Donna Ida Asks Abigail Ahern
There are some people whose homes tell you everything you need to know about them. Abigail Ahern is one of those people.
From the moment you step through the door, every detail feels considered. The colours, textures and atmosphere come together to create a home that is unmistakably hers.
Recently, Donna spent the morning with Abigail talking fashion, interiors and personal style. Despite working in different industries, they quickly discovered a shared philosophy. Whether it's building a wardrobe or creating a home, the most important thing is finding what feels authentic to you.
Over coffee, Donna asked Abigail a series of quick-fire questions covering everything from decorating advice and dream spaces to faux flowers, favourite cities and, of course, jeans.
Read on to discover Abigail's answers, Donna's edit of favourite Abigail Ahern pieces, and an exclusive 15% offer for Donna Ida customers.
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Donna: If you lived in an enormous house but could only paint it one colour, inside and out, what would that colour be?
Ooh that’s a great question and quite hard to answer as I love colour, especially saturated earthy hues. So if I had to pick just one, it would be a gentle mid brown hue as it’s a timeless colour, which connects us reassuringly to nature and is beautiful to use in any room in the house and outside too.
Donna: If you lived in a teeny little studio apartment, and could only paint it in one colour, what would that colour be?
I think it would have to be the same, a mid tone brown maybe with pinky undertones. Mid tone colours work so well at making you feel enveloped and cosy but at the same time creating the most beautiful backdrop to your furniture, and accessories.
Donna: If you were only allowed one statement piece from Abigail Ahern in your house, and everything else had to be from IKEA, what would that item be?
That would have to be our Lazzaro chandelier - it’s a beautiful huge statement piece and I have used a couple of them around my house, including over my dining table. It creates instant wow factor and I love that it has a vintage inspired look, it creates magic in any room you put it in even when it’s turned off.
Donna: If you were only allowed to burn one candle scent for the rest of your life, what scent could you live with for eternity?
Ooh I’m gonna have to choose an alternative to a candle as I’m obsessed with pot pourri from Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, it’s made from organic herbs and spices collected in the Florentine hills and I decant it all over the house so that I have an underlying layer of scent as you transition from room to room or as soon as you walk through the door. It’s such an intoxicating scent that lasts for ages.
Donna: If you could only wear jeans or dresses for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?
Jeans jeans jeans! You can dress them up or down, perfect for any occasion and when you get the right pair (like your Hope jeans that I’m literally obsessed with), they are sooo comfy and I love that they are just such an effortless piece of clothing we can just grab and go and they instantly make you feel great.
Donna: If you had to choose between faux and fresh flowers, you can't have both, which one would you choose?
Faux. Always! They become part of the everyday narrative of your home, a brilliant way to add year round beauty with very little maintenance. Our collection ventures into the unexpected and as well as the big blousy garden blooms I champion gnarly stems and abundant foliage to give a much more natural look, connecting your home to the landscape and the changing seasons. Fresh flowers are amazing but faux can give you more creative freedom, without the restrictions, decay and fleeting presence.
Donna: If you could live in a townhouse or a lateral space, which would you prefer?
Lateral space for sure. I’ve lived in a townhouse for over 20 years so feel like I’ve done that. The thought where everything is on just one level where there is a wonderful sense of connectivity and flow creating a seamless rhythm is what I would go for. Also from a design perspective, lateral spaces allow for better sightlines and a stronger sense of cohesion throughout.
Donna: Pick one, London, New York, or Paris?
That is so hard, but probably New York I am there so often and know the city so well now!
Inspired by Abigail's world, Donna selected three favourite pieces from the collection: the Nola Faux Shearling Armchair, Rosehip Bunch and Alston Table Lamp.
Explore the Abigail Ahern collection and enjoy 15% off with code DONNA15.