The duo, who have always been a creative pair with backgrounds in both music and fashion, purchased their first property in South London and the process “awakened our love for renovating and interior design, but it also opened up a whole world of problems,” explained James and Ky. “Learning how to create a mindful, consciously thought-through home from how we've renovated to the items sourced showcased that it's hard to do a renovation eco-consciously.”

Intrigued? We were. And that’s why we had a virtual chat with the lovely couple to find out more…

Tell us a little about how A House Like This came about — what was the inspiration behind the brand?

We started the @ahouselikethis home renovation Instagram and having limited funds to buy our loved ones Christmas presents after purchasing the property, we started making candles for their Christmas gifts. Candle making taught us that a lot of the brands we'd previously loved didn't use ingredients that were good for you so we made it our mission to create products that were mindful, making the home not only look good but feel fabulous too with beautiful fragrances.

Flash forward a year later and it became a full-on passion. We perfected our candle-making craft and still to this day make all our 100% natural scent soy candles, melts, and fragrance solutions from our home studio.

Where did the name AHLT come from?

The house-renovation account was where it [all] started, and because we took its name from us trawling property websites saying to each other, "I want a house like this", we created a brand around the abbreviation. We use both AHLT and A House Like This interchangeably, and see both social media accounts as part of our overall brand and business.

You state that you both have a passion for mindful living — can you delve a little deeper into this?

Choosing the right products for your home isn't easy, stores like DECORUM that have a focus on sustainability and quality product ingredients and manufacture are so important to us. We aim to mix our interior design with both old and new, and support small independent and local businesses where possible to create a home that is a good environment to live in. Even your paint choices need to be carefully considered, we wanted to have a clean living home with no toxicity. We carry that mission through to our business too.

Why create a fragrance brand?

[From] a young age, Ky experimented with essential oil blending and always had a passion for both personal and home fragrances. Scent is the most powerful sense for memory recall and can fully transform your mood no matter the space you inhabit. And fragrance is often overlooked when styling a room, so for us, interiors should be fully immersive because a home isn't just a space, it's how you feel. Choosing the right mindful mix of products to inhabit your space is what really awakens your senses — the scents you choose to finesse your interior design is a huge part of that process that people often forget.

How do you design/create your scents? What inspires the process?

Scents articulate the story of a room and help define the mood of a certain design. Each of our scents draw on inspiration from mythology, memories, and the seasons themselves. For example FYGGE, the first in our range, was inspired by Ky's family's Cypriot roots, and his Father's love for the scent of fig trees, whereas PERSEPHONE, a dark pomegranate scent, was inspired by the mythological character who ate the forbidden fruit. Our Signature Scent library fragrances are paraben-free perfumer grade and blended with high quality, sustainably sourced soy wax that offers a clean burn and tremendous scent throw.

Over the years we've tested so many different variations before settling on our core Scent Library because we also encourage our customers to layer scents so we've designed them to be enjoyed together. For example scents like TONIC pair well with PARADISIA or CITRON whereas FYGGE or WYNTER work wonderfully when paired with a darker scent such as FYRE.

Your creations are made from 100% soy wax and housed in glass vessels — is sustainability a key focus for your brand?

Absolutely, we wouldn't ever create something we wouldn't use in our own home that doesn't fit our focus on sustainability. We carefully choose all of our ingredients and make them in small batches from our home studio to keep in control of our production and to ensure it truly is a sustainable art form. Our glassware is fully recyclable and designed to protect the scents inside from harmful UV rays.

What other areas of design are you intrigued by?

James's graphic design background is the creative force behind all of our branding and product creation whereas Ky focuses on the scents we use and the marketing aspects of our business. The fusion of graphic design, scent, and more recently music production have helped us create products that engage all of the senses which is key for living more mindfully.

What’s next for AHLT?

Coming up in November we're launching a brand new range which we've been working on for the past year. Our Scent Library is growing and we'll be introducing a range of Essential Oil Blends and Aroma Diffusers that are unlike any other with multi-sensory stimulation at the core of the Aromatherapy Collections design.

