Growing up in a rural setting on the family farm, gravitating to a lifestyle that’s minimal and uncomplicated was inevitable for Hōm’s Nichola Waugh. But with two dynamic, vivacious sisters and an artistic mother, the call to a creative career felt as natural to Nichola as riding a horse. 

 

“My father encouraged us to give things a go, be honest and straight up. If you have something to say - say it.”

 

Balancing her pragmatic upbringing with her penchant for textiles, Nichola completed a business degree before pursuing an interior design qualification in Australia.

 

Beginning in a small local Palmerston North furnishers business and progressing abroad, Nichola quickly experienced the extremities in which a career in design could take her. For years, Nichola could be found in London’s luxury department store Harrods creating bespoke and detailed work for high-end clients. “We made curtains, headboards, upholstered furniture and all and everything to create beautiful homes.” 

 

Once back on home soil, Nichola developed her commercial acumen working in a fabric house, selling incredible textiles to retailers, designers, and architects before marrying her husband and greatest supporter Duncan, and returning to the family farm to raise their now 23 year old son, Rupert. 

 

When Rupert was on his way to school, Nichola joined Paul Barnett at Palmerston North’s King and Teppett where she became a go-to interior design consultant for several years. This tenure included a brief departure to Cambridge where Nichola managed the Design Depot; a home staging company that prepared properties for sale. 

 

Her multi-faceted background in interiors provides Nichola with unparalleled expertise to approach any and every project, designing spaces that are considered, comfortable, and of course, beautiful. And when 66 George Street became available in early 2021, Hōm was born, encapsulating everything Nichola had dreamed of owning her entire life. 

 

“It seemed like the perfect base to work with clients that need interior design advice and support local artisans by selling a curation of inspiring products that inspire and delight the senses.”

 

“I wanted a shop that offers something unique, light, and bright with a minimal aesthetic. The furniture is a collection of timeless quality that I’m passionate about. Affordable pieces that can be handed down to another generation.”

 

So, with a lasting destination for homewares, design advice, and gifting now up your sleeve, Crowded House said it best when they said: “You better be [Hōm] soon.”