BUSINESS & MOTHERHOOD
IN CONVERSATION WITH:
Nadia Harrison of The Kotahi House.
We speak to Nadia Harrison of The Kōtahi House, the stunning location of LIÁN LOU’s SS22 Campaign, on her interior design style, where she seeks inspiration and how she balances her multiple businesses with motherhood.
What does your morning look like?
I like structure — I try to wake before the kids and have at least 30 to 45 minutes on my own having a cup of tea. I always put some soft music on and just sit and be present with myself.
How would you describe your home style?
Modern European design. We have a lot of details like beautiful moldings and woodwork, and French paneling. We have also incorporated some niches and Italian inspired furniture.
How do you balance business and motherhood?
I have a couple different successful businesses, so sometimes it can be a juggle but I always try manage my work during school hours. As a business owner you have to work in between moments, for example during nap time or whilst the kids are playing. Balance is super important to me so if I ever feel I need to switch off, I do. I also have an assistant who helps me with a lot of my admin work which allows me to be more present with the kids.
We absolutely love the styling in your home. Where do you seek inspiration?
I love Pinterest! I’ve travelled through France, Italy, Greece and the UK and there have been so many styles I’ve been drawn to during my travels. I’ve always been a white and bright kind of girl — it’s timeless and modern. We have a smaller home but having things white and bright makes it feel a lot larger. There are corners of my home I really do feel have a little part of each country I’ve been to, or have been inspired from, so it’s those beautiful memories I get to have at home everyday.
Please tell us, you must have some hacks for keeping your furniture white?
Oh I get this question a lot! I made sure when looking for my couches, that they came with removable covers — these are a lifesaver! I wash them at least once every 2-3 weeks. A little bit of nappysan and some sunshine! I’ve recently bought a 3 piece Camaleonda Sofa and it was so hard to invest in this because the covers are not removable! I’m 4 months in and it’s still white, we’ve had it scotch guarded and any spill the kids accidentally leave, baby wipes actually work wonders too. I’ve got a Bissel Cleaner on my Christmas wish list as I’ve heard they are incredible for stains and spills!
Do you have any go-to home styling tricks that you swear by?
Save up for something you REALLY love! Buying fewer but better quality is probably my number one. When styling a room or space choose your “hero” piece then work around that.
Which trend have you embraced this year and which have you avoided?
Minimalism … is that a trend? There have been a couple key things we’ve had in our home that has actually come into trend now. Our wall paneling we’ve had for about 4 years and it’s a hot topic right now! I’ve always had a minimalist home, we’ve gone with clean lines, a neutral base, invested in quality classic pieces and we’ve added a little texture to some of our walls to add warmth. Texture is really on trend currently. We’ve got a textured plastered wall we did a couple years ago because I had the exact thing at my Mum’s in New Zealand growing up. My father did this wall with arches and I wanted to bring something from my family home in NZ into our home in Australia too. I feel having a minimalist home reflects my taste and the way I like to live in the space.I’ve avoided the boho, beachy, rattan trends — I think choose a style that speaks to you, not follow a style that’s "on trend" as it represents you and your passions.
Are you working on any exciting new projects that you’d love to share with us?
We are currently working on the back of our house. We’re building a space for my husband for all his tools & equipment as-well as a storage area, but the outside is going to be Hebel and rendered, it’s going to have clean lines, texture, a statement door (sourced off marketplace) and will add another incredible shooting space to The Kōtahi House. I cannot wait to share it all once it’s finished.
MUSE — Nadia Harrison
STYLED IN — Assure Blazer in Croissant Brown
