Walking into the home of Yvonne Starr and her growing family is a total treat to the senses. Every corner has been thoughtfully styled with a curated mix of unique sculptural vases, design books, tastefully coloured art and intentionally sourced vintage furniture to drool over. Founder of ‘Ukitu’ - a business that offers a thoughtfully sourced collection of vintage furniture and homewares - it’s no wonder Yvonne’s home is a visual delight. We speak to Vonnie about her day to day musings and how she has created a home you never want to leave!

Tell us about your ‘usual’ day…

Our mornings are slow paced. Before baby #2 comes along I want to enjoy these quiet (ish) mornings with just Goldie and I. A late breakfast and a coffee starts the day and following that we usually escape the house for a few hours either sourcing, adventuring or being in the presence of loved ones, before coming back home for an afternoon siesta - usually for the both of us! We live very simply and routinely without meaning to be. I love it.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Being able to source something really special! Travertine, terra-cotta or sculptural pieces are my favourites things to source.

What gives you the most energy/feeling of being alive? 

Being productive. I love being busy with little projects so being able to complete them and see them blossom is everything!

What does the word ‘home’ mean to you? 

Home for me is a place that makes you feel safe, comfortable and where you can unwind with ease. A home is also an outlet - I love being able to express my style throughout.

When people come into your home what do you want them to feel and why? 

It’s so important to my husband and I that every guest that comes to our home feels warm, comfortable and taken care of. I want our guests to feel the comfort of being in their own home and being able to unwind. We often have people over, it’s a busy little home but we love it. It always helps when your husband is the cocktail king! His signature is a sour amaretto - I’m one lucky lady.

Do you feel like your working life and home life are seperate or intertwined? 

I feel as if they are intertwined - but in a good way! 

That’s how Ukitu all started… I was sick of conventional homewares/furniture so I started sourcing second hand for our own home and found that they were so much more special and unique. I would keep sourcing and swapping things around then running out of space, hence Ukitu was born! I wanted people to appreciate and love the pieces I too was falling in love with. It’s been really fun being able to knit my home life, love for homewares and styling together into a job.

How would you describe your home interiors style/ taste? 

I would say it’s eclectic meets modern Mediterranean. I’m naturally drawn to texture, warm and neutral tones, sculptural pieces and natural fibres.

What is your favourite space/feature in the house and why? 

My favourite space would have to be my entrance table with my beloved arch shaped mirror and LRNCE lamp, accompanied with a few other special things. I love showcasing my favourite pieces on top of it and am constantly moving things around to keep it fresh. I think every homeware I own does a full 360 around the place at least 3 times a month haha.

Do you think it’s important to be intentional about the spaces we create for ourselves and why?

Yes I do! I think it’s better to invest in special pieces you love and cherish, that you will be proud to have in your home for many years to come as opposed to on-trend or “cheap” pieces.

If I have a blank wall or little nook that I know needs something, I hunt and source until I find the perfect piece for it - an intentional purchase. I find I value it so much more and it makes me feel good about that space.

Photography and interview by Hannah Darkins - The Unfold

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