Welcome to the home of Ali, the owner of Tessuti, a beautiful homeware shop here in Herne Bay.
Whenever I visit Tessuti, I feel like I’m back in France but with a local twist. If you’re not from here, her coveted store is full of the most exquisite products from here and abroad. It’s on a strip of local stores that’s my go to for the perfect gift and also to dream of what I can next purchase for my home.
When Ali agreed for me to photograph her home for the blog, I knew that it would be an easy job. Like I imagined, she lives and breaths Tessuti, but I don’t mean that her home is decked out in it, of course she has many beautiful things from her store, you’ll also find many things from local stores that she supports. It’s more like she lives the brand or more so; the brand is a reflection of her. It’s feminine, earthy, well travelled and with a nod to new trends.
Her apartment is the type that I’d always go for, timber floors, high ceilings and with big old windows, the European style that is rare on this side of the world. Everywhere you look there’s an interesting vignette of treasures that she’s collected over the years and tells the story of what looks like an interesting life thus far.
Ali lives here with Monty, who you’ll meet later. He’s a beautiful sooky Labrador who is quite often manning the backroom of the store with her. She also opens her home to airbnb guests visiting Auckland who stay in a gorgeous room with their own private terrace overlooking the rooftops of Herne Bay and Ponsonby towards the Sky Tower.
The kitchen always tells a story and I’m such a fan of open shelving, especially when you’ve got such a flare to throw things together like Ali does, there is so much personality in this little room. This kitchen definitely belongs to someone who loves good food and moments shared with friends.
Her bedroom was once used as her home office and the desk once sat beneath the moodboard. I’m glad she didn’t take it down; it gives so much life to the space and works beautifully above her vignettes on the drawers. And get this; she sleeps under the most beautiful atrium leadlight ceiling! I couldn’t get a good shot of it so I’ll leave it to Ali to do on Instagram from her bed one day.
If you’re a regular of Tessuti in store, or online, you would have no doubt spotted many items dotted around her home, some of them are my favourites from here in New Zealand like Nodi rugs, Joska & Sons, Morgan Haines and Rachel Carley ceramics along with Monmouth Glass Studio, who you may recall I documented on the blog blowing glass, earlier in the year. Have a browse through the beautiful Tessuti online to discover them and much more.
Thank you so much Ali for inviting me into your gorgeous home and of course to Monty who looks pretty comfortable on that Missoni throw! I have to say, my kids have been on my back about getting a labrador for ages now and having seen this photo of you, they want one even more!
Mel xx
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There are a selection of amazing paintings through out the house that all look like they are from the same artist.
Do you have any idea who the artist is?
Thanks
Hi Anna,
I got in touch with Ali and they are by
Max Thomson – his work can be found on her website – http://shop.tessuti.co.nz/collections/max-thomson
Mel
Beautiful and beyond. I want to move in, will that be ok? Oskar would love those gorgeous lights on the wall! Stunning photography as always, Mel. Now I just wish we had a a Tessuiti shop in AZ. With love, Jx
oh swoon! So divine and gorgeous! What a beautiful home full of treasures! Love love love x clauds
You give a mood board as a teaser pic and I have to see the rest! It looks really cosy and has a bit of ‘Mel’ style. Btw, I totally forgot about your monthly challenge. When is the deadline? xx
what a gorgeous interior! I love all the little details you took with your pictures
Loved this…thank you!
Oh thank you Donna xx
Gorgeous home Mel, love the bedroom and kitchen!
I was wondering if I took you to her beautiful store when you visited but now I remember we were running out of time… Thanks Claudia xx
You’ve photographed it beautifully Mel – what a beautiful and interesting home!
Thanks Mel:) It really was an easy subject though, one gorgeous and yes, so interesting thing after the other xx
Very nice and good camera skills there Mel!! x
Oh Larnie, coming from you, that’s the biggest compliment. Thank you lovely xx
lovely space with lots of personal details – the mood board is wonderful!
Thanks Anastasia. A reflection of a lovely woman too x
Beautiful home! Thanks for the peek inside Mel x
You’re welcome Tash! I hope I captured the true essence of it. x