Your best life begins with a home that Inspires you.
Inspiration starts with your surroundings: family, friends, a sense of place, an amazing view; it's all part of what makes a space a home. As a Broker Associate for the world’s most notable luxury brand, I have been fortunate enough to represent properties that are as inspirational and aspirational as the individuals who live in them.
I have created a series of interviews highlighting influential leaders that are contributing to the changing landscape of the San Diego community. Within an intimate setting of their home, we learn what drives them, inspires them and why they have selected San Diego to call home.
In this session, you will hear from Karen Krasne San Diego native, culinary genius and chef/owner of world-renowned Extraordinary Desserts. Having spent time studying at the University of Hawaii and Cordon Bleu in Paris, her edible creations are a dynamic blend of decadence and natural beauty. What I have learned about Karen is that she is a spiritually grounded, dynamo entrepreneur with vision and a gift for creating the extraordinary.
PWB:Your sweet treats are Pinterest worthy and delicious beyond words! How did you develop such a remarkable skillset?
KK: My mother (first mentor) was an exceptional hostess with a keen eye for art, food and hospitality. I was raised in an environment where food was always homemade and never store-bought and therefore, I grew up helping my mother and grandmother in the kitchen. These early experiences formed the foundation of what later evolved into a passion for creative design and an outlook that food can be viewed as art.
PWB: How have your world travels inspired your aesthetic design both personally and professionally?
KK: I set an intention and define a purpose before I embark on my travels – and I always have a journal on hand to log new ideas and concepts to reference upon my return. I have been fortunate to travel extensively around the world and several of my culinary creations have been inspired by the cultures and people I have connected with over the years. My intention in creating Extraordinary Desserts was to set the tone for a new design in food.
PWB: You have built this incredible dessert empire over the past 30 years, just expanded to a new location in Bankers Hill, have written a top-selling cook book and are intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of Extraordinary Desserts. What is the "secret sauce" to achieving balance in your life?
KK: I prioritize self-care and meditation. I am a big fan of Tracy Anderson’s at-home workouts and each morning I exercise for a minimum of 45 minutes. I also make it a point to have downtime at least once a quarter.
PWB: Your home is sensational and truly a masterpiece of form and function. How did you come up with the unique Balinese-style design concept and what is the one area of your home that inspires you the most - your kitchen perhaps?
KK: My home is my temple: a place of calm and serenity. The kitchen is the center of everything creative; a very energetic working space, but not a place of calm. With the help of our talented architect Aaron Anderson, nearly every square inch of our Mission Hills Craftsman home has been renovated and melded into a contemporary zen space. I love the creative process of design and many pieces found throughout the home I have collected during travels to Paris, Morocco India and beyond – just a few locations that have inspired many of the culinary creations at Extraordinary Desserts. While I love nearly everything about this home, spending time on the peaceful, west-facing, sun drenched patio off our master bedroom is a favorite. I absolutely love the private location, proximity to downtown, Extraordinary Desserts and walkability to restaurants, parks and shops.
Inspiration starts with your surroundings: family, friends, a sense of place, an amazing view; it's all part of what makes a space a home. As a Broker Associate for the world’s most notable luxury brand, I have been fortunate enough to represent properties that are as inspirational and aspirational as the individuals who live in them.
I have created a series of interviews highlighting influential leaders that are contributing to the changing landscape of the San Diego community. Within an intimate setting of their home, we learn what drives them, inspires them and why they have selected San Diego to call home.
In this session, you will hear from Karen Krasne San Diego native, culinary genius and chef/owner of world-renowned Extraordinary Desserts. Having spent time studying at the University of Hawaii and Cordon Bleu in Paris, her edible creations are a dynamic blend of decadence and natural beauty. What I have learned about Karen is that she is a spiritually grounded, dynamo entrepreneur with vision and a gift for creating the extraordinary.
PWB:Your sweet treats are Pinterest worthy and delicious beyond words! How did you develop such a remarkable skillset?
KK: My mother (first mentor) was an exceptional hostess with a keen eye for art, food and hospitality. I was raised in an environment where food was always homemade and never store-bought and therefore, I grew up helping my mother and grandmother in the kitchen. These early experiences formed the foundation of what later evolved into a passion for creative design and an outlook that food can be viewed as art.
PWB: How have your world travels inspired your aesthetic design both personally and professionally?
KK: I set an intention and define a purpose before I embark on my travels – and I always have a journal on hand to log new ideas and concepts to reference upon my return. I have been fortunate to travel extensively around the world and several of my culinary creations have been inspired by the cultures and people I have connected with over the years. My intention in creating Extraordinary Desserts was to set the tone for a new design in food.
PWB: You have built this incredible dessert empire over the past 30 years, just expanded to a new location in Bankers Hill, have written a top-selling cook book and are intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of Extraordinary Desserts. What is the "secret sauce" to achieving balance in your life?
KK: I prioritize self-care and meditation. I am a big fan of Tracy Anderson’s at-home workouts and each morning I exercise for a minimum of 45 minutes. I also make it a point to have downtime at least once a quarter.
PWB: Your home is sensational and truly a masterpiece of form and function. How did you come up with the unique Balinese-style design concept and what is the one area of your home that inspires you the most - your kitchen perhaps?
KK: My home is my temple: a place of calm and serenity. The kitchen is the center of everything creative; a very energetic working space, but not a place of calm. With the help of our talented architect Aaron Anderson, nearly every square inch of our Mission Hills Craftsman home has been renovated and melded into a contemporary zen space. I love the creative process of design and many pieces found throughout the home I have collected during travels to Paris, Morocco India and beyond – just a few locations that have inspired many of the culinary creations at Extraordinary Desserts. While I love nearly everything about this home, spending time on the peaceful, west-facing, sun drenched patio off our master bedroom is a favorite. I absolutely love the private location, proximity to downtown, Extraordinary Desserts and walkability to restaurants, parks and shops.
