This week, we travel to New Zealand to visit Homer - a place to play, gather and ground. We spoke to Katyana - founder and creative director - about her vision for this unusual abode, as well as her career and her take on spaces & interior design.
Tell us about you! How did you start Homer?
I am Katyana, a senior Art Director in advertising. Currently alive in Brooklyn, NY. But, this all began in New Zealand. My husband and I’s relocation plans fell apart because… pandemic. And we found ourselves back in my hometown in the midst of a country-wide lock down. During one of our many mental health bike rides, we came across a sunny little section. And slowly, as we pieced things back together, this came to be Homer. In those ever-uncertain months, Homer was our certain thing. A place we could come back to.
Tell us about your creative process. Where do you find inspiration when it comes to designing the space?
Given the nature of the ad world, my day job comes with some computer driven serious-business-adult things. So when creating spaces, I’ve found I’m inspired by the physicality of them. The notion of placing and art directing tangible objects has my mind and heart racing.
What’s one piece of advice you always go back to when it comes to your career?
Surround yourself with people who are better than you - it will feed you fire!
What makes a space feel like home?
Its ability to wrap its arms around you when you walk in the door. This feeling that the space is as excited to see you as you are to see it. It could be the way the light is falling on the sofa, the curve of a table top, a billowing drape. For me, it’s all of these little moments that warm your soul and remind you that you are special and you are safe.
What’s your best tip for achieving a sense of balance in your home?
For me, balance is found in texture. I want colder materials like chrome next to warm woods. Smooth velvet draped with a woven throw. Sleek leather atop a shaggy rug. It allows my mood to flow around the space. I might be drawn to one texture or another depending on the day. I find that grounding.
What are some of your home essentials?
A dining table for the chats, the food, the rest, the flowers, the wines, the laughs, and the soul it brings.
What are you looking forward to in the next year?
NYC feeling less anonymous to me. The joy of hosting more people at Homer. Dinner parties.
More of Homer: Website / Instagram
Photo courtesy of Tamara Jones (@tamarajones_____)