These days, living spaces have become even more of an extension of one's personal style. TZR series home in 5 Dig into the key elements, pieces, and inspiration behind the chic homes of top influencers. Here, we sit down with entrepreneur and activist Shiza Shahid to talk about her Spanish-style West Los Angeles home.
Shiza Shahid, co-founder of Instagram's favorite cookware brand, has a kitchen equipped with colorful cooking cannons, of course. The pots, convection ovens, and even the dishes are all made by Our Place. But this space is more than just a showroom for the equally beautiful and functional products her company creates. This is truly a hub where cultures mix and meaningful conversations occur. And that's exactly the mission Shahid had in mind not only for her home but also for her business.
When Our Place launched the viral Always Pan in 2019, Shahid and his business partners set out to create modern, sustainable cookware that celebrated multicultural cuisine. Growing up in Pakistan, she witnessed the patriarchal history and limitations of society and fought against more traditional definitions of family life, focusing instead on empowering her community. She began volunteering for women's and human rights causes at the age of 12 or 13, and went on to co-found (along with her Pakistani activist friend Malala Yousafzai) the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization Malala Fund. It is this desire to create the change she wants to see in the world that led her to co-found her groundbreaking global cookware brand and earn it a place on lists such as; forbes“30 people under 30 years old” Elle'Top Women in Technology'
When it came time to design her West Los Angeles home, Shahid wanted to create a similarly inclusive space. For her, that meant filling the Spanish-style abode with work by fellow creative women of color (like Bridget Romanek and Justina Blakeney) and pieces that reflected her and her husband, Amir Tehrani's, diverse cultural backgrounds. The entrepreneur and activist told TZR that she loved not only the location's convenience but also the home's warmth. “We live just a short walk from the neighborhood farmers market, and we love going there every weekend,” she says. “It's a quiet neighborhood, but it's very central, with easy travel to offices and retail.”
Having a beautiful home can be an essential part of running a successful business, whether it's a source of design inspiration or simply providing a quiet place to recharge. Shahid has achieved both, so we learn more about what makes her space so special, from the cozy places she's most likely to lounge to the gadgets she can't live without. (Hint: It's in the kitchen). Therefore, if your goal is to have a home that is not only beautiful but also cozy, read all the details about decoration.
Where is your favorite lounge spot in your home?
I love relaxing in the corner by the fireplace. From there you can see the garden, which always brings a sense of calm to the day. We love the fireplace, tile, and the sun streaming in through the large windows.
What home did you purchase recently?
I recently purchased a design book. Livable luxury By my friend Bridget Romanek. This is a beautiful coffee table book that I kept on display, and its pages are filled with unique designs from her brilliant mind.
What is your favorite home purchase?
I recently purchased a piece from my friend Justina Blakeney's first art show. The painting is called “The Floral Blanket” and is part of her “Dolce far Niente” series. Dolce far niente means “the sweetness of doing nothing” in Italian. In Justina's words, this is a reminder for those of us steeped in “hustle” culture and constantly in “do, do, do, go, go, go” mode of the sweetness of just being. It is said that it will be given to you. This painting depicts a beautiful woman wrapped in a blanket with flowers, reminding us that we are part of nature.
What are the biggest conversation starters in your home?
This is definitely our kitchen. Everything you'll find here is Our Place, designed with attention to detail by our unique team. Your kitchen will become the center of your home, and you'll be inspired to cook and entertain more. From the Wonder Oven, Splendor Blender, and Dream Cooker on the countertop, to the glassware and dishes stacked in the cupboard, and of course, the Always Pan and Perfect Pot on the stove. It truly is an expression of the love and pride we feel for the products we create.
What item do you use most often in your home?
I cook a lot, so I use most of the Our Place products every day, but I use the Wonder Oven three times a day. I use it to toast bread, air fry chicken tikka, roast Brussels sprouts, and heat up leftover lasagna. I can't live without it.
