Republic Home has filled Kiwi houses with design-led furniture and homewares for over two decades.
Inspired by frequent travels around the globe, owner David Peez has grown Republic Home into an institution renowned for its unique, high-quality pieces. To celebrate his new Parnell showroom, Verve sits down with David for a chat.
How did you come to own Republic Home?
I’ve always had an interest in interiors. After the closure of the investment banking business I was working for in the Middle East after the global financial crisis, I returned to New Zealand and saw that Republic Home was for sale so I bought it. Twelve years later, the rest is history.
How has Republic Home evolved since you took ownership?
Initially the furniture was only from Indonesia, I expanded the business by importing from designers and factories in various countries like India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
How would you describe the aesthetic of Republic Home?
We don’t have a single aesthetic. We really want people to be able to curate their own look by offering a diverse range of styles. While staying abreast of global trends is important, we also need to cater to New Zealand’s more conservative taste. For those that wish to be more daring however, I do like to push the envelope with new styles and products where I can.
Does your personal style influence the store’s offering?
My personal style has evolved over the years, but it has always leaned towards combining elements of ethnic, tribal, and boho, with contemporary, high-spec finishes.
Republic Home places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical trading. Can you tell us more about your commitment to these values?
Sustainability is a core value. We believe that the recycling and upcycling of materials is essential for our planet to survive. We used to source vintage furniture but have now shifted to creating furniture using reclaimed timber and sustainable materials like mango wood, mostly from plantations that have been chopped down, or from trees that have had a full life of growth. It’s a nice way to also add some history to each piece.
Tell us about the interior styling service that you offer.
We offer both in-store and off-site interior styling services. In-store, we provide a unique, complimentary interior design consultations with our interior consultant, who excels at creating mood boards and helping customers make choices. It can greatly assist customers in visualising their ideal home decor. On-site, our consultant visits customer’s homes and provides design advice. There’s a fee associated with on-site consultations, refundable with a certain purchase amount.
Can you please tell us about the fabulous new showroom?
We’re really excited to have joined Parnell’s design and home décor precinct. The new showroom is slightly larger and flooded with natural light. The space is designed to showcase the furniture, with a more polished and monochromatic look. We’ve introduced new collections and a range of products, including some pretty spectacular statement marble pieces. We’ve also improved our website to enhance the online shopping experience. Oh, and there’s free parking spaces also!
What are your must-have items for homes this summer?
Our Maya Dining Chairs are timeless favourites, and we offer them in different leather colours. The new pistachio colour is proving popular. We also have beautiful marble pieces like the Athena Coffee and Side Table and Nabu marble tables, which are on trend and make great additions to any home.
1 Shipwright Lane, Parnell
09 361 1137
republichome.com
Athena Coffee Table
Kish Side Table
Athena Side Table
Maya chairs and Nelson dining table
Kairakau sofa, Newton coffee and side tables
