Caroline Rennie is the owner of Home Essentials in Wairau. She says she’s always been an entrepreneur at heart, building and leading businesses across different industries, alongside a career in government, finance, and private wealth. In 2017, Caroline founded The Porcelain Lounge, bringing sculptural brands like Lladró and Mud Australia to New Zealand. That experience sparked a passion for curating homeware that combines beauty with purpose. Taking ownership of Home Essentials was the natural next step, a way to bring together exceptional cookware, tableware, and lifestyle pieces, and create a destination where people can discover objects designed to be used, loved, and handed down.
Tell readers a bit about Home Essentials.
Home Essentials is more than a store; it’s a brand built around the idea of making everyday living more beautiful and more intentional. We curate cookware, tableware, storage, and carryware with a strong focus on quality, design, and longevity. Our philosophy is simple: choose thoughtfully, use often, and love for life. Whether it’s setting the table for a family celebration, finding the perfect pan for a favourite recipe, or selecting a meaningful gift, our goal is to help people create moments that matter and elevate the everyday.
Is Instagram a source of inspiration for you? Who do you recommend following and why?
Absolutely. Instagram is a constant source of inspiration; it’s where I see how people cook, style their homes, and create atmosphere in daily life. I love following international brands like @thewhitecompany and @williamssonoma for their refined, elegant approach to living well. @mud_australia continues to inspire me daily with its timeless design and artistry. I also admire how @meccabeauty has created such a strong loyalty community through its Beauty Loop. It’s a great reminder of how important it is for customers to feel recognised and appreciated. At Home Essentials, we’re excited to be launching our own innovation in this space: The Essential Stir loyalty programme, rolling out early next year.
Which other local businesses do social media well?
I think @achomestore and @backhouse1948 do it exceptionally well. Their storytelling feels thoughtful and consistent, and it draws you right into their world. It makes you want to experience their spaces in person, which is exactly what great social media should achieve.
What is your favourite product you sell and why would you recommend it?
My kitchen is filled with Mud pieces, but the Pebble Bowl Large is one I reach for constantly. It’s striking enough to serve at the table, but also incredibly versatile. I recently baked Egyptian-style chicken and rice in it and served it straight from the oven. That balance of form and function is what makes it a forever piece in my home, and why I recommend it to others.
What’s next for Home Essentials?
We’re rebranding before Christmas, which is such an exciting milestone for us, and we’re opening a new store in Wellington next year. Alongside that, we’ll continue to expand our online and in-store experiences with inspiring new brands and categories.
homeessentials.co.nz • @homeessentials_nz • Shop 15, 18 Link Drive, Wairau Valley, 0627
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