When Jo Azevedo started creating interiors for her husband’s building business six years ago, she became hooked on forming the ultimate space. “I designed interiors for entire new-builds and smaller renovation projects,” Jo says. “It became a huge passion of mine that only grew deeper over the years.” Now she’s helping others create their own beautiful interiors through her homeware store, which opened last year.

Zavedo, in Silverdale, north Auckland (and also online), offers decor items from both established and emerging designers, here and overseas. “With Zavedo, we want to bring back the quality and exclusivity of handmade products and present ‘handicrafts’ as sophisticated art from passionate people,” Jo says.

Zavedo stocks everything from homeware by Broste Copenhagen and Monmouth Glass Studio to furniture by Danish brand Hay, design magazines and books and a new glassware collection from New York brand Good Thing.

Having once worked as head designer for a fashion label, Jo says her taste has evolved. “I’ve become more interested in creating soft, warm, minimalist spaces that are comfortable, welcoming and have a sense of serenity. To me, comfort is a spiritual as well as a physical sensation. But above all, I choose what I love, follow my instinct and don’t follow the crowd.” Zavedo will soon provide personal styling and interior design services, too.