One of my favourite British designers Abigail Ahern, is headlining Decor + Design in Melbourne this month. I thought it was a great time to chat to her about her signature look and how we can all make our homes into places we really love.
“I’m going to be talking about turning ordinary homes into extraordinary spaces and giving people tips and tricks on how to do that,” Abigail says. “Your home should feel like somewhere you never want to leave, and make you feel great from the moment you put your key in the door. I’m not one of those designers that says you have to do that exactly how I’d do it, but we can all create spaces that feel a bit magical.”
Abigail, who says a home’s cosiness is probably its most important element, tells the story of a house she visited in The Cotswolds many years ago on a cold and misty day. “There was something about it that pulled me in and I didn’t know where to look. I came home and I thought I now really know what cosiness is. That started my journey to creating this kind of interior.”
She revealed she loves Australia and is excited to be back for the first time since 2017. As well as being a big fan of Selling Houses Australia and The Block star Shaynna Blaze, Abigail also enjoys our indoor/outdoor interiors and more relaxed vibe. “I really identify with it and we don’t do it quite so well in the UK.” She adds: “I love Melbourne and to me, Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”
One of the most underrated components in an interior is texture, according to Abigail. “No matter where you are in the world, it’s essential to creating that cosiness. Whether it’s slubby, hard or soft, adding texture really changes a space. It’s the quickest way of pepping up a room. It gives that feeling of cocooning and that you want to sit down and linger longer.”
If you find using pattern a bit scary, says Abigail, who just launched her wholesale business in America, texture is your go-to alternative. “You can’t really overdose on it. It’s a bit less scary and a fabulous decorating tool.”
Since covid, our idea of work/life balance has changed and our homes have to be so much more, says Abigail. “So it’s more important than ever that our homes bring us joy. It’s not about trends, it’s about creating timeless spaces we never want to leave. And this can literally affect our mental health and wellbeing.”
Abigail’s 3 quick fixes for your home
- Overdose on texture.
- Lighting can be a game changer. Think about cinematic, atmospheric, layered lighting.
- Something that’s rather magical and under considered is scale. Play around with something which is too big like a mirror. People get worried about adding something too big. If everything else is perfectly proportionate, it just adds that fairy dust magic.
Abigail has authored five books, has her own homewares and accessories range sold globally, a bricks and mortar store, and runs design masterclasses in her own home in East London.
Abigail is giving the keynote at Decor + Design from 12 noon until 1pm on Thursday 18 July 2024. Tickets are $99. Book now.
Interiors Addict is proud to be a media partner of the event once again, in its milestone 20th year.
Decor + Design and the Green Design Show | 17 to 19 July 2024 | Melbourne Exhibition Centre. This is a trade-only event.