Shop our AHLT edit here.

Nina had tried lots of different work avenues over the years, from fashion to law, and food had been just another to try. After managing to get some work experience with Calabrian chef, Francesco Mazzei, who ran L’Anima in Liverpool street, she fell in love with the vibrancy and creativity of the kitchen. It must have shown, as Nina was offered a full-time position only after two months. "[I] thought maybe I would stay there for a bit. It turns out it’s developed into a great life passion, and a continuation of learning which is very important to me."

Having gone on to cater for people like Donatella Versace and Stormzy, it's safe to say Nina chose the right path. But what's it like working in the culinary world? Is it the yummiest? We had to know. So we asked...

I love the learning aspect of it, and that there is still so much to explore with different food cultures. I love that it pushes me everyday and it’s a form of creativity for me. When you create plates of food, you have to think about colours, textures as well as flavours and this isn't much different from painting a picture. My mum is an artist and my sister is an interior designer, and this was my route into another arty medium.

How would you describe your cooking style?

Rustic, modern with strong flavours. Obviously a little bit saucy too!

What’s it like catering for the likes of Donatella Versace and Stormzy?

Both such different people with their own quirks. It’s always so interesting working for an individual and learning about what they like. The pressure is on when you are only cooking for one though and I would sometimes feel that. When you’re cooking for someone day to day, you often don’t have much time to prepare the meal and you have to think on your feet. They were both amazing experiences and completely different. Let’s just say one knew what they wanted far more than the other!

As this is your third book, what inspired Saucy?

I changed to a predominately veggie diet a few years back and I was looking to make that type of food exciting and flavourful. I found that the key to quick, delicious veggie food is often found with a great dressing or marinade. Chilli oils, miso and tahini became my best friends and this is really how Saucy was born. I think there was a chilli sambal that I used to buy from a deli and I would put it on everything. It’s that concept of having good sauces up your sleeve, although not just any sauces, healthy sauces.

What’s your favourite summer dish?

Something with aubergine and tomatoes probably. You can throw them into caponata, ratatouille, pasta sauces or simply grilled with a good salsa verde or tahini. Can’t beat it at the moment especially.

And if you had to pick one favourite dish from Saucy, which would it be?

Probably one of the noodle dishes. I love the La Latina noodles with tuna and kimchi mayonnaise. It reminds me of another amazing restaurant where I had some very similar noodles with some good friends.

Buy Saucy here.

Get the recipe for Nina's La Latina Noodles here.

The brand takes outdoor living as its starting point, and is driven by John’s obsession to find a quiet place to run wild, gather and forage. His foray into design began when he left school, “I [started] an apprenticeship as a bricklayer - a job I loved - it was hands-on, with a focus on hand eye coordination, skill, and a pride in the finished result. It gave me a great sense of achievement: at the end of the day I could stand back and admire the results.”

John eventually left the building industry behind, as he wanted something more creative. However, not knowing the direction to go in, he stepped back into education with an open mind, and willingly followed the journey that proceeded: “being a practical kind of person, product design came about without any conscious effort, to make an item that has a visual attraction, practicality and an everyday purpose is perfect.”

To discover more about this ethically minded label, we had a virtual chat with the man himself…

Why have you chosen to work predominantly with concrete?

I was drawn to concrete as a material of choice because of its versatility and quirky industrial edginess that’s still accessible. It has wonderful visual qualities, and once we have finished the surface by hand, it is very tactile. By using it in unusual ways, it [transforms] from what is normally considered a construction material into the domestic environment, questioning the perceived view.

What are your design inspirations and creative processes like?

My inspiration is a pared back Scandinavian look — the effortless, understated simplicity that is easy on the eye and sits in harmony within the world. The creative process to get to that point is mostly one of contradiction: my impulse is to be overly complicated and pragmatic. The end result is, in most cases, to simplify, pare it back and balance the visual feel.

For the wooden products, where do you source and treat them?

