HOME STYLE

It's been a very busy year here at AA.  Take a look at some of Abi's highlights from 2022, from exciting collaborations, photoshoots and TV Judge for Interior Design Masters. 

I'm so proud of my latest publication, my 5th book, Masterclass.  Written for anyone and everyone who is inspired to take their interior to the next level.  With prompts, checklists and advice along with inspiring case studies you’ll learn how to decorate every room so your space flows.  My book signing at the store was such a lovely event.  Always good to speak to fellow interior lovers.  A big thank you to everyone for their support. 

I was lucky enough to be the guest judge alongside Michelle Ogundehin for the semi finals of this years Interior Design Masters. The designers had to each take on a holiday lodge in the Cotswolds which is such a beautiful part of the UK. It was such a fun time and each of the designers showed enormous talent in ..... their designs in such a tight timescale.  

Photoshoots are quite a regular occurrence in my pad. From product shoots for the website, social media shoots for Instagram etc to being filmed for collaborative work. Although it can be very exciting, it is rather exhausting and my pad gets turned upside down. My furry kids (trusty assistants), Monkey & Werts, normally steal the show with their antics and cuteness and it's a complete team effort in preparing and clearing up. 

Another exciting part of my job is collaborating with other brands. This year I have launched a new capsule collection with Hillarys Blinds and a fabulous homeware range with Freemans. It's so good to be part of the creative process and help design collections that I love. One of the reasons I went into starting my own business was because I couldn't necessarily find the right look for my own home, so to be a part of the initial design stages is such an exciting pinch me moment.  

The Store in Islington has such a special place in my heart. It's where I get to flaunt fabulous furniture, our range of faux botanicals, art and sculpture. I tend to change the colours quite regularly to showcase some of the earthy inky colours from my paint range (poor Graham). This year I took the plunge and repainted the outside in quite a radical hue, 'Rufus' from Paint & Paper Library (my own paint range does not include exterior paint in case you were wondering). It looks amazing and really stands out. I'm at the store a couple of days per week with my sister Gem and we normally take the opportunity to make a few tweaks and have a shift around. I want customers to feel inspired and stay a while, so it's important that it's forever changing (and smells good too!) 

My home is the core of my business. It's not only my sanctuary and retreat but it's also where I get to be creative and experiment with my own style and aesthetic. Photoshoots and meetings with the team are a regular occurrence and it's the perfect showroom for my product ranges as I get to see how the samples sit in a real living space before they go into production, but first and foremost it's my home. It's comfortable, cosy and makes me feel calm, energised, creative and safe. Perfect!