CREATURE COMFORTS

Viva sat down with three Kiwi luminaries living three very different lifestyles to discover how they create a sense of calm and comfort in their households. Each week, we’ll get a glimpse into their lives, starting with food writer & TV cook, Annabelle Wh

You’d be forgiven for thinking Annabelle White’s favourite room in the house is the kitchen. After all, the keen foodie spends the majority of her time there. But as much as she loves cooking up a storm, “I love to read and watch movies while reclining on the sofa. Even talking to a good friend lying prostrate on the sofa is a laugh,” she says.

The self-described maximalist adopts a ‘more is more’ approach when it comes to her interior style, noting her decorating is eclectic, chaotic and generously proportioned.

Her love of collecting keepsakes and trinkets is evident – side tables are sprinkled with items that have been treasured then passed on. “To me, it’s all about creating a comfortable, warm home where you can relax… not be guided by a design expert,” she says.

From North American-style lamps (that White explains helps one appear younger and thinner), to fluffy cushions, piles of books and flowers arranged haphazardly in old ceramic jugs, White frequents op shops and flea markets to find one-off pieces to decorate her home.

And when it comes to colour? “I love blue and white in the bedroom for its calming and crisp feel, as well as yellow in living spaces for its sunny, uplifting vibe.”

White produced her first cookbook in 1997, and has been a mainstay on the New Zealand foodie scene ever since. Her constant pursuit of balancing flavours and textures extends far beyond her approach to food, noting she places more emphasis on being comfortable in herself and her home now that she’s in her 60s. “Comfort to me is so important – it’s like good flavour is far more important than presentation,” she explains. “It’s the ability to relax, and feel loved, secure, warm, nourished and calm.”

Relaxing on La-Z-Boy’s Romano sofa, White remembers her mother’s approach to keeping comfy. “My mother always says never stand when you can sit, and never sit when you can lie!” says White. “My dream would be to have La-Z-Boy chairs at bus stops!” she laughs.

Over the last decade, White’s idea of comfort has changed – she now puts more emphasis on pieces that strike the balance between comfort and style. This mantra influences how White selects key pieces for her home – especially the sofa. La-ZBoy’s Romano Suite is not only comfortable, but it’s beautifully designed too, meaning you can select your desired fabric or leather option to suit your living room. It’s easy for the family to enjoy.

Previously thought of as a brand associated with very generously sized chairs, White explains her perception of La-Z-Boy has changed since relaxing in La-Z-Boy’s Romano 3 and 2 seater “This contemporary design is stylish yet still delivers the same reliable comfort.”

“But,” she warns, “The only problem is that my cooking suffers as I do not want to get off the sofa!”

For more information, visit La-z-boy.co.nz