There is a wonderful seamless balance between some natural materials and the concrete — the use of leather on the doorstops and oak for the clock hands and shelving for example. Sourcing the wood leads to a range of chopping boards. We are very lucky to have a prestigious timber yard nearby; the timber for renovation following the fire at Windsor Castle was supplied from there.

I use European oak, mainly because it is renowned for its quality, and the fact it hasn’t traveled too far is ideal too. One treatment I use in particular is a process called ebonising — the blackening of the timber is a natural effect, the tanning within the oak coming into contact with iron turns the wood black. Part of the beauty is in the natural simplicity.

How do you maintain sustainable practises throughout your work?

We are always looking at ways to lighten our footprint on the planet. We have tweaked our mix so we now use less cement and all of our scrap concrete is stored in a bulk bag to avoid contamination, it can then be easily collected and recycled.

We [also] try to avoid plastic in our packaging, use scrunched up recycled paper as padding, and to seal our boxes, we have an old gummed paper dispenser that operates with cogs and springs that make a satisfying sound when you pull the lever.

What are you working on at the moment that we can look forward to?

Projects we are working on include lighting and tables. We have dipped our toes into lighting in the past but would love to come back and produce a range using what we have learnt — this same thought process is developing new tables too.

Shop our Wild + Wood edit here.

To celebrate summer this year, we've collaborated with our favourite French chef, Nicolas Vahé, to offer a series of delectable dishes to be made in the comfort of your own home.

Vahé says, "why spend hours in the kitchen, when you can make tasty gourmet treats in no time?" We couldn't agree more.

This time, we're focusing on fresh, ripe tomato in this mouth-watering salad...

PREP TIME 20 minutes
SERVES 2 people
DIFFICULTY Easy

INGREDIENTS
½ Nicolas Vahé Bulgur
½ cucumber
3 plums
250 g cherry tomatoes
2 buffalo tomatoes
1 glass Nicolas Vahé Bruschetta Tomato + Taggiasca Olive
A handful fresh basil
½ glass Nicolas Vahé Smoked Almonds, chopped

Boil the bulgur according to recommendations on the packaging. Drain the bulgur and allow to cool off. Chop cucumber, plum and tomato and mix bulgur with Bruschetta. Server bulgur topped with chopped vegetables, fresh basil and chopped almonds.

SHOP

Nicolas Vahé Organic Bulgur

Nicolas Vahé Bruschetta Tomato + Taggiasca Olive

Nicolas Vahé Smoked Almonds

To celebrate summer this year, we've collaborated with our favourite French chef, Nicolas Vahé, to offer a series of delectable dishes to be made in the comfort of your own home.

Vahé says, "why spend hours in the kitchen, when you can make tasty gourmet treats in no time?" We couldn't agree more.

And what says summer in the city more than an ice coffee?!?

PREP TIME 20 minutes
SERVES 2 people
DIFFICULTY Easy

INGREDIENTS
½ bottle Nicolas Vahé Iced Coffee / Cream Caramel
½ glass Nicolas Vahé Sugar / Salt Caramel
Ice cubes
3 dl milk

PREPARATION
Add Iced Coffee and sugar to a bowl and whip for approx. 10 minutes for an even and airy mass. Distribute ice cubes and milk in two glasses and top off with coffee foam.

To celebrate summer this year, we've collaborated with our favourite French chef, Nicolas Vahé, to offer a series of delectable dishes to be made in the comfort of your own home.

Vahé says, "why spend hours in the kitchen, when you can make tasty gourmet treats in no time?" We couldn't agree more.

First up, is the undeniably delicious Quinoa salad with summer carrots and Chioggia beets.

PREP TIME 40 minutes
SERVES 4 people
DIFFICULTY Easy

INGREDIENTS
8 medium sized summer carrots
6 small Chioggia beets
3 tbsp. Nicolas Vahé Olive Oil / Basil
½ Nicolas Vahé Quinoa
½ Nicolas Vahé Salad Dressing / Basil
100 g feta cheese, small chunks
½ Nicolas Vahé Caramelised Hazelnuts with Rosemary, chopped

PREPARATION
Preheat the oven to 200°. Cut carrots and Chioggia beets in chunky buts, mix with olive oil and roast in the oven for approx. 20 minutes. Boil Quinoa according to recommendations on the packaging. Drain the quinoa and allow to cool off. Mix quinoa with Salad Dressing. Serve quinoa with roasted carrots, roasted Chioggia beets, feta cheese and hazelnuts.

