Welcoming Katrina from Ka Ra Studio in our latest TGD Friends Q+A!

hello! welcome to the TGD friends series! can you tell us what it is you create?

Hello! I’m Katrina and I create practical, happy furniture with a focus on responsibly sourced materials such as locally grown plantation timbers.

share with us a bit about your journey and how you got started.

I’ve always loved drawing, designing and crafting things, but for quite some time I wasn’t sure how I wanted to apply this to a career. After spending some time working for a glass arts facility, where I was surrounded by creative people following their passions, I decided to delve further into my own creative passions.

This led me to study interior design, which I loved, however I found that I was craving the addition of a hands-on creative outlet as well. I had always loved the idea of designing and making my own furniture, so I went back to Uni and studied furniture design to pair the computer-based design aspects of my interior design background with more hands-on skills of furniture making. Ka Ra Studio then came about after Uni when I was living in a tiny apartment during Melbourne lockdowns. I found myself needing pieces that would be multi-functional and suitable for a small space, but still have personality and bring joy to the home.

how would you describe your creative style?

I think my creative style is joyous and playful in nature, whilst still being paired back and somewhat minimal. I’m generally drawn to fundamental shapes and simple geometry, taking a lot of inspiration from Bauhaus and Modernist design elements. At the same time, I also love the exaggerated scale and playful curvy elements of neotenic design and. eclecticism of the post-modern design movement. So I guess my style is a bit of a mish-mash of all these influences! I’m realising more and more that I’m drawn to contrast and finding a balance in juxtaposing elements, whether it be through materials, concepts or styles.

what’s one of your favourite moments in your creative career so far?

Being involved in an exhibition with Ceres Fair Wood for Melbourne Design week 2023 was a lot of fun and super rewarding. I collaborated on some pieces with designer Andy Webb, using techniques new to both of us, but we were really happy with the outcome and response to the work. It was also an incredible feeling when our pieces sold!

who are the designers/creatives inspiring you right now?

Faye Toogood is always a big inspiration for me and at the moment I’m also really into the work of Adi Goodrich as well as Sydney/LA based designer Lana Launay and her beautiful lamps. I’m also loving Chris Wolston’s zany human-like wicker chairs and Mexican designer Andres Gutierrez’s incredible furniture and interiors.

describe to us your perfect day.

A perfect day for me would involve a yummy meal out with friends, a walk by the river with my dog, some sketching time and maybe some crafting or tinkering in the workshop… and of course lots of good coffee!

Thank you so much for joining us!

See more of Ka Ra Studio’s happy furniture inspired by small footprint living here.

All images courtesy of Ka Ra Studio.

Ka Ra Studio

Authete Studio