Good design, good materials, bye for now.

Since launching Noho in March 2020, our focus has been on bringing beautiful, quality furniture to homes. Furniture designed for a purpose, that is carefully considered for health and comfort, from sustainable materials, and to be here for a good time and a long time.

But all good things must come to an end. After much consideration, we’ve made the tough decision to close our U.S. online store and cease operations from May 15, 2025.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support has meant the world to us, and we’re incredibly grateful for this warm, design-focused community.

While our U.S. chapter is closing, Noho will continue in New Zealand. If you’d like to stay connected, follow our journey on Instagram.

If you need customer support or have a question about your warranty, our team is here to help—just with reduced hours at the moment. Feel free to reach out to us at hello@noho.co, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Best, The Noho Team

Situated on the historic site of The Café de Paris Inn—an iconic landmark with a rich heritage in Te Papaioea Palmerston North—‘Strip Mall’ is a striking mixed-use development designed by Space Craft Architects. The building houses owners Jemma Cheer and Adam Curry’s businesses, Jemma Cheer Design and Central Bicycle Studio, with a modern residential space above. Featuring bold interior colors and durable materials, the design seamlessly blends functionality with flair. We spoke to Jemma and Adam about the build, its history, and the role sustainability and craftsmanship played in their choices, including the incorporation of our Lightly chairs.

We’d love to start with the history of the site. Formerly the site of the ‘Cafe de Paris Inn’—which has a very iconic, rich heritage in Te Papaoiea Palmerston North. Did the site history influence the vision for the project in any way?

We explored the site's history, but we didn’t let it directly influence the aesthetics or function of what we built. As part of the city council's regulations, we needed to architecturally respond to the New Railway Hotel, which sits next to us and is a historic building. That requirement influenced some of Space Craft's detailing and scale decisions for the upstairs front windows facing the park.

Despite not taking any tangible influence from the site’s past, it does mean a lot to us to be part of the history of such an iconic spot. The legacy of being one of the oldest areas in town, providing service and shelter for all kinds of fun-loving locals, gives us the sense we’re in the right place and the motivation to keep pushing.

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What inspired your decision to develop a mixed-use space blending commercial and residential?

Our inspiration was drawn from both necessity and desire. We had been living and working in close quarters in Palmy already, so we knew the lifestyle worked for us. It made sense to combine both of our businesses with our private residence so we could make the most of our time, ideas, and resources. The simplicity of having commercial spaces that we worked from and welcomed people to everyday downstairs, while having a residential retreat upstairs, excited us. We also knew this form of development is important for future-proofing cities, so it’s nice to take the lead in our hometown.

Were there specific design principles or aesthetics that guided your interior choices in furniture and art?

For every decision we make for interiors, we look for color, texture, layers, quality, and comfort. We don't have a strict plan, and the collecting is ongoing, but we have a decent awareness of good New Zealand suppliers and have some artist friends who have set us in the right direction. We prioritise locally made first and always go for the boldest color if there are options. No decisions are taken too seriously – if it fits the space and looks fun to live with, we go for it.

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What role did sustainability or craftsmanship play in your furniture and decor decisions?

Both are core values for our businesses, so they intrinsically link with decisions we make outside of work. Sourcing local furniture and art is always a priority, and making decisions we know we’ll love living with for a long time is key. We often become sentimental about objects if we know their backstory – we love a good yarn that we can share with visiting friends, or use as inspiration every day looking around our home.

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How do the Lightly chairs contribute to the overall atmosphere and functionality of your dining space?

The Lightly chairs contrast so beautifully with our wood oval dining table [Fragment Dining Table by Simon James] and cork floors, giving the room a fun push and pull of natural textures and colour. We have two in each color (seating 12 total) and alternate the colors so they’re all mixed up. Conveniently, each color speaks to something else in and around our home, which makes for a nice medley. We’ll often take a few outside to our patio, which is super easy since they’re stackable and light. We’ve sat in them with friends for hours chatting away, and guests often ask about them on their way out, noticing how comfortable they’ve been.

Jemma, how has your background in graphic design influenced your approach to the architecture and interior design of the apartment?

