Keep calm and go surfing. This is Kyal’s motto in life. Not that he ever seems to actually get stressed.
Kyal wanted to be a school teacher but ended up becoming a carpenter eight years ago, and when he made a mirror for Kara, the renovating bug bit hard and reinforced his decision. And so began the three-year renovation of their “old shack, ” 95m2 home to nearly 300m2.
The young couple has a true-blue Aussie love story – meeting and falling in love on the Australia Day long weekend in 2004 when they were just 16 and 17. “I asked some friends of mine to introduce me to Kara one night. I was actually wearing a suit I purchased from an op shop for $5.50. Never underestimate the power of a second-hand suit,” Kyal says with a laugh. “I thought he was hot,“ Kara adds. But it didn’t exactly run smoothly, both of them stood there shyly looking at each other, not speaking. “It was pretty awkward,” Kara admits. Thankfully, they finally found their voices and the rest, as they say, is history.
After the stunning transformation of their home, the pair decided they wanted to see just how good at this renovation caper they really were and what better test than The Block? “We were ready to take our skills to the next level,” Kyal says. “Even though it was really hard renovating our own home, we really wanted to see if we were good enough to mix it on The Block.”
“I’m definitely the planner, but Kyal is the action man, the one who brings the plans to life…with me following closely behind with a dustpan and broom or a paintbrush,” Kara says. She describes their style as “organic, natural, modern and classic Scandinavian”.
Kyal and Kara became the public’s favourite couple of The Block Fans v Faves series and also caught the positive attention of the judges – winning multiple rooms. Their down to earth and friendly nature has made them crowd favorites and their skill and design flair have ensured some beautiful renovation results. They also appeared on Channel 9’s Reno Rumble where again they were known for their work ethic and beautiful quality of work.
Since the Block and Reno Rumble, they have gone on to launch their own business – Diverse Design and Construct http://www.diverseconstruct.com.au and are working on various design and building projects around the country. Kyal is also a registered builder and holds his Builders License. They are also Ambassadors for Bisley Workwear, Beaumont Tiles, RAMS and EasyCraft. They are also the face of the Australian Physiotherapist Association’s ‘National Tradies Health’ Campaign, promoting a safe work environment. Kara is a qualified and working Physiotherapist so brings a wealth of knowledge to this campaign.
They also regularly appear around the country at events including store openings, expos and public events.
In 2016, Kyal and Kara were also launched as Designers on Channel 10’s The Living Room. Going head to head in a series of Design Challenges, they showcase their design and construction skills. They will be appearing again in the next series of The Living Room.
Last year, they also launched their brand new website www.kyalandkara.com along with their own online renovation series – Toowoon Bay Reno which can be viewed via their website and social media platforms. In 2017, they also launched Series 2 – titled Long Jetty Reno which will see them transform a run-down coastal property into a Palm Springs inspired family home. You can follow the full series via their website and social channels.
Kyal and Kara also welcomed into the world their new son, Ziya, in October 2016.