This week on the Home Life Series, we're in the kitchen with the incredible Therese Lum, the creative force behind Therese Lum Cakes. Her story is as sweet as the treats she bakes, with a passion for food that’s as vibrant as the colours in her home.
Born from the joyful chaos of family gatherings and the love of sharing meals, Therese has turned her passion for pastry into a thriving venture. From long, laughter-filled meals around her grandparents’ table to her show-stopping appearance on MasterChef, Therese has always believed that dessert should be as much about beauty as it is about taste, and we couldn't agree more. We're lucky to get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, from her favourite recipes that never fail to impress, to the design of her home. Keep reading to see how every corner of Therese’s world is full with her energy and sense of style.
We’re so excited to be in your home, Therese! Let’s start with the heart of it all, your passion for food. Can you take us back to where it all began? What first sparked your love for cooking, and how has that passion grown into the vibrant lifestyle you lead today?
Growing up in a large, extended family, my passion for food began at an early age rooted in large gatherings around my grandparent’s dining table. I was always involved in prep and that helped spark my curiosity by how simple ingredients could bring people together and create lasting memories.
Over time, what started as a love for comforting home-cooked meals grew into a deeper appreciation for the art and science of food. I began experimenting in the kitchen, learning from cookbooks, food shows, and trial and error, finding excitement in turning simple ideas into something special, and quickly realised how joyful it was for me to share my creations with others.
That passion has now evolved into a lifestyle as a way of expressing myself and connecting with others. Today, I'm grateful that I get to channel that love into creating desserts, sharing recipes, and inspiring others to find joy in the kitchen.
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Food is so central to everything you do. How does your love for cooking and sharing meals flow into your day-to-day home life?
Food plays such a deep meaningful role in my daily home life because it's how I express myself - my love, my creativity, and a medium for creating lasting memories through connection. It's also a daily ritual for me and how I like to unwind, like a grounding act of care for myself.
Do you have a favourite dish you turn to when entertaining friends and family? What is it about that recipe that makes it a go-to for you?
My favourite go-to dish is a TIRAMISU! Not only is it a crowd-pleasing indulgent dessert with its combination of creamy, velvety mascarpone layers with coffee-soaked sponge fingers, but its also very easy to whip up and in large quantities - making it perfect for hosting without too much stress. What I love most is its versatility - you can switch up the flavours to make each version unique!
Whether it’s a classic coffee tiramisu, a fruity variation, or a tea-infuse twist, there’s endless room to get creative and keep guests excited. It’s truly a dessert that never disappoints!
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Your home is so warm and welcoming, there’s a lot of personality in every corner. How would you describe the overall feel of your space? Are there any design elements, colours, or pieces that reflect who you are and make the home feel uniquely yours?
The overall feel of my space could be described as intentional yet eclectic—a harmonious balance of clean lines, contrasting textures, and bold details. It's a blend of earthy tones and textures, grounded by soft neutrals, balanced with pops of vibrant colour and playful shapes to bring energy and movement.
I feel my statement couch and coffee table anchor the room, while unique decor elements – like my wavy disco mirror, Balinese wood masks, and sentimental artworks – serve as focal points and conversation starters, each reflecting my unique style and personal story.
I wanted to make my home a space where I feel grounded and inspired, where every item has meaning or purpose so every piece in my home has been thoughtfully chosen over time, reflecting my personality and creativity with care and intention.
We’re always inspired by your cooking, but we’re curious - who inspires YOU in the kitchen?
I find inspiration in so many mediums when it comes to the kitchen. Chefs like Amaury Guichon, Cedric Grolet, Will Goldfarb, Christian Puglisi and Josh Niland (just to name a few) have shown me different ways on how to push boundaries with ingredients, techniques, and flavour, redefining what is possible in the kitchen. Their work inspires me to push the boundaries in my own work and approach food as an art form and a means of connection and sustenance.
Beyond famous chefs, I also find inspiration in art, traveling, and everyday cooks - family, friends, and strangers who share their stories and traditions.
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Of course, we know you’re all about great food, but we’d love to hear more about the other side of your life. When you’re not cooking or entertaining, what does a typical day look like for you? How do you like to unwind and recharge away from the kitchen?
My day usually involves a mix of creating, connecting, and recharging. When possible, I cherish slow mornings with quiet time savouring a cup of coffee while planning and prioritising my week, or brainstorming ideas for recipes or content. Afternoons are spent catching up on errands or enjoying self-care activities like taking a Pilates class or getting lost in a good book in the sun.
As a bit of a night owl, I savour the evenings, taking my time with my skincare routine and reflecting on the day through journaling. I also jot down any sparks of inspiration that come, creating a sense of calm and helps prepare me for a restful sleep.
Summer is the season of entertaining, so we’re curious: what food trends or exciting flavours are on your radar? Is there anything new or unexpected that you’re especially excited about right now?
One combination that I love right now is vanilla gelato drizzled with good-quality aged balsamic vinegar. It's an unexpected yet harmonious pairing because it balances contrasting flavours and textures in a way that hits all the senses in your palate. The creamy smooth richness of the vanilla gelato is the perfect canvas for the tangy, sweet, syrupy consistency of the aged balsamic.
The vinegar’s syrupy consistency complements the gelato’s velvety texture, while its sweet and sour notes enhance the vanilla’s natural warmth. I love how this combination plays with the idea of opposites attracting, creating a dessert that’s simple yet sophisticated—a conversation starter for summer entertaining.
As for food trends and exciting flavours, I love the growing focus on savoury-sweet hybrids in desserts (e.g. miso caramel, chilli chocolate) and global flavour fusion (e.g. matcha strawberry drinks, tahini chocolate cake). What’s most exciting is how these flavour combinations surprise the palate while staying rooted in tradition.
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