Evie Kemp | The Estate at Home
Evie Kemp - Designer, illustrator, visual curator
Introducing the next profile in our The Estate at Home series
Fans of all interiors bright and unashamedly busy will no doubt already be familiar with Evie Kemp—she after all has become something of a poster child for maximalism in Aotearoa, building a huge following for her bold and joy-giving style across art, design, and interiors.
This aesthetic reaches it full expression in Evie's own home; a continually evolving work in progress where her ideas and whims come to life in a riot of colour and texture. With Evie being an avid Estate customer we of course jumped at the chance to document her home for this series, and to speak to her about her more-is-more approach, her upcoming book, and some of her favourite pieces acquired from the Estate.
Hi Evie! Thank you so much for inviting us into your home. Could you please tell us who lives here and how long you’ve been here?
It was so lovely having you over! I live here with my husband Sam, who works as a doctor and our two dogs and two cats.
The home itself has really lovely bones—that super cool ‘70s style that we love. Were you on the lookout for this style of home, or was there something about it in particular that attracted you?
I’ve always loved retro and mid-century style but never lived in a house from that era before this one! We were very open minded when it came to the style of home when we were looking, but knew we wanted something that felt a bit unique and special. The shoji screens were a big drawcard for me, I just love them so much and I just loved the whole feel of the house - as I still do!
To describe your style as maximalist is almost an understatement— there is SO much to take in your home. A real visual feast. Has this always been your aesthetic or was this something you developed over time?
Honestly, I think it’s a bit of both. Growing up our family home was definitely maximalist and colour filled - so there’s definitely a sense that is what “home” is. But also my own style and confidence has developed over time and is always changing. I’ve been through awkward years of trying to fit in, and I realise now that the times when I was most desperate to fit in, or “be on trend” were when I felt least confident In myself as a person. So, now I just try and lean in to it!
People are often quite scared of attempting maximalism in their own homes. What would be your top three tips for getting started with this look?
I think the fear the word “maximalism” strikes in people is the image of an uncontrollable amount of clutter but it’s not mess. I think if I had to share 3 tips it would be...
To collect mindfully. It’s not just about having lots of stuff, but instead every piece should have a story and a reason behind why you brought it into your home.
There are no rules on what maximalism is or isn’t, maybe you want every wall in your house covered in art but surfaces kept clear. Or maybe you want a full pattern explosion of cozy cushions and knickknacks. Focus on the things that matter to you and allow them to have space in your home without getting caught up on what someone else might do or think.
Use these special things! At the essence of being a maximalist is the belief that objects matter, but with that what makes it really lovely is to actually use the things for everyday - eat from the fancy china, light the boujee candle, let the dog sit on the new chair. Enjoy your home.
You mentioned that your home is always evolving as you change out pieces, switch up colours and textures etc. Is there a common theme that informs this current iteration?
Ooh that’s a good question. I’m always informed by the style of the house, sometimes I push that a bit but ultimately the house has a very strong personality so that leads me in how I choose furniture and art, That being said, I’m easily led off on a tangent if I find something fun to bring in. I’ve just recently (got delivered while you were here! Haha) put down an orange rug in the lounge, so I’m thinking about what I want to switch or change based on the different look that’s given me. This stuff is just my hobby, I love moving things about and I love change!
You’re a longtime customer of The Estate. What do you enjoy about buying through here? And do you have a search/bidding strategy? I just love that you don’t know what might come up week to week, and you don’t have to trawl through lots of junk in the hope of finding something brilliant. Almost everything is interesting and valuable, so it’s a delight to look through and find pieces that you just have to have. I don’t have much strategy to be honest, I’m terribly disorganised so I always make sure to put in my highest bid once I’ve decided to bid on something so I don’t miss out. I also accept the game of auctions - you win some, you lose some - that’s part of the thrill!
Are there any specific pieces you are currently keeping an eye out for, or do you tend to keep an open mind and go for what catches your eye? I go in with a very open mind. I’m a bit superstitious and think if I go in hoping to find something specific I’ll be disappointed, but if I go in not looking for anything in particular I’ll spot something special. This is actually nonsense but it feels true. If I’m forced to say and jinx myself I’m currently looking for interesting pieces for my studio - posters and prints, as well as furniture pieces I can restore with upholstery (fabrics are my passion)!
Which of your pieces are from The Estate?
I’ve got a bunch of pieces from the Estate, some that are in current use and others I have tucked away for a project or to swap out. Some favourite things I have are the large red glass lamp with Venetian scene lampshade - this was a real bargain as the shade was damaged but I repaired it and it’s such a statement piece. I’m not sure I would ever have chosen that shade with that lamp base but that’s the fun of buying from Webbs, you can inherit something that pushes your design choices a bit further.
You’re about to release a book—congratulations! How did this come to be and how have you found the process? Can you also tell us what we can expect?
Thank you! My book is called “Much: A Maximalists guide to a creative home” and it’s really focussed on inspiring you to find your own style and create a home you absolutely love - away from rules and trends. It’s about getting to the heart of who you are and what matters in your life, and expressing that through where you live - no matter where that might be.
I actually wrote an ebook by the same title during lockdown as a self-motivated project, I’d always dreamed of writing a book and while this was more of a guide it really hit upon the heart of what I want to share with the world . Koa Press in Christchurch approached me last year to see if I’d like to develop “Much” to be a full book, and I was thrilled. Together we’ve worked on it to create this incredibly lovely book and I’m so proud of it. I just can’t wait for people to read it and hear what they think.
You have two very beautiful little dogs. What are their names, ages, and stories?
Biggie is an Italian Greyhound and Pebbles is a Pomeranian x Chihuahua, they’re both 10 years old so have lived almost their entire lives in this house. They have it pretty good, we go for walks in the Auckland Botanic Gardens, and the rest of the time they’re either sunbathing on one of many cushions or snoozing in front of the fireplace (depending on season). I’m a huge animal lover, and for me, they’re truly what makes a house a home (and the cats too - they’re just more elusive!).
