Personal Space: Shiza Shahid

Ever wanted to take a look around the homes of Britain's most stylish residents? In Personal Space, we take a deep dive into design, looking at the moodboards of industry insiders to find out how they curate their space. From luxury finds in designer boutiques to secondhand shopping secrets, we ask the experts for the interior design tips that made their house a home. Next up, Shiza Shahid, founder of Our Place takes us through her penchant for layering textures, mixing antique and new, and why the kitchen is always at the heart of her home.

How would you describe your interior design style?

My style is earthy, layered, and deeply personal—a mix of natural textures, organic shapes, and collected pieces that tell a story. I love spaces that feel light-filled, calming, and lived-in, where every object holds meaning. I’m usually drawn to vintage and artisanal accents, soft curves, and materials that age beautifully. My home is a reflection of the places I’ve been and the cultures that shape me—subtle hints of heritage woven into a space that feels warm, open, and full of life.

My style is a reflection of nature, heritage, and the passage of time—an effortless blend of earthy tones, organic forms, and collected treasures. I’m drawn to natural textures, from sun-warmed wood to handwoven textiles, layered in a way that feels both intentional and uncontrived. In turn, my interior design style is light-filled and open, yet deeply lived-in, so every piece tells a story. Curved, sculptural shapes create a sense of softness. Above all, I want my space to feel calm, grounding, and alive—a sanctuary where nature seeps in through dappled light and lush greenery, and where every corner holds a whisper of a journey well travelled.

If we were to walk into your home on any given day, what would we be likely to see?

If you walked into my home on any given day, you’d likely be greeted by the scent of something simmering. Chai on the stove, warm spices in the air, my Always Pan bubbling away with a recipe I’m testing or reinventing. My kitchen is the heart of the home, always a little lived-in, never too precious, and stacked with well-loved cookware, fresh ingredients waiting to be used, and a cookbook left open mid-recipe.

What aesthetic style, era, or vibe speaks to you the most?

A blend of organic modernism, wabi-sabi imperfection, and vintage soul.

What made you fall in love with the house you live in now?

It’s always the light. I need spaces that feel open, airy, and connected to nature. And then, it’s about the bones—the subtle imperfections, the warmth of natural materials, and the potential to create something layered and meaningful. I love homes that have history, where you can add your own stories while respecting what came before.

What is your favourite room in your house and why?

Definitely the kitchen! It’s where everything happens. Cooking is how I unwind, connect with loved ones, and bring people together. My kitchen is always slightly messy in the best way—piles of spices, open cookbooks, and something bubbling on the stove. I also love spaces where you can just sink in and relax—cozy nooks with overstuffed sofas, soft lighting, and a stack of well-loved books.

What are some of the best and investment worthy-buys you have invested in for your house?

Well-made cookware like Our Place pieces, of course! The Always Pan, Perfect Pot, and Mini Always Pan are as beautiful as they are functional. Also artisanal ceramics and anything handmade that brings joy to everyday rituals. Virginia Sin, LRNCE, and Our Place dinnerware are favourites.

Whose interiors might we find screenshotted in your saved folder as inspo?

It has to be Kelly Wearstler and Brigette Romanek.

How do you refresh your interiors for each season?

I lean into subtle shifts—nothing too theme-y. In the colder months, I bring in heavier linens, more candlelight, and richer textures. Warmer months call for lighter textiles, fresh greenery, and more open, airy arrangements.

Since Our Place has a beautiful headquarters in Los Angeles, I’ve been able to design a workplace that feels homey yet deeply functional. Our space is built around gathering and creativity: from the open kitchens where the team cooks together, to our content studios and product labs designed for hands-on collaboration. It’s a space that inspires and nurtures connection, much like our cookware does.

For those who haven’t tried any Our Place pieces yet (but will certainly have seen them on socials), the instantly recognisable colour palette serves as an introduction to the Our Place aesthetic. How did you come up with the concept of the first line and what are your favourite pieces from the latest collection?

We wanted a colour palette that wasn’t just functional but joyful, emotional, and inspired by the shared experience of food—tones like Spice, Sage, and Blue Salt were drawn from the rich colours of our memories. But just as important as aesthetics was creating cookware that was nontoxic and high-performance—free from harmful chemicals found in many other kitchenware brands, built to last, and designed to make home cooking easier and healthier. My favourite piece from the latest collection? The Wonder Oven—our multifunctional air fryer that makes crisping, roasting, and baking effortless. No surprise it keeps selling out!

You now have a brand new cookbook "Dinner at Our Place", how did you initially find the inspiration for the recipes and curated menus? 

Food is storytelling, and this book is filled with the flavours of home and cultural traditions passed down through generations, I drew inspiration from family recipes, dishes I’ve shared with friends, and meals that feel like love in edible form. I wanted to create menus that bring people together, because the best meals are the ones that don’t just nourish you, but connect you.

Do you design first with the practical cook or the interiors obsessed in mind?

Both! Our cookware is designed to look as beautiful as it is functional because why shouldn’t your everyday tools bring you joy? We think about ease of use, durability, and versatility, but also the feeling of having something thoughtfully designed in your space.

What are some of your favourite pieces in your home?

I love the beautiful painting made by my dear friend Justina Blakeney. I had known Justina for many years and when she made the move from being an entrepreneur and interior designer to being a painter, I bought a piece from her first show. It always brings me joy.

Do you have any tips on how best to shop antique, vintage and secondhand?

- Trust your gut, If something speaks to you, don’t overthink it.

- Look for quality materials like solid wood, natural stone, or handmade ceramics—they age beautifully.

- Check scale and proportion, vintage finds are often unique in size, so measure before buying.

-Mix high and low—a well-loved flea market find next to a sculptural designer piece makes a space feel dynamic.

Where are your favourite places to shop for...

Vintage & Antiques: Antique markets, flea markets, and specialty shops are the best places to find unique, storied pieces. Sunbury Antiques Market, The Old Cinema, Chairish, and 1stDibs are great for everything from mid-century gems to hand-carved wooden furniture with history.

Affordable Pieces: Zara Home, H&M Home, and Made.com offer well-designed, budget-friendly finds that feel timeless rather than trendy.

Luxury Investment Pieces: Soho Home and Rove Concepts are great for sculptural furniture and high-quality craftsmanship. Rose Uniacke and Apparatus offer stunning, heirloom-worthy designs.

Textiles, Accessories & Decorative Touches: Glassette for curated homeware, Marimekko for bold, iconic prints, and LRNCE for playful, hand-painted ceramics that add a unique, artistic touch.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to redecorate their space?

- Start with feeling, not trends. How do you want your space to feel? Cozy? Airy? Grounded? Build from there.

- Invest in fewer, better things . A few well-made pieces will always outshine a room full of trend-driven buys.

- Layer textures and materials like natural woods, woven textiles, and handmade ceramics to add depth.

- And most importantly, don’t forget the kitchen! It’s the heart of the home, and thoughtful design here makes all the difference. Invest in beautiful, functional cookware like the Always Pan or Perfect Pot, organize with handmade dinnerware that makes every meal feel special, and create a space that invites you to cook, gather, and connect.

SHOP SHIZA'S STYLE: