logo

Ideal House APP

Your Go-To Interior Design Hub
HomeHome
BoardBoard
ExploreExplore
Logo
1/10
T
Televisual

Twelve creatives on the home essentials they can't do without

The article explores the concept of transforming a mere house into a personal home, drawing insights from 12 creative individuals across various fields, including fashion, art, architecture, and culinary arts. Each expert shares a unique perspective on what constitutes the essence of a home, highlighting both tangible objects and intangible relationships. Doris de Pont, director of the New Zealand Fashion Museum, emphasizes the role of a large, enduring kauri library table as the central gathering point for her family, symbolizing connection and shared experiences. Her custom-designed red lacquer wardrobe, which reflects the garden, showcases how personal storage solutions can become artistic and functional elements within a living space. Artist Jade Townsend, from Ngāti Kahungunu, frames home through the lens of Te Ao Māori, emphasizing relationships with all living and non-living things. Her art, created within her domestic space, reflects this belief, making her home a dynamic and evolving expression of her cultural and personal identity. She views home as a place for growth, distinct from the self-discovery experienced while away. Dan Ahwa, fashion director for Canvas, recounts his journey of making his home feel less "juvenile" post-marriage. A vintage, scallop-shaped pink velvet zebra-striped couch became the pivotal piece, defying conventional taste to anchor their eclectic style. Surrounded by plants, books, and a 1930s leadlight drinks cabinet, his home reflects a surprising yet cohesive personal aesthetic. Interior designer Nicola Manning highlights the importance of a luxurious and comfortable bed for creating a sense of security and refuge. She stresses that personal touches, such as inherited antiques, travel souvenirs, art, and photographs, are crucial for imbuing a house with individual character and transforming it into a true home. Ceramic artist Phil Brooks, influenced by his mother's love for bargains, describes his home as an evolving collection of unique finds from charity shops and antique markets. A large beaded panel from Kuala Lumpur, treasured by his mother and now displayed in his daughter's room, exemplifies how objects with rich histories contribute to the narrative and essence of his family home. Architect Christina van Bohemen views home as both a refuge and a gathering place. Her dining table, a simple, narrow Sam Haughton design, acts as an anchor for various activities and fosters intimacy. She also values the strategic placement of furniture to maximize views, enhancing the sense of openness and connection to the outside world. Chef Dariush Lolaiy, co-owner of Cazador, finds his home's heart in a custom-made, bright mustard-colored couch, a symbol of leisure after long workdays. Paintings inherited from his wife's great-uncle further cement their connection to family history, making their apartment feel more like a home. Divya Purushotham, an associate at Warren and Mahoney, describes her 130-year-old railway worker's cottage as a space of ongoing renovation and reflection. A name plaque, "Temuka," above her front door, and antique brass pots from her grandparents in India, serve as irreplaceable links to her heritage, contributing to a deep sense of belonging. Chef Jason Kim's definition of home centers on personal routine and family. His early morning ritual of Korean canned coffee and Iron Maiden, quickly followed by making cheese toasties for his children, illustrates how small, consistent moments of connection and comfort define his domestic life. Interior designer Amanda Neill, a Sagittarius, is drawn to fire and its ambient qualities. Her custom-made Alchemy Firepits, adorned with an evocative quote, represent a deep need for connection and provide a gathering point for loved ones, symbolizing warmth for both body and soul. Glass artist Devon Ormsby curates her home with artworks and art objects, such as Ruth Castle woven baskets and a Walk in the Park wooden bowl. Her personal collection, constantly evolving with her own glass creations and pieces from peers, transforms her living space into a "curated museum" reflecting her interests and life story. Emma Ogilvie, general manager of Bar Celeste, values a functional kitchen with an island bench that allows for social cooking and hosting. Having a well-stocked fridge, despite their busy schedules, is essential for creating a homely atmosphere, counteracting the feeling of always being away. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #PersonalStyle #CreativeExperts #DomesticSpaces #FamilyLife #ArtInHome #CulturalHeritage #ComfortAndConnection #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #PersonalStyle #CreativeExperts #DomesticSpaces #FamilyLife #ArtInHome #CulturalHeritage #ComfortAndConnection
No comments yet
Declutter your home with these 12 organizational items
Declutter your home with these 12 organizational items
23 Things Designers ALWAYS Buy for Their Homes
23 Things Designers ALWAYS Buy for Their Homes
12 Essential Gadgets For Your Home Office
12 Essential Gadgets For Your Home Office
5 Designer-Approved Tips for Choosing Home Accessories That Always Work
5 Designer-Approved Tips for Choosing Home Accessories That Always Work
Some home office essentials I simply can’t live without
Some home office essentials I simply can’t live without
10 storage products professional organizers say they can't live without
10 storage products professional organizers say they can't live without
Throw Away These 12 Kitchen Items Immediately (and Be Glad You Did)
Throw Away These 12 Kitchen Items Immediately (and Be Glad You Did)
10 Kitchen Organization Products You Didn't Know You Needed
10 Kitchen Organization Products You Didn't Know You Needed
25 Home Splurges You Should've Bought Years Ago
25 Home Splurges You Should've Bought Years Ago
12 things to get rid of in your home, from an interior designer
12 things to get rid of in your home, from an interior designer
If Your Life Is Complete Chaos And You Could Use A Little Control, These 31 Items Can Help
If Your Life Is Complete Chaos And You Could Use A Little Control, These 31 Items Can Help
20 Home Office Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed
20 Home Office Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed
An interior designer shares 11 things she always makes sure she has in her home
An interior designer shares 11 things she always makes sure she has in her home
The Best Home Essentials Products Tested in 2022
The Best Home Essentials Products Tested in 2022
Home improvement tools for the handy person in your life
Home improvement tools for the handy person in your life
Holiday Gift Guide 2025: 110+ Room-by-Room Ideas They’ll Actually Love
Holiday Gift Guide 2025: 110+ Room-by-Room Ideas They’ll Actually Love
12 Things Designers ALWAYS Look for at HomeGoods
12 Things Designers ALWAYS Look for at HomeGoods
25 Things To Bring To A Housewarming Party They Will Actually Appreciate And Not Just Shove In A Cabinet And Forget About
25 Things To Bring To A Housewarming Party They Will Actually Appreciate And Not Just Shove In A Cabinet And Forget About
If You're Looking For Products That'll Make Your Home Cozier, Look No Further Than This List
If You're Looking For Products That'll Make Your Home Cozier, Look No Further Than This List
Top Chef Power Rankings, Episode 3: Paint Me Something I Can Eat
Top Chef Power Rankings, Episode 3: Paint Me Something I Can Eat