Homegirl London pays homage to Skate-Home. As the name implies – this company is all about making home products out of skateboards. This is the genius idea from skateboarder Manuel Llorens Segura and interior designer María Tamarit Hernandez.
It all started in May 2011 when Maria set about making a shoe shelf and ended up using one of the kid’s skateboards. A light bulb went off and a flood of ideas started pouring out about quirky and innovative uses for skateboards as furniture and accessories. The collection has expanded to include; seating, shelves, hangers, mirrors, lighting, clocks and bookends. I caught up with the duo to find out more …
Q: How did you meet?
A: 15 years ago met at a party and fell in love so we got married and now have two children.
Q: Tell me about your design backgrounds.
A: Manuel is an architect and skateboarder and María Tamarit is an interior designer.
Q: Why set up your business?
A: We needed a shoe shelf and Maria came up with the idea of using one of the kid’s skateboards. After seeing the result we decided to make other designs. Maria used to run her own home decor business so had many ideas in her mind. That’s how we brought together our two passions in life (skateboarding + interior design).
Skate-Home Products
Q: Where are you based?
A: We have offices in Valencia (where we live) and also in France plus we have a global presence through selling online.
Q: How many people work at your company?
A: The two of us alongside carpenters, upholsterers and painters.
Skate-Home Pivot Grind Coat Rack, 139 Euros
Q: Describe your design style.
A: Quirky and contemporary skater.
Skate-Home Manual Mirror, 129 Euros
Q: Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
A: It all stems from what we can make with a skateboard so that’s our main inspiration.
Q: Tell me about your products.
A: We make; armchairs, stools, shelves, hangers, mirrors, lighting, clocks and bookends which are all named after skateboarding tricks.
Skate-Home Indy Chair, 590 Euros 
Skate-Home Nollie Flip Stool, 149 Euros
Skate-Home Tail Stop, 89 Euros
Q: What’s your fascination with skateboarding?
A: Manuel – It makes me happy and gives me a sense of freedom. Llorens – I love the simple design of the skateboards, which of course are perfect for making pieces of furniture and home accessories.
Q: Which creative person do you admire and why?
A: Caltrava Santiago is a magnificent architect.
Q: What’s the best thing about owning your own business?
A: Being able to surround yourself with what you like.
Q: What one piece of advice would you pass on to someone wanting to set up their own business?
A: Be brave and trust in your product.
To find out more about this business and to buy products go to Skate Home. Credits: text by Homegirl London, images courtesy of Skate-Home, special thanks to Manuel Llorens Segura and María Tamarit Hernandez.
