UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Annie Loveridge, The Ivy House ANNIE LOVERIDGE IS THE OWNER OF THE IVY HOUSE, THE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR for Armadillo&Co rugs and Quadrille Fabrics. The focus of The Ivy House is beautiful homewares, made by hand. "Having previously worked in funds management, I had children and realised I couldn't go back to that type of work, for many reasons! I desperately wanted to do something creative but really didn't know where to start. A clever friend picked up that I love textiles and said to start somewhere, anywhere and see where it leads. It is the best advice when it all seems too overwhelming. In Armadillo I work with beautiful textiles, made ethically and kindly. At The Ivy House we value our clients and genuinely care that they select items they love." Where do you live? Very happily in a far too small St Mary's Bay villa. Who is your partner? Peter and I have been together forever. We've lived in Wellington, London, South Carolina, London, Perth, Wellington, Perth and now Auckland. We are not moving again. Peter is a commercial director and Loveridge House barista. Do you have any children? We have two beautiful girls, Arabella (11) and Lily (9). They are both proud Ponsonby Primary School Fliers. Do you have any pets? The girls have a little Ponsonby dog called Squabbles. Me, I walk, feed and flea their dog. How do you keep fit? Eating is my favourite pastime so exercise is a necessary evil. I belong to a fabulous training group at Point Erin with our superstar trainer Wiremu. Mon/Weds/Fri 9 - 10 am. Nice people welcome. Just saying. Your best friend would say of you..."always late." Your mother would say of you... "always complains about me being late." What are your virtues? I love my family and my good friends. My father always said my friends were the best reflection of who I am and of that, I am very proud. And your vices? Wine, food, procrastinating, online shopping, talking way too much, an absolute dreamer. Who's your ultimate rock icon? Robbie Williams joins Duran Duran. Westlife sings backing vocals. Boyzone ushers people to their seats and One Direction hands out the champagne and mingle. Oh yeah, there's not a boyband I can't name! Secret passion? Design magazines; once I'm ensconced in House & Gardens UK, I am no one's mother. What's your secret talent? Lugging very heavy carry on luggage to a plane with a look of ease and light. It's a skill well honed. Where do you spend your holidays? We have finally bought our dream escape from reality in Pakiri. It's simple, basic and absolutely perfect. And by one of the best beaches. Anywhere. Ever. What's your perfect Sunday? Pakiri, coffee, sitting on our front step and a clear day ahead. What were you going to be when you grew up? I didn't really care as long as I had long straight hair. How did you come to be a designer? In a haze, I left Uni with a commerce degree, an ACA and a husband. We moved to London where I worked in funds management - a somewhat misguided career choice for me but fun in my 20s. I had children, stayed at home, studied design and when we moved to Auckland I found it difficult to open trade accounts being new in town, so I ended up representing Quadrille Fabrics from the United States. A phone call to my
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mentor designer in Melbourne led me to Armadillo. I am very grateful to the people who have had faith in me. If you weren’t a designer you’d be... A lot more patient with my family. What’s your favourite Ponsonby Cafe? I am such a homebody, my favourite coffee is at home, made by Peter. I make shocking coffee. If Peter isn't available Didas is always good. And your favourite Ponsonby restaurant? Prego. Just is. We can take the girls and still feel like big people - they love it and we love it. Perfect. Favourite Ponsonby store? Farro #secondmortgage Favourite Ponsonby fashion label? Moochi - works for someone who wants to look smart and carry 20 kilo rugs around. Bingo. Please share your best kept Ponsonby secret... Pompallier Tennis Club. I've met people who've lived in St Mary's Bay for years who don't know it's there. It's a magic little spot. And Grace Lang Optometry - identified Lily's squint when many other specialists couldn't. Love Grace. What's inspired you recently? Celebrating Armadillo&Co's fifth birthday with the team in Sydney. Jodie and Sally who own the company are genuinely kind, down to earth women who have stuck to their guns producing a high quality product at a good price whilst respecting their artisans, whom Armadillo treat as their extended family. All Armadillo's rugs are hand woven under Fair Trade conditions in India, and Armadillo give back a percentage of profits to build schools in their weavers' communities via the Anganwadi Project. We raised enough at the celebration for Armadillo's 14th school. I feel very privileged to be a part of such a wonderful team. It is possible to do things well, at a good price and treat people with the respect they deserve. Sermon over. The house is on fire and your family is safe - what do you save? I would be useless and would be late getting out. Am very sentimental about the girls' drawings, cards, clothes they wore as babies. “I'd be lost without my... Wonderful husband and beautiful girls. I know. But true. One thing you have learned about life is..? It really is short. My lovely father died aged 50 and that still hurts. Be good and be kind - it's a nicer way to live. What’s your advice to readers looking for a new rug for their home? Always buy what you love. It's your home so don't listen to 'experts' who tell you to follow their rules. The most beautiful homes are created with layers that have been collected over the years and have meaning; not bought in an instant. Care about who wove the rug; the beauty of a hand made item will make you smile. THE IVY HOUSE, 238 Jervois Road, T: 09 360 8986 www.theivyhouse.co.nz PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)