Online homewares store operators Claudia Zinzan and Nick Hutchinson have a simple, classic aesthetic illustrated in their choice of best-loved things.
Claudia Zinzan and Nick Hutchinson are behind Father Rabbit, a beautiful online homewares store launched earlier this year. The pair combine their creative backgrounds in interior design and film, and select a range of simple, beautiful homewares, from classic white ceramic jugs to linen tablecloths to wooden egg cups. Everything on the website has a nostalgic, back to basics feeling, a reflection of Zinzan's own aesthetic - in a former life she was the general manager of childrenswear brand Nurtured by Nature, and also established the label Nice+Clean. Both brands reflect an appreciation for simplicity. Zinzan and Hutchinson talk us through their favourite things, from drawings of the mundane to match lining.
10 FAVOURITE THINGS
1. Ben Reid
We have only seen this artist online, rather than in person. We love his watercolour and graphite drawing of Waipu, a simple weatherboard home with corrugated roof. The main drawcard is the single stretched washing line with white sheets billowing in the wind. It reminds us of sunny days when the lawn is freshly mown and the white load is on the line.
2. Ruth Thomas Edmond "Heap Studies" 2007
Meticulous intricate drawings of the mundane, transformed. Ruth's cardboard sculptures are something to be witnessed; her drawings are the encyclopedic recording.
3. Bianca Lorenne silk-filled pillows
There is nothing that pleases us more than piles of ironed white pillowcases, scented with lavender water, fresh from the line. Top that off with the soft luxury of silk filled pillows. Flip to the cold side of the pillow when you can't sleep.
4. White hydrangeas
Nothing elevates an interior like fresh flowers. Nothing sings in a garden like white hydrangeas. Memories abound of the family's black creosote house at Clarke's Beach surrounded by large leafy hydrangeas.
5. Fireplace mantel supports
Nick's father found these old perfectly aged peeling wooden mantel supports. Pale aqua green with exposed wood in places. We swap out displayed treasures on their little shelves.
6. Workroom oversized round mirror
Father Rabbit sells the small sweet sizes of this Workroom round mirror, but really we covet the oversized 1200mm diameter version which hangs in the entrance of their Ponsonby store Douglas and Bec.
7. White towels
Crisp white towels; towels that dry from the very first use. No superfluous details or borders, a classic everyday hotel towel. No bathroom should be without.
8. Birdinabunnysuit
Our current artist in residence is Bayley Collins. She produced our first incarnation of Father Rabbit with his moustache and tape measure. We produce tea towels with Bayley and are currently working on a Father Rabbit "Birdinabunnysuit" linen range. We love her gentle and quirky approach.
9. Interior architect Penny Hay
Claudia: Ever since design school I have always been in absolute awe of Penny. All of her professional work is impeccable and understated. I find joy in her details and her monochromatic palette. She is my dream designer.
10. Match lining
The traditional lining of choice in villa laundries and sculleries. We revived the tired, low ceilinged boxy 1950s extension on our villa with match lining. Painted white, the 130mm beaded horizontal TG & V makes the room feel like a considered extension.