We've all had a tough 12 months, and if 2021 so far has taught us anything, it's to fall madly in love with whatever makes you happiest. We all deserve that.

So, to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, we've curated a collection of funky disco tracks to get you dancing in your living room and FEELING YOURSELF...

Listen below.

Christina is most inspired by simple, functional design and raw materials. Easily demonstrated by the products and pieces that DECORUM stocks. She goes on to describe beautiful silhouettes and organic shapes, and, of course, the Danish design which is a huge influence on her, her home, and her store.

“I think my style is what I would call warm minimal with a subtle mid-century influence,” Christina goes on to say. “I tend to gravitate toward natural materials such as stone and wood, and my new-found obsession with plants allows me to invite a natural botanical element to the interior, creating my little haven.” All of which can be seen in her recent feature in The Spaces Magazine.

At the moment, Christina is particularly gravitated to the Umage Time Flies Chair, calling it; “Danish design at its best. The chair is comfortable, functional, with a style and shape that could well become a classic in its own right.

On owning a female-founded business, Christina thinks that “the most challenging thing about having my business is about to come in 2021.” DECORUM, just like many other small businesses has been affected by COVID-19. “We absolutely understand the lockdowns are necessary if we are going to get this virus under control. And we also have Brexit to contend with. 2021 is going to be a challenging year for everyone. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared.”

While DECORUM is focusing its attention on its online presence, like many of its contemporaries, Christina believes it’s still important to have a physical shop: “you can't compare the physical and emotional experience that comes with walking into a shop.” Although she can be found at the Crystal Palace location on occasion – which is still open for take away coffee and click + collect – Christina longs for the day they can reopen officially again.

And whether you're spending your hours fine-tuning your sourdough recipe, taking part in an online yoga class - #NAMASTAYATHOME - or, working from your dining room table while your dog attacks your feet in an attempt to garner attention, you need a good soundtrack.

We're pretty sure by now, you've visited one of our stores, either in Crystal Palace or Shoreditch, so you know the kind of vibe we like to set. But this Spotify playlist hits home. Pun intended...

Listen below.

“I’ve always loved anything that allows someone to express personality through style,” explains Stav. “My love of fashion is the same for that reason, to me fashion is like wearable art, and I now consider decor as liveable art.” In relation to homeware specifically, Stav quickly established a strong connection to contemporary Scandinavian designs, especially those with an industrial aesthetic, “brutalist materials such as concrete and metal are definitely what inspire me most.”

Currently Stav is drawn to DECORUM’s newest stockist, I O Scandinavia, “the Dessau Dining Table Set in concrete grey in particular. I’m already planning to have it in my next apartment.” It perfectly encapsulates his monochromatic, industrial-chic style.

In terms of the future, Stav states that he would love DECORUM to grow as an online brand and become a hub for inspiration and ideas. “I do dream of having our own photography studio,” he says. “So that we can shoot everything ourselves allowing us to showcase every product in our own way, as well as start designing a DECORUM product range. One day.” Here’s hoping, Stav.

At DECORUM, we pride ourselves on scouring far and wide to bring you the best in industrial-chic, modern-minimalism, and antique-vibe products to make any space a home – inside or out.

Impart an outdoor lounge setting on your terrace or garden, with our WOODIE range, or let your inner green thumb out and get planting with our wide selection of large rustic vases. For the sun worshipers, we even have loungers – pay close attention to the Tranquil Sun Bed by Muubs is both beautifully designed and very comfortable due to its curved design.

Founder Christina is fond of the Echo Jars, stating that: "I absolutely love these oversized jars and pots. They are hand-turned by Balinese artisans, so each piece is truly unique. And as an amateur potter in a previous life, I really appreciate the process and craftsmanship that goes in to creating these beautiful pieces."

