Karie Higgins and the Art of Restraint at Home

Q: Similar to Vetiver Street’s own Deb Kemp, you have roots in New Zealand and have lived in New York and now Portland. How has each place shaped your sense of home and the way you approach design today?

A: With deep roots in New Zealand, having grown up there and studied interior architecture, I naturally gravitate toward a classic antipodean palette. Every time I’m back home, I’m inspired by the way designers and architects create environments that feel clear and grounded. It’s a minimalism that feels natural rather than forced. We’re a small country at the bottom of the world, you don’t have unlimited resources on tap, so everything is chosen thoughtfully and nothing feels excessive. Homes have what you need and nothing you don’t. Kiwis love wood and concrete, elements that can feel cold in another context, but when treated with warmth and kissed by sun, they become a fresh base for experimentation, art, and color.

New York was a totally different experience. Living and working in lofts, I loved the gritty bones, exposed brick, steel, concrete, and imperfect finishes balanced with warmer materials and furnishings. The architectural envelope rarely changes there, so the impact comes from interiors.

Portland is where my work continues to evolve. Working on many beautiful mid-century PNW style homes has deepened my love for that architectural period. The warmth, character, and strong architectural bones of those houses constantly inform and challenge how I approach space.

Q: Your work often reflects a thoughtful sense of restraint. When you’re editing a home, how do you determine what stays and what falls away?

A: Sometimes the strategy doesn’t need to be “get all new stuff.” It’s more about what we can pull out, reconfigure, and give the strongest pieces breathing room.

Editing down is the hardest thing to do in your own home, keeping only what is essential and then being really pointed about what remains for a stronger hierarchy and visual interest is such a beautiful way to expose the heart of a home and create an inviting space.

I’d much rather remove lots of small pieces of art and furniture you don’t love and instead hang one singular large painting or install one amazing light fitting that feels intentional and can really be the hero.

Q: What’s a recent design moment, big or small, that caught you by surprise or brought unexpected joy?

A: I just (literally 24 hours ago) got back from our annual family trip to New Zealand, and I’m always blown away by the beautiful new restaurants, architecture and design there.

This year my favorite new spot is a bakery/bar called Mother. The food was art in itself, but the fit-out was so elegant, the material combinations, the texture, the warmth. It was all divine!

Q: When you’re seeking inspiration these days, where do you most often find it — in books, nature, objects, people, music, other?

A: I love books. While it’s easy to find inspiration in the never-ending scroll of Instagram and Pinterest, I always come back to old design books and magazines from my personal collection. I can revisit them again and again and find something new depending on the project or where I’m at creatively.

I’m especially drawn to architecture, furniture, and product design from the 20th century. I’m always struck by how enduring those principles are and what still resonates decades later.

Q: What are three of your favorite Portland spots to share with friends visiting for the first time?

A: No Saint is my NE neighborhood local - best Italian food, pizza, vibes, everything.

Sweedeedee is the OG. It was the coolest brunch spot when we moved to Portland in 2014, and it’s still just as cool, food is always on point and the atmosphere is perfect for a long brunch with good friends.

For shopping, you have to hit Frances May. It spans multiple stories of gorgeous clothing in a beautiful space and it features Wilma Vintage on the mezzanine. Can’t miss.

Q: Looking ahead, what kinds of homes or projects are you most excited to explore next?

A: I would love to work on more beautifully designed high-end architectural new builds. I’ve had the good fortune to work on loads of character-filled mid-century homes, which I really love, but I’m also drawn to the challenge of making a completely new space feel rich and lived-in while still restrained and architectural.

I’m actually starting 2026 off in this direction working on an architectural new build with Assemble Collective where we’re furnishing, styling, and shooting the entire home before it goes to market. It’s designed by Material Architecture with beautiful high-end materials, fixtures and finishes. It’s going to be stunning, watch this space!

Q: And to finish this VS Session the way we always do—what’s your go-to karaoke song?

A: I don’t usually put my hand up for karaoke, but if I’ve had enough (or too many) drinks, I’ll do “Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.

A very seasoned karaoke friend once told me you have to pick a song people can dance to in order to keep the vibes high!

Contact info:

Explore more from Karie Higgins, including her studio work, River Cabaan, and the Arnold Circus Stool.