Meraki Magazine June 2014 Issue 2 | Page 32

Cooking, gardening, hanging out with my two dogs, reading, pottering