Interior designer Zimkita Sidumo swapped finance for interiors and hasn’t looked back. As co-owner of Blaque Pearl Lifestyle with Siyabesho Thutha, she brings a sharp, considered eye to commercial, residential and hospitality spaces. We put our eight go-to questions to her, and here’s what she had to say.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year? And why?
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin. I’ll admit, I was initially apprehensive. It’s by a Nigerian author, and I had it in my head that it would be heavy, bleak and demanding – more than I could handle at the time. When I picked it up, I was deep in the doldrums of grief after my dad had passed away just a couple of months before. I didn’t have the energy to read, or to do much of anything beyond getting through each day.
What struck me most was how unexpectedly humorous it is, especially given its melancholic undercurrent. I was completely surprised. Even in its darker moments, it never felt weighed down. It’s sharp, often funny and incredibly well written.
How do you keep fit?
Swimming, pilates, aqua aerobics and the very occasional hike. I’d include walking, but I doubt that afternoon beach dawdles qualify as a fitness regime.
Week-night, low-key restaurant go-to?
Gaucho in Linden has great cocktails and my favourite treats in one bowl: meat, chips and cheese. Sweeten it all with the chocolate-chip cookie skillet topped with ice cream, and you’ll be sent into a satisfying food coma.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why? You needn’t own it!
It wasn’t an artwork but an installation at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Imagine a ginormous terrarium of lush blooms, trees and gentle waterfalls that you could almost touch through a glass walking tunnel. It was majestic, and that sense of awe has stayed with me.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
I’m part of a book club, and I’m an avid swimmer with a couple of open-water races in my medal kit.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
Unusual, hmm. Stationery isn’t unusual, but I have an unusual infatuation with it. I have an organised drawer of coloured pencils, markers, pens, pastels, Post-its and an acrylic stapler that I don’t need to use but need to have. The acrylic stapler obviously matches the acrylic tray organiser that holds all my beloved stationery.
My laptop pouch houses my on-the-go coloured pens and cute mini highlighters in pretty pastel tones. Ask me when I last highlighted anything.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Jared Leto in My So-Called Life — I was besotted.
Three songs you’d take to a desert island?
Surely these would have to be songs that evoke a longing for a sea breeze and wonder. Figures by Bonobo, Newness by Nutty Nys and Warm by SG Lewis all fit the mood.
ALSO READ:
- The really useful guide to the best places to eat, shop and explore in Linden
- Eight questions for the interesting and interested: Sahil Harilal
- From flat whites to fashion: Inside the Marc’s by Marc Jacobs café
Top image: supplied.
Sign up to Currency’s weekly newsletters to receive your own bulletin of weekday news and weekend treats. Register here.
