In this interview we are hearing from Katherine Heath. Katherine is brand director at (Hug) and is passionate about working with purpose-led brands, looking to make a positive change for the planet and its people. We've loved working with Katherine over the past 6 months to bring nookary to life, and cement what we stand for - helping you make your house a home with things you can be truly proud of, things that are beautiful, sustainable and ethical.
Here's a look at what house proud means to Katherine.
What makes you proud of your home?
Two things come to mind. The first is the 1930s Art Deco style of the building we live in, as well as the original oak flooring, which I will find it very hard to part with when we move. I’ve loved the building for years and when a flat became available I couldn’t believe my luck. The best thing about it is the huge windows, I love having lots of natural light and it’s wonderfully bright even in the darker months. The second is the fact that nearly all of our furniture is second hand. We’ve found things in vintage shops, on the street, been given things by family and bought things through eBay and Facebook marketplace. Occasionally we have had to buy things new when we just haven’t been able to find what we need second hand but it’s very rare.
What one home essential could you not live without?
It might sound cliché but our handheld coffee grinder (and the coffee that goes with it, of course). I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to coffee and hate noisy machines, there’s something a lot more satisfying and mindful about hand grinding coffee, especially early in the morning.
What item are you most proud of in your home and why?
My shampoo. That might sound odd, but I set out to stop using plastic bottles or unnatural products a few years ago, but it took me ages to figure out what worked for me. Shampoo bars, apple cider vinegar, conditioner bars there are so many options and I tried all sorts of combinations, but none were quite right. Eventually I landed on a refill option from a local shop and I now only use shampoo, it works perfectly, and I refill a big glass bottle that I think originally came with beer in it!
Are there parts of your home you see differently now that you're spending more time there?
My office has definitely become a space I’m more aware of than other rooms. I find it hard to work in busy spaces and although our home is fairly minimal in general, the office is the one room I like to keep very simple.
Have you come across any great eco-friendly home products that you'd recommend?
I’m a big fan of Georganics toothpaste. It takes a bit of getting used to but it’s great and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a natural, toothpaste alternative. We also use vinegar for cleaning, it works on almost anything and you can now find odour free versions which is even better and stops the whole house smelling like fish and chips.
What makes a house a home to you?
Giving it your own style and the bit and pieces you’ve collected over the years. Whenever I move into a new house it only really feels like home once we’ve made a few aesthetic changes, even if only little things. Once there’s a new lick of paint on the walls and our mismatch selection of furniture is in, then it starts to feel like home.
Katherine is passionate about building brands that people genuinely love and believes business should be used as a force for good. She describers herself as a brand builder, environmentalist & cold water swimmer.
Let us know what house proud means to you x
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