MY FIRST HOUSE TOUR AND Q&A: ABIGAIL AHERN

Hi everybody! The last week has been packed with happenings, but here I am again. As you might know we’re working on our second album, and ’cause of that we (my husband and I) went to Bristol to get it mixed. After a couple of long (and great) days in the studio we went to London, and this is what I did there: I can proudly present you the home of the “priestess of dark interiors”, Abigail Ahern (@abigailahern), where I was attending her masterclass. Not styled for the occasion, just full of heart and fabulous style. Cozy nooks and artwork everywhere, a sparkling fire and two sweet dogs on the ground floor. Welcomed with a nice chat and coffee, and I felt at home. This was the perfect landing after two days fully concentrated in the studio. Have to admit London is not my kind of place really, but inside this house I felt fine. Great actually. Even though I didn’t know anybody who’s there and I’d never been there before. The only Norwegian, and dressed in dark green velvet and red. Too much? Two seconds of doubt, but I quickly concluded that there’s no other way than to be me. I felt snuggled inside an overwhelming bubble of… I don’t know… Surrealism maybe? I didn’t thought I could get any more inspired than I already was after watching and reading “everything Abigail’ish”. But suddenly I could feel and smell the place, get the geography of it, walk the floors and see that every corner was the most intriguing. Faux greenery, texture and layers all over – it was like walking into the closet to “Narnia”. I’m now more inspired of that woman than ever! A big thanks to Abigail for letting me photograph her home, and she even answered some questions so I could make a Q&A for you guys!

I felt very excited walking around taking pictures since this was my first time photographing an other house than my own. And this wasn’t “just a house”, it was Abigail’s house! I would never have thought this would ever happen to me. What a good start for this year! There was a fine line between capturing what I wanted and not interrupt others (which resulted in no picture from the kitchen). So my photos is a capture of the house when it’s actually quite crowded and very limited time (and I had to spend some time cuddling Maud and Mungo too, you know!). But I hope you all enjoy seeing it trough my eye. Later I will show pics from her new shop, but now over to the Q&A:

Q: 2017 is very young, but what is the best thing that has happened so far?  

A: The excitement of launching our new seasons collections including chandeliers, marble furniture all sorts of accessories and of course our legendary fauxs.

Q: Of all the pieces you have designed, do you have a favourite or two? 

A: For me it’s the botanicals like the giant banana. I love how we have changed the perception of them and from this collection the new chandeliers.

Q: Do you get tired of some of the things you’ve designed? 

A: Not really. I can only design things I love which means that because I’ve agonised over it, pulled my hair out like a hundred times, scraped all sorts of options before the final version I’m generally pretty happy with by the time it goes into production.

Q:What’s your favourite instagram accounts when it comes to… 

A: Flowers – ruby and the wolf . Food – nourish atelier or green kitchen stories. Cool interior people – Roman and Williams, Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler.

Q: How important is it really with followers, comments and likes? 

A: Really important to me as its created a community of design lovers and we all inspire and feed off from each other. I love it.

Q: If you where to build a house, what would be the most important architectural features in it? 

A: Fireplaces. I need fireplaces in every room as I have fires every day.

Q: Will you ever write a book about business (yes, please)? 

A: Books are quite a big time commitment so at the moment no, but that’s not to say I won’t!

Q: What has been the best thing by expanding your brand and team? And what is the worst? 

A: The best thing by expanding is that we have been to move into new markets relatively quickly like China and America. The downside is the hours. We are a small team in comparison to some and our workload is over whelming.

Q: Lets say you actually got to go on a vacation (!), what would be the perfect place for you right now? 

A: Somewhere in Europe (no planes involved as I am on them every month). So I would drive the M’s through Europe to Italy ending in Capri (although they would have to get on a boat and I’m not sure how they r with boats)! I love Italy the coffee the scenery the food.

Q: I really love the fact that you follow your guts, but can you tell us what you like the most and the least about yourself? 

A: Most about myself now that is is that I have more faith and confidence in my initial gut reactions than ever before. Least the voices in my head that constantly tell me not to clock off say at 6- but push on to 8 because I would have ticked even more stuff off the list.

Q: And since I’m a musician I have to ask when you are to get a turntable? ;) 

A: I would love to get one, like anything it’s time related!