 The most important thing to remember when decorating: Get rid of all the clutter! Everything you own doesn’t need to be on show all the time, play a bit and swap things around from time to time.

I work best when: I can turn the music up loud and get into a zone without any interruptions. 

Who I am inspired by: Anyone who has given it a go, failed, got up again and pursued what they love. I love reading about entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson and Chris Gardner . From an 'artistic' realm William Morris, Beatrix Potter and Frida Khalo.

The word that best describes my work:  eclectic

When I was 5, I wanted to be a: sassy professional, or the equivalent of that (I just wanted to wear a suit and have a brief case!)

If I were not working as a designer, I would be a: struggling writer