On The Sofa with Kara McGlone
Discussing her Kanari Estate sanctuary

Kara McGlone, a Victoria based interior designer and founder of Kanari Interior Design, has a particular passion for renovation projects. Starting with something existing that is rich with history and the challenge of boundaries that each old home has, the transformation in bringing old spaces back to life is where her talent lies. Interiors with depth and a story to tell is what you’ll experience with Kanari Interior Design.

During the renovation journey of her own home Kanari Estate, it was at the forefront to pair its classic features and character with her love of contemporary pieces rich in colour and bold in structure.

Kanari Estate has such a strong sense of warmth and character. What was your original vision for the property, and how did you want people to feel when experiencing the space?
My vision for Kanari Estate was to create a home that felt authentic and timeless rather than newly renovated. By blending vintage and antique pieces with modern functionality, I wanted to restore character and create a sense of history within the home. Rich, layered colours inspired by heritage homes added warmth, depth and personality, resulting in spaces that feel inviting, lived-in and full of soul.

“Designing my own home was both freeing and challenging. Without needing approval from anyone else, I could trust my instincts and make decisions quickly, allowing the design to evolve naturally.”

Designing for your own property can often be more personal than designing for clients. Did you find it more difficult making decisions for yourself, and if so, why?
Designing my own home was both freeing and challenging. Without needing approval from anyone else, I could trust my instincts and make decisions quickly, allowing the design to evolve naturally. At the same time, having no boundaries meant every choice rested with me. The process was highly intuitive, with one furniture or art piece often inspiring the next, ultimately creating a home that feels deeply personal and reflective of my creative approach.

The project beautifully balances sophistication with comfort. How did you approach creating interiors that feel elevated yet still relaxed and liveable?
My design process usually starts with one key piece, be it a floor rug, piece of artwork, a patterned fabric or vintage item that becomes the foundation of the scheme. From there, I layer colours, textures and patterns to create interest and personality. I love spaces that feel collected rather than perfectly matched, while still prioritising comfort and practicality so the home feels welcoming, functional and genuinely lived in.

You selected several Molmic pieces throughout the home, including the Shona Modular. What drew you to this design specifically, and how does it support the way the space is used?
I chose the Shona because it offered the comfort, scale and versatility our family needed. Its strong, chunky design gives it a beautiful presence and helps anchor the room, while the corner piece and ottoman create a cosy, connected seating zone. It’s a sofa that comfortably accommodates family life and entertaining, balancing practicality with a refined, sophisticated look.

The Hadleigh Wing Chair introduces such a timeless, sculptural element to the interiors. What made this piece the right fit for Kanari Estate?
The Hadley wing chair stood out because it combines timeless elegance with individuality and character. I loved being able to customise the details to suit the room, and paired with the ottoman, it became the perfect place to relax and unwind. The houndstooth fabric adds texture and visual interest, making it both a functional piece and a striking focal point within the lounge room.

When sourcing furniture for the project, how important was it to support Australian manufacturing and locally made products?
Supporting Australian manufacturing was a key consideration throughout the project. I was drawn to the brand’s family-owned heritage, commitment to craftsmanship and exceptional quality. As someone who values timeless design and local businesses, investing in beautifully made furniture that is built to last felt like a natural choice. The outstanding service and attention to detail only reinforced that decision.

Working on a regional Victorian property presents its own unique opportunities and challenges. How did the Australian landscape and lifestyle influence your design decisions throughout the project?
The Australian landscape was one of the biggest influences on Kanari Estate. The colours and textures of the surrounding gum trees, palms, paddocks and open skies inspired many of the materials and finishes throughout the home. I was also intentional about capturing views and sunsets, allowing the changing colours of the landscape to inform the palette and strengthen the connection between indoors and out.

Comfort appears to have been a major consideration across the interiors. How do you balance aesthetic decisions with practicality when selecting furniture pieces for long-term living?
Comfort is always one of my first considerations when selecting furniture. I spend time understanding how a space will be used before making any design decisions, ensuring each piece suits the lifestyle of the people living there. While aesthetics are important, I believe the best interiors balance beauty and function, creating spaces that are both visually appealing and genuinely comfortable to live in.

Were there any particular materials, colours or textures you kept returning to throughout the design process, and what inspired those selections?
Rugs and stone selections where often the starting point for the design, acting as the foundation from which other decisions evolved. Once those key elements were established, I layered colours, fabrics and finishes around them. Throughout the project, I continually returned to greens, clay tones, blues and rich earthy colours inspired by the surrounding landscape, creating a sense of cohesion across the home.

Looking back on the completed project, is there a particular room, furniture piece or design detail within Kanari Estate that feels especially personal or meaningful to you?
Several elements feel especially personal to me, including the lounge room 100 year old vintage floor rug, the houndstooth Hadley chair and the rich burgundy joinery. These pieces reflect my love of layering bold colour, texture and personality within a space. However, the vintage finds I sourced throughout Victoria are perhaps the most meaningful, as they bring history, authenticity and a sense of story to the home, perfectly capturing the balance between honouring the past and embracing modern living.

Interior Designer: Kara McGlone Kanari Home
Photography: @biancakatephotography