Four

Abigail Ahern

BY Christina Teresinski, August 15, 2011

This is a much less sinister tale. It is one of moody paint palettes, plush poufs and a pooch named Maud.

Abigail Ahern is considered one of UK’s hottest interior designers with a bevy of truly inspiring commercial and domestic transformations under her fashionable belt, her eponymous retail store in London, a published book on decorating, and a signature product range to die for. We caught up with Abigail on her recent trip to Australia and over a Pimms No.1, discussed the rise and fall of white walls, the printed pattern chaos theory and all things doggie related.

A happy accident brought Abigail into the world of interior design professionally. After cutting her teeth as a picture editor at Terence Conran Publishing, a move to America with her husband Graham (working for Ford in Detroit), opened up new opportunities. A misinterpreted dialogue during an interview with a fresh, young architecture firm put breeze in the sails of this interior maiden’s journey which went something like this; did she create those images in the Conran books? yes (well no technically, unbeknown to the firm – but she could). Thrown in at the deep end and by undertaking a secret degree by night, sleep deprivation and sheer determination she did – the rest, they say is history.

After working for four years on some magnificent houses on the Lakes of Detroit, industrial warehouse conversions and pushing the conservative client’s boundaries with her English eccentricity and flamboyant style, Abigail was ready to spread her wings on home soil.  Shelter magazine styling beckoned, then commissions and the birth of an ‘order by catalogue’ edited range of products. Abigail sourced these items from interesting makers and creators, which were then stocked by the likes of Nicole Farhi and Donna Karen in their lifestyle stores. A new energy and approach was injected into the staid English style of cabbage rose walls and matching twee upholstery.

Her store, Atelier Abigail Ahern in Islington is an expression of her eclectic, bold approach to interior design. An ever-evolving collection of desirable furniture, art and accessories compliment Abigail’s own signature product range. Her first foray into product development – a collection of quirky animal lamps has been stupendously well received with world wide press coverage including the Los Angeles Times and US People Magazine. She now counts Robert Downey Jnr and Robbie Williams amongst the proud custodians of her bulldogs and greyhound lights.

How did you move across to the dark side?

After moving back to London and buying an 1860’s East London home, a simple palette of white walls for our textured furniture and pieces suited our busy lifestyles. The moody palette was forced upon us in a hurry when the editor of Elle Decor Italia spotted a photo of my one grey room in the house. Expecting to shoot the whole house in grey, I had to recruitGraham to help me transform every room over to the dark side in three weeks in readiness for the photo-shoot. I haven’t looked back.

First decorating memory…

As a 6 year old, I forced my sister to use our pocket money to change the carpet in the bedroom.

Tell us about Maud?

Maud is a Welsh terrier, a great little character, full of personality and very friendly. She hides bones from everyone and will discreetly dig them up and bring them on the bed when we are sleeping. We often wake up the to the smell of earth and decay.

Does she share your passion for decorating?

She gets really excited when new products arrive. She is a valued member of our small team and gives us a great excuse to drop everything for a mid afternoon break and cuddle.

What makes Maud’s heart sing?

Going to Dog School every Wednesday. She is the teacher’s pet (no pun intended) and sits in the front of the bus. She also has her own passport. When we are in Paris, Maud goes to French School which she absolutely loves!

A typical day for Maud?

Up at 8am, walk in the park with Graham, snoozing all morning on her well worn (and nibbled) leather arm chair, snooze, afternoon walk with me to clear the head, time to play in the evening.

Describe Maud in 4 words?

Drama queen, a madame, loving, full of character.

What’s next?

Launching the Animal Lights range to store buyers this month at the International Fair in New York + 70′s/Moroccan-inspired soft furnishings, throws and cushions to be launched at Maison Objet in Paris this September. Stay tuned.

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Naughty or nice? Naughty. Autumn or Spring? Spring. Round or Square? Round. Sweet or Sour? Sour.Train or Plane? Plane. Country or City? Country. Animal? Horse.Vegetable? Aubergine.Mineral? Salt.

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All images courtesy of Abigail Ahern
Abigail’s portrait by Mel Yates
atelierabigailahern.com

Tags Architecture, Book, Decor, Interiors, Lamps