Meet: Heather Hudson

NYC-based founder & owner of rūūm.

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Join us as we chat about sourcing pieces, differentiating yourself from the competition, theme songs, and more!

Before we start, for those who don’t know you, share with us what you do and where you’re based!

I’m based in NYC! I recently launched my small business rūūm (@ruum_nyc), where I sell vintage homewares sourced from estate sales, thrift stores, auctions, etc.

What brought you to New York? Did you know you always wanted to be here?

I grew up in Philadelphia until I was 10 years old, and my grandmother used to take me to NYC via train at least once per year. I was always excited by the pace of the city, and all the things there were to explore. She’s really the reason I’m here, NY was always the goal.

You have this incredible new creative project called rūūm! Tell us about it—how did it start, how did you come up with the name, etc.?

I actually think you may be credited with coming up with the name…it was 2019 and we just moved into our apartment in Brooklyn. I really loved decorating our place and initially wanted to start an Instagram account where I could share designers I loved or just my interior inspiration saves. I was always looking for unique pieces to fill our previous apartment with and my current apartment now. I loved finding those special pieces and thought rūūm could evolve into a place where I can share those finds with others.

Did you always love home decor, or was there something or someone who sort of flicked that light on for you?

I always loved interior design. I moved when I was 10 years old, which kind of felt like my life was being uprooted (dramatic, I know). My mom tried to make the experience more exciting by letting me have creative freedom decorating my new room. Naturally I chose pink and lime green wall colors. My childhood room in Philly was pink, so I wanted to pay homage to that room and incorporate the same color, but also freshen it up with the lime green (lol!). Going to art museums and galleries growing up I think made me appreciate small details in things and I got a better understanding of what caught my eye vs. what didn’t. My interior style is a little eclectic, but each piece in my home genuinely brings me joy.

How have you worked to differentiate rūūm from other vintage decor sellers?

I really try to source pieces that have history. They might not be in perfect condition, but I think that’s what makes them special. Estate sales are the best place to find those things, there’s a story behind every piece on rūūm. I also want to source items at an accessible price point.

Have you noticed your taste in decor change in terms of what you like now vs what you liked maybe 3 years ago?

Yes and no. I find myself drawn to different colors mainly the most. 3 years ago I feel like I identified with the color pink, and now I’m more drawn to deep blues and greens. Now I try to buy things less impulsively, I have to really love something to bring it into my home.

For someone who’s new to this world, but wants to add more personal & intentional touches to their space, what would you recommend they do first?

Find what you like vs. what you don’t like. Save the things you like by taking a photo of it– I find myself going back to pictures I take at museums or restaurants or galleries all the time for inspiration. Also flipping through books– one of my favorite books for interior inspo is Alex Eagle’s “More Than Just A House”. It’s such a fun book to flip through– there’s so many different personal styles to resonate with.

What’s one design/decor trend you love, and one you don’t love as much?

I love color and mixing design styles. For example, mixing modern and grandmillenial styles can create the perfect space if it’s done right. I think an all-white/neutral space with no color is my biggest fear.

What or who are inspirations for you right now?

I recently followed Vogue editor Naomi Elizée on IG. Her style is so fun yet effortless, the perfect embodiment of NY style. I love her space too, her coffee table was recently featured in Clever.

When you’re out sourcing, are you noting items that are in-trend, or do you mostly stick to pieces that you’re confident your customers will like as well? Do people ever ask you to source pieces?

I try to only source pieces that I would want in my own home, so it’s really a reflection of my personal style. People do reach out about sourcing specific pieces and I think that’s definitely a direction I see rūūm going in. If you’re looking for something specific, reach out over DM :)

One thing I have to note is the way you’ve curated rūūm’s social presence. It really feels like you’re inviting someone into your own personal “rūūm” of sorts. Was that intentional?

Yes! I want it to feel approachable. Most of the images are shot inside my apartment, so it really is a reflection of my personal space and style.

What’s your most favorite piece that you’ve sourced?

I think it has to be the marble chess set (pictured above). I saw a photo of it in an estate sale listing and literally looked up the floor plan of the house to find where it was in the house beforehand. I got there early and was second in line to grab it. (It’s still available, click here to purchase it!)

Let’s Get Deep

What’s your theme song?

Flowers by Sweet Female Attitude never gets old.

Night In or Night Out

Night in

When do you feel most you?

In my space, listening to a new playlist I made.

What’s something you’re obsessed with right now?

I really want a cat, so my Explore and For You pages have been filled with cat videos.

Call or Text?

Text

When’s the last time you cried?

I saw a TikTok of the PS22 chorus singing Lisztomania and have not been ok since.

When’s the last time you laughed (like big belly laugh)?

Watching my sweet grandmother ride in the electric wheelchair in Costco. She used her hands as a “turn signal” and waited until absolutely no one was near her to move.

Favorite follow on Tik Tok (besides rūūm, of course)?

@thepeoplegallery

Lastly, what’s one thing you would tell your 16 year-old self?

It’s all going to be okay. Be true to yourself, love what you love,

and don’t be afraid to speak up.