lotus and ming Daily Telegraph

Daily Telegraph

PRESS "Top vintage. Good taste is one thing Karen Lavecky can claim to have by the bucketload              

A food connoisseur with an eye for all things vintage, Lotus & Ming founder Karen Lavecky has managed to fuse these loves together in her Zetland home.

Describing her townhouse as "a mix of French country style with a modern take", Karen is well-known among friends for throwing memorable dinner parties. Jaunts away to the country scouring for vintage buys are a typical weekend activity, with Bowral, the Blue Mountains and Mudgee being favourites. "On every trip, I will find something to bring back to the house," Karen says. "Last time I found a sideboard in Bowral that now holds my glasses and dinner plates. I have bought back lamps from the Central Coast. I love to find antique pieces and take them home." Karen says her two-storey townhouse has been cleverly designed, with two skylights built through the length of the building taking advantage of natural light. An open-plan kitchen leads into the lounge and dining area, providing the perfect space for her to play host. "I like to keep the house quite light and not cluttered," she says. Karen launched Lotus 8, Ming in 2002 after her travels suggested a fresh approach to Asian food was needed in Australia. Starting out with a dim sim range, there are now more than 20 products in the collection. "I started just over eight years ago and it's mind blowing when I think about it," she says. "I have always been involved with food, with a background in restaurant and hotel management, but I had an epiphany walking down the street in Martin Place the world needs more dumplings."

Catherine Nikas-Boulos