Personal Space: Shiza Shahid

      Have you ever wished to explore the homes of Britain’s most fashionable residents? In Personal Space, we delve into design, examining the moodboards of industry experts to uncover how they curate their environments. From luxurious finds in designer stores to hidden gems in secondhand shops, we solicit insider tips from the experts that transformed their houses into homes. Next, Shiza Shahid, the founder of Our Place, shares her love for layering textures, blending antique with modern styles, and why the kitchen is central to her home. When asked how she would describe her interior design style, she explains that it is earthy, layered, and profoundly personal—a combination of natural textures, organic forms, and curated items that narrate a story. Shiza adores bright, serene spaces that feel lived-in, where each item carries significance. Vintage and artisanal touches, soft curves, and materials that improve with age particularly attract her. Her home mirrors her journeys and cultural influences, embedding subtle elements of heritage into a warm, open, and vibrant atmosphere.

      If you were to enter her home any day, you'd likely be welcomed by the aroma of something cooking—perhaps chai simmering, warm spices wafting through the air, or her Always Pan gently bubbling with a new recipe. The kitchen, a core part of her home, is comfortably lived-in, filled with cherished cookware, fresh ingredients, and an open cookbook mid-recipe.

      Shiza expresses her aesthetic preference as a fusion of organic modernism, wabi-sabi charm, and vintage warmth. She cherishes a mix of natural materials that evoke nature, gratitude for history, and the potential to create layered narratives. The lovely light in her home and its airy feel enhance her connection to nature, with subtle imperfections and warmth evident in the materials used.

      Her favorite room is undoubtedly the kitchen, where she unwinds, connects with loved ones, and entertains guests. Despite its slightly disordered state—stacked spices, open cookbooks, and simmering dishes—it serves as a hub of activity. Comfortable nooks with plush sofas and soft lighting are also among her favored spaces for relaxation.

      When asked about worthwhile investments for her home, she mentions high-quality cookware, particularly pieces from Our Place like the Always Pan, Perfect Pot, and Mini Always Pan, all of which are aesthetically pleasing yet practical. She also appreciates artisanal ceramics and handmade items that add joy to everyday tasks.

      Shiza finds inspiration from the interiors of Kelly Wearstler and Brigette Romanek. To refresh her spaces for the seasons, she implements subtle changes—more candles and heavier linens in winter, and lighter textiles and vibrant greenery in summer.

      At Our Place’s Los Angeles headquarters, she designed a work environment that is both homely and functional, encouraging collaboration and creativity in the open kitchen and content studios.

      For those unfamiliar with Our Place's products, their distinct color palette serves as an entrance into their aesthetic. Shiza details that they sought a color scheme that embodies joy, emotion, and the collective experience of food, with shades stemming from cherished memories, such as Spice, Sage, and Blue Salt. A crucial aspect was ensuring their cookware is nontoxic and high-performance, free of harmful chemicals, built to last, and beneficial for home cooking. Her standout piece from their latest collection is the Wonder Oven, a multifunctional air fryer that has become highly sought after.

      Shiza’s new cookbook, "Dinner at Our Place," reflects the storytelling aspect of food, drawing from family recipes and cultural traditions to create menus meant to unite people. She strives to design with both the practical cook and the aesthetic-minded individual in mind, favoring cookware that is both visually pleasing and functional.

      Among her favorite home pieces is a beautiful painting by her friend Justina Blakeney, which serves as a source of joy. Shiza emphasizes that their color palette for Our Place is crafted to be functional yet joyful, reflecting treasured memories.

      For those looking to shop secondhand or antique items, Shiza advises trusting one's instincts, seeking quality materials that age well, considering scale and proportion, and mixing high and low finds to create a dynamic space.

      Her preferred shopping spots include antique markets for unique pieces, Zara Home and H&M Home for affordable design, and Soho Home and Rove Concepts for luxury investments. She recommends Glassette for curated homeware, Marimekko for bold prints, and LRNCE for playful ceramics.

      In terms of redecorating advice, Shiza suggests starting with the desired feeling of the space, investing in a few well-crafted items, layering diverse textures and materials, and not neglecting the kitchen—an essential element of any home. It’s crucial to have beautiful, efficient cookware and create a gathering space that invites connection and cooking.

      Her style can be reflected through various products, including Our Place's Tagine Pot, a large stoneware serving bowl from H&M, and a Giobagnara Lloyd Armchair from 1stDibs