Nowadays, living space is another extension of personal style. TZR series Home page in 5 delves into the key elements, objects and inspiration behind the elegant homes of top influencers. Here, we sit down with entrepreneur and activist Shiza Shahid and talk about her Spanish-style home in West Los Angeles.
As co-founder of Instagram’s favorite cookware brand, “Shiza Shahid”the kitchen is, of course, armed with colorful culinary artillery. Where do the pans, the convection oven and even the dishes come from Our place — but this space is not only a showroom for equally aesthetic and functional products that her company creates; it is a true center where cultures mix and meaningful conversations take place. And this is exactly the mission that Shahid had in mind not only for her home, but also for her business.
When Our Place launched its instantly viral Always Pan in 2019, Shahid and her business partners set out to create state-of-the-art and sustainable cookware that celebrated multicultural cuisine. Growing up in Pakistan, where she witnessed the constraints of a patriarchal history and society, she struggled with a more conventional definition of home life, instead focusing on empowering her community. At the age of 12 or 13, she began volunteering for women’s and human rights, culminating in co-founding an organization that won the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala Fund (along with fellow Pakistani activist and friend Malala Yousafzai). It was her desire to create the change she wanted to see in the world that led her to co-found her groundbreaking global cookware brand and be featured on lists such as Forbes“30 under 30” i Ella“The best women in tech.”
When it came time to design her West Los Angeles home, Shahid wanted to create a space that was similarly inclusive. For her, that meant filling her Spanish-style home with works by other imaginative women of color (like Brigette Romanek and Justina Blakeney), as well as pieces that reflected her and husband Amir Tehrani’s distinct cultural backgrounds. The entrepreneur and activist tells TZR that he fell in love with the warmth of the house and the convenience of the location. “We live within walking distance of the nearby farmers market, which we love going to every weekend,” she says. “It’s a tranquil area, but very central, with simple access to our offices and stores.”
Designing a handsome home can be an integral part of running a successful business – whether it’s a source of design inspiration or simply providing a tranquil place to recharge. Shahid achieved both, so we decided to find out more about what makes her space so special, from the cozy place where you’re most likely to find her lounging, to the gadget she can’t live without (hint: it’s in the kitchen). So if your goal is to have a home that is as cozy as it is handsome, read on to learn all the details about the decor.
What is your favorite place to relax at home?
I love lounging in the corner by the fireplace, the view of our garden always brings peace to my day. We love the fireplace, tiles and the sun streaming through the huge windows.
What’s your latest home purchase?
I recently bought a book about design Comfort of life by my friend Brygida Romanek. It’s a handsome coffee table book that I leave on display, its pages filled with unique designs from her brilliant mind.
What is your favorite home purchase?
I recently purchased a piece of art from a friend Justyna Blakeneyfirst art show. The painting is titled “Flower Blanket” and is part of the “Dolce far Niente” series. Dolce far Niente is Italian for “the sweetness of doing nothing.” In Justina’s words, it’s a reminder to those of us who are immersed in a culture of “hustle” and always in “do, do, do, go, go, go” mode of the sweetness that exists in just being. In this painting, a handsome woman is shown in a blanket with flowers, reminding us that we are part of nature.
What is the most critical conversation starter in your home?
Definitely our kitchen. Everything in it comes from Our Place, designed by our unique team, thoughtfully designed and with attention to detail. It makes the kitchen the heart of our home and inspires us to continue cooking and entertaining guests. From the Wonder Oven, Splendor Blender and Dream Cooker on the counter to the glassware and tableware stacked in our cabinets and of course the Always Pan and Perfect Pot on the stove. It’s truly an expression of the love and pride we feel for the product we’ve created.
What item in your home do you apply most often?
I cook often and apply most Our Place products daily, but I apply Wonder Oven three times a day. I apply it to toast bread, air fry chicken tikka, roast brussels sprouts, and reheat leftover lasagna. I can’t live without it.