Trusting the process and knowing it’s best to get the right people involved at the right times is a skill I’m grateful to have developed from my graphic design practice. Following intuition and responding to change rather than resisting it is another one. If a certain product or color isn’t available, that’s no problem – it’s just another chance to have some fun and find a new way to go. We both have strong imaginations, which is helpful in those early stages (though it’s incredible how close Space Craft's renders are to the real deal!). But much like anything, communication is key. Being able to articulate what you’re thinking or feeling is super valuable. An understanding of color and scale has influenced what we’ve done with the interiors, and we do love the good old form follows function principle.

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We’re a huge fan of the color palette—the bright blue framing and yellow mesh panels. What inspired you and Space Craft Architects to push the boundaries of colour in this space? How do these contrasts influence the overall mood and functionality of the home?

Space Craft led the way with that, and we were more than happy to follow. Painting the steel beams bright blue highlights the structure of the buildings, which we’re proud of. There are no load-bearing walls, which means the spaces can be completely reformatted once we’re done with them (a long time from now, hopefully!). Bringing the bright blue and yellows through all spaces means you’ve got a sense of place no matter where you are in the building, and we’ve amped it up from there in various forms. For our work spaces, we’ve kept the finishings fairly neutral with woods and metals, but in our residential space, we’ve opted for a more-is-more approach and layered on the color. Living with so much color is simultaneously energising and relaxing for us. The color density and combinations we see in nature when we’re out riding our bikes can be pretty hectic, which we feel gives us permission to reflect this within our home.

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Are there particular design principles from your graphic design practice that you see reflected in the layout, color choices, or furnishings?

All the basics, which are always easier said than done! Form follows function, keeping it simple, staying true to your vision, within the particular lies the universal… Being a client of both Space Craft and ourselves has been an enlightening experience, which gives us even more respect for our own clients. There’s so much trust involved with anything design-related, but when done in good faith, it can truly exceed expectations and have a positive impact on what your day-to-day looks and feels like.

A mix of Sunshine yellow, Ironsand black, Mist white, Glacier blue & Stone Grey Lightly chairs surround the Fragment Oval Dining Table by Simon James.

And a few quick-fire questions to finish:

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Describe your style in three words: Playful. Functional. Natural.

What is your favourite book? (and favourite chair to read it in)? Too many (books) to name considering the quick-fire premise, so will just go with the most recent one: Blue Nights by Joan Didion, read mostly in our single-seater orange couch by Snelling.

Who’s your favourite artist? Oh gosh, too hard! Sandy Adsett, Grace Wright, Jeremy Fish, The Beatles…

If you could have dinner with two famous people, dead or alive, who would they be? Meryl Streep and Questlove.

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Strip-Mall was recently awarded Winner 2024 HERE Awards, Density, and Runner-up in Best House Aotearoa.

Design: Space Craft Architects
Photography: David Straight

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Mai Nguyen has an eye for balancing contemporary and classic pieces in her stunning home in Houston, Texas. We chat to her about her timeless aesthetic, form vs function, and her life as a content creator and busy mom of two.

We have been delighted to work with you over the last year and can't wait to see how it evolves. Firstly, though, can you fill us in on your journey so far, what you do, and how you got here?

Thank you so much! I’m so happy to be working with you, too! My journey has been a creative adventure. Starting from my first apartment with Josh back in 2020, my passion for interior design ignited. I've been a content creator ever since, documenting our evolving spaces and design projects. Now, as a full-time content creator, freelancing various creative work, and embracing the role of a full-time mom, it's a fulfilling blend of creativity and family. I'm excited to continue this journey and share more home and lifestyle inspiration!

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What does a typical day in the life of Mai look like?

A typical day in my life involves waking up to tend to my little ones. After that, it's breakfast time for us. Amidst multitasking mom duties, I navigate through emails and manage content scheduling and posting. Striking a balance between creative work and mom responsibilities is a juggling act, and although I hope for a better balance this new year, for now, it's a rewarding mix of both worlds as the kids are still quite young.

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You live in Houston—What do the real locals do in the city? Food, entertainment, shopping hot spots?

Houston locals enjoy the vibrant food scene, which doubles as both entertainment and a hotspot. Family time at the numerous parks is a favorite, especially for the kids. When it comes to activities, exploring local events and discovering hidden food gems are popular among real locals.