And our creative director, Stav, is drawn to the Cylinder and Tokyo Planters. "My concrete fetish and love for all things dark combine into these planters," he explains. "The charcoal black colour, with the cement texture and polished finish - how can you not be in love?"

Shop New Arrivals here.

Love,

DECORUM.

In Christina’s 1960s townhouse, you’ll find Forest nestled between mid-century pieces of furniture, sourced from antique stores in South East London, and of course DECORUM product’s too. “We housed him about a week before lockdown, so he is really used to us being around. He's more like a dog than a cat, follows us everywhere, and so I’m not quite sure what he's going to be like when we both go back to fulltime work.”

Stav’s New Cross new-build apartment is the embodiment of DECORUM CONCEPTS. A darker, more industrial take on the homeware brand’s greyscale aesthetic. It’s also where you’ll find Raf… the latest member of the team. He’s a rescue, all the way from Cyprus – the motherland to the aunt/nephew duo – and the organisation D.O.G Rescue Cyprus Dalidogs.

As the two of them get ready to open their doors – Boris permitting – you’ll probably get to say hello to him either in Crystal Palace or Boxpark, where he’ll be taking your temperatures at the door. Keeping us all safe.

Until then, we hope you find some storied inspiration from their homes and the pets that make it homely.

Christina + Stav

[Raf + Forest too].

With both stores closed however, our main source of income had vanished. This would not stop us. We have now turned our attention to online. We want DECORUM to become a source of interior inspiration, chic lifestyle content, and pure positivity. So, welcome to our first blog…

We’d be lying if we said we haven’t found the transition a struggle at times. A lack of motivation mostly, and getting used to a no-routine routine left us finding it difficult to get up some mornings, but at the same time we have loved not having to commute; being creative at home; doing up our houses, painting, spending more time in the garden [for the one of us who's lucky to have a garden], we’ve even attempted baking bread – needless to say we are not bread bakers. Lemon drizzle muffins, on the other hand, we have them mastered. It’s all the little projects we wouldn’t have found the time to do without the lock down. Working from home, in the comfort of our own bed isn’t all bad, is it? Walks with the newest member of the DECORUM family, puppy Raf, keeping us sane too.

Speaking of family, DECORUM is run by Christina Karoula and Stavros Agapiou, we’re an aunt and nephew duo. To ensure we stay connected, not just with each other, but with our customers and suppliers we are constantly posting on social media especially Instagram, Facebook and twitter, consistently looking for new products and acting as if it’s business as usual. Even though it’s far from it. We’re still so inspired and excited, which is why we’ve taken so many of our own products into our own homes [now that the walls have had a lick of paint]. Creating reall content to inspire and intrigue.

Having spent so much time inside, it’s really made us think about home as a concept, as a construct. A home should be a place of sanctuary, where you feel safe and comfortable, filled with love and meaning. Pieces that have integrity, stability and will last a lifetime, even longer. We want to inspire you to fill your space with pieces that make you smile, think, provoke a conversation. DECORUM has always been a believer of finding the new classics of the future. We still believe in that, and we will focus on that moving forward.

We understand that as a society a change has to happen, and this crisis has in a way made us stop and think. Priorities are sure to change. We took too much for granted before, living in a throw-away society. We want to push the notion of conscious shopping and slow living. Thinking before you buy, and focusing on the independent stores you love and don’t want to see go. We hope DECORUM is one of them.

Love + light,

Christina + Stav

For the next to weeks Dawn's original works will be displayed for all to see on our gallery wall at our shop in Crystal Palace. Please do stop by during your artists trail.

Dawn Codex

A selection of original works exploring ideas of gestation, portals, freedom and limitation. Responding to a culture of consumerism and patriarchy, dawn uses a language of symbolism to honour natural and sacred ways of being. She seeks to highlight the existential questions of modern living by communicating the forgotten or hidden mystery of the soul's journey.

Artists Open House, Crystal Palace -27-28 April & 4-5 May. 11am - 6pm.

www.crystalpalaceart.co.uk