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We fell in love with your interior design aesthetic as soon as we landed on your Instagram page. Can you tell us about where your appreciation of design comes from?

That is sweet, thank you! The appreciation for design comes from a mix of personal experiences, a passion for my own aesthetic, and a desire to create a comfortable and stylish home for my family.

You have such a good eye for balancing contemporary and classic pieces; is that something you consciously do? How do you stay abreast of contemporary design and trends?

Finding that balance between contemporary and classic pieces is definitely intentional. I like to keep it fun at home with a mix of timeless and current elements. To stay updated on what’s new in design, I regularly explore design blogs and follow those blogs as well as influential designers on social media.

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Mid-century, Modern, Memphis. What eras are you most influenced by?

I find influence in a bit of everything – the vibrant colors of Memphis, the sleek lines of Mid-century, and the modern functionality that feels like art. Each era contributes to a unique blend that shapes my design choices and adds a dynamic touch to our living spaces.

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Form vs Function?

For me, it's all about the balance of form and function. They go hand in hand, creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a practical purpose. Striking that equilibrium ensures a harmonious and functional living environment.

What is your most cherished item of furniture?

My most cherished item is definitely our Noguchi table and the Floyd bed. They've been with us from the start, serving as the foundation for our home. The sentimental value they hold, being part of our journey from the beginning, makes them irreplaceable.

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I believe you have done some of your own furniture design; how was the experience? Any more pieces in the pipeline?

Absolutely! Collaborating on the iChair with Rift Furniture was an incredible experience. It took about a year, emphasizing the dedication to crafting good design. Currently, I'm thrilled to be working on a new collaboration, and while I can't reveal the details just yet, it'll be disclosed this year.

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You were introduced to our new Lightly Chair earlier this year and partnered with us on some great content. We really admired the creative you did for us. What drew you to our brand and the Lightly Chair?

I was genuinely drawn to your brand's aesthetic and commitment to quality. The Lightly Chair, with its sleek design and versatility, immediately caught my eye. Partnering with you allowed me to explore and showcase the chair's unique features creatively. Your brand resonates with my design preferences, making it a seamless and enjoyable collaboration. Looking forward to more creative ventures together!

And a few quick-fire questions to finish.

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Describe your style in three words: Eclectic, Modern, Inviting

What is your favorite book (and favorite chair to read it in)? Currently immersed in "Shoe Dog," and my reading haven is the bed, taking advantage of babies' naptime. It's amazing how they sense when I'm not in the room, making multitasking a lifesaver. No specific chair, just the cozy comfort of the bed.

If you could have dinner with two famous people, dead or alive, who would they be? Jesus and Adam Sandler

Who's your favorite artist? Selecting one favorite artist is tough, but I'm currently captivated by the work of Yayoi Kusama for her vibrant and immersive installations. The way she explores patterns and infinity is truly inspiring.

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Follow Mai on Insta @yellomai

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Based in San Francisco, Aden & Vivid have a home of dreams—bright, colorful and design-inspired. We ask Aden about his interior design style, the furniture of his dreams, and of course, we get all the details on his gorgeous pooch, Muffin.

You have a pretty amazing job as a Product Designer at Meta, and an even more interesting past in the military. Can you fill us in on your journey so far and your transition into the world of UX/UI and design?

I have quite a diverse background. After obtaining my business degree in Singapore, I felt a bit uncertain about my future. Returning to the USA, I took on various jobs such as driving for rideshare services and working as a gate agent for Frontier Airlines and Philippine Airlines at the San Francisco International Airport. It wasn't until I realized that I needed a way to fuel my passion for design. Joining the Army became a shortcut to support my career growth due to the incredible benefits it offered. I taught myself front-end development and gradually transitioned into UX/UI design, laying the foundation for my role as a Product Designer at Meta.

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What does a typical day in the life of Aden look like?

Similar to a typical 9-to-5 routine, I sometimes wake up a bit earlier depending on whether I need to return to the office that day. It takes approximately an hour to drive from my home to the office. My daily schedule involves numerous meetings with cross-functional partners within the team to identify problems, explore new opportunities, and align on product strategies. I'd estimate my time breakdown as 50% strategy, 30% alignment, and 20% design.

Aside from my full-time work, I also create content at home whenever I find the time. I'm quite efficient in content creation, able to produce something from ideation to execution in as little as 20 minutes. We tend to have dinner early, so I start cooking around 5 pm. My favorite part of the day is settling down in the living room with my wife, Vivid, and our pet Muffin, to watch a TV show after dinner.

I've mentioned to everyone that, as a content creator, there's never really a break because I'm constantly brainstorming new content ideas and figuring out how to bring them to life.

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We first met you in San Francisco in 2022 at the New Zealand Design Pavilion, where you met one of our CEO's, Kent Parker and were introduced to our Noho Move Chair. What do you remember about the experience? What did it teach you about New Zealand design?

As soon as I stepped into the New Zealand Design Pavilion venue, the emphasis on sustainability was evident in its decor. Among the exhibits, Noho particularly captured my attention due to their commitment to sustainability in crafting their chairs. I vividly recall the [Noho] Move chair, constructed from discarded materials like fishing nets and old carpets, which truly amazed me. What stuck with me the most was Kent's infectious passion for design. Kent, a genuine craftsman, enthusiastically explained the intricate development process of the [Noho] Move chair, highlighting the clever mechanisms embedded within it.

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You were introduced to our new Lightly Chair earlier this year and partnered with us on some great content. We really admired the creative you did for us. What drew you to our brand and the Lightly Chair?

My connection with Noho is personal. Meeting the CEO and learning the brand's story turned me into a fan. I introduced the Noho Move chair to many colleagues, and some even bought it and adore it. However, the Move chair wasn't something I'd pair with my dining table or for guests; [for me] it's more of a task chair. I believe the introduction of the Lightly chair fills that gap perfectly. I adore its lightweight yet durable build, its subtle yet colorful design that complements any aesthetic. It's a highly functional chair that's also incredibly space-saving due to its stacking capability. Lightly evokes thoughts of bamboo for me; they're simple yet remarkably versatile.

We fell in love with your interior design aesthetic as soon as we landed on your Instagram page. Can you tell us about your style and how you and your wife, Vivid, have collaborated?

At first, Vivid and I had contrasting interior design preferences. She favored the post-modern and mid-century aesthetic, while I was inclined towards minimalist, space-age contemporary styles. Finding common ground was challenging, resulting in a unique blend that makes it hard to pinpoint our home's style. It represents a perfect balance between our individual tastes, requiring empathy, collaboration, partnership, compromises, and acceptance to achieve a harmonious marriage of designs.

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Where do you draw your interior inspiration from?

My wife and I find inspiration in various sources such as magazines, interior design accounts on social media platforms like Instagram, and visits to furniture shops. Additionally, we draw from the urban atmosphere to define the color scheme within our home.

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Do you have any favorite furniture pieces? Can you tell us about those?

I always tell people that my favorite piece of furniture is the Rotganzen spring stool. It sparks childhood playground memories and brings me joy every time I see it. My second favorite is the Vitsoe 606 wall shelf system. I love its minimal yet functional appearance, adding character to the vast white wall in my loft.

What draws you to a piece of furniture? Are there any interesting stories behind your pieces?

Aesthetic and functionality are our top priorities. We began furnishing our home with the Ligne Roset Togo sofa. Ordering it at the start of the pandemic, when factories and shops were closing, meant it took about 6 months to arrive. However, this process led us to forge a friendship with the owner of the Ligne Roset San Francisco shop. It was also our first lesson in home furnishing: patience is key, good things take time.

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What piece of furniture is next on your shopping list? Do you have a dream piece you’d love to own one day?

As my home reaches its capacity and we're running out of space for larger furniture pieces, we've become very selective about our next acquisitions. Perhaps there's space for a few more lamps, such as the Lampadaire Modulation by Axel Chay or the Luminator floor lamp by Flos. However, I'm particularly eager to acquire the Straw from Rotganzen to complement my 14-foot wall.

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We’re also huge fans of Muffin, your gorgeous Shiba Inu, who features a lot in your content. She looks like such a character—does she have a favorite hang-out spot in your home?

Everyone adores Muffin! She's undoubtedly the star of our home. With a skylight in our living room, sunlight streams through, creating perfect spots for Muffin to nap. She enjoys basking in the sun's rays wherever they land. Additionally, she's fond of sitting under our dining table, nestled next to our legs while we work.

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You live in San Francisco—What do the real locals do in the city? Food, entertainment, shopping hot spots?

I'm not much of a shopper, so I might not have the best shopping advice. However, there are a few areas in San Francisco where locals like to spend time. The Mission district, known for its Hispanic community, offers fantastic Mexican cuisine. My favorite burrito joint happens to be there. Another great spot is the Marina, offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, along with plenty of charming shops on Chestnut Street. It has a different vibe compared to the Mission. Surprisingly, my new personal favorite spot is Chinatown. Despite living in San Francisco for over 5 years, I only started exploring it more when my in-laws visited. San Francisco's Chinatown feels like a bubble untouched by time. The district has retained its charm for decades, and the locals are incredibly kind and down-to-earth. I enjoy visiting for street photography, and thanks to my in-laws, I've discovered some excellent Chinese restaurants that have become new favorites of mine.

And a few quick-fire questions to finish.

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Describe your style in three words. Functional, Playful, Eclectic.

What is your favorite book (and favorite chair to read it in)? My favorite book is Jean Jullien and my favorite chair to read it is in the Herman Miller Chiclet Sofa.

Who’s your favorite artist? There are numerous incredible artists out there, but being Chinese, I have a special fondness for the works of contemporary artist Ai Weiwei. His artistry captivates me, particularly his knack for crafting patterns through meticulous stacking and the powerful messages he conveys through his art, channelling his emotions and thoughts.

If you could have dinner with two famous people, dead or alive, who would they be? This is a challenging question since it's something I've never been asked before. As someone who appreciates mid-century design, I would cherish the opportunity to have dinner with the late George Nelson. He remains one of my favorite industrial designers, having created numerous timeless pieces. I personally own some of his creations, such as the Thin Edge bed and the Swag leg armchair. Meeting him would be an incredible chance to learn from his expertise in furniture design and gain insights into how he conceived the enduring ideas that continue to captivate us today.

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Follow Aden on Insta @adenwang

Our Lightly chair, designed by Formway, has been awarded 'Furniture Design of the Year 2023' by Dezeen—the world's most influential architecture, interiors and design magazine.

Lightly is designed to fit today's world—dense, busy, variable, and environmentally conscious. Made from plant-based polymers and recycled waste, Lightly is our lightweight, stackable, durable chair designed to do it all with less.

Here’s what the judges had to say: “Well constructed, lightweight and stackable chair with an elegant form. A chair for many environments, using a minimal amount of materials and avoiding too many composites to aid with recycling.”

We’ve heard many times from the team at Formway that they don’t design products to win awards. Their passion for delivering on the unmet needs of people and the planet compels them to design products of real value and create experiences that surprise and delight. This is the case for Lightly as well. From market research to manufacturing, from material selection to shipping, every aspect of Lightly's design process is considered.

Lightly chairs are perfect as a dining set at home or en masse for events and in hospitality settings.

Lightly chairs are designed for the modern home, where life can go from peaceful to chaotic in an instant. From two extra guests to ten, Lightly brings dependable versatility, is designed to be as light and as strong as possible to support the demands of home life, and reduce environmental impact by using better materials in a better way.

Weighing just 6 lbs (2.75 kg), Lightly is made possible through a revolutionary plant-based polymer—a material used in demanding conditions by the automotive industry. This strong, stable material makes the ambitiously fine and complex frame possible, allowing design freedom to create a distinctive, light chair that exceeds commercial durability and safety standards. Formway’s ergonomic expertise means Lightly is as comfortable as it is versatile, suiting compact urban homes through to commercial spaces.

Lightly also comes in an upholstered version with color-matched fabric made from sustainably sourced New Zealand wool that is naturally durable and luxuriously soft.

Lightly was one of nine design winners. This year’s awards attracted over 4,800 entries from 94 countries around the globe.

Thank you, Dezeen.

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For full details on the award win, visit Dezeen here.

Experience Lightly at home, shop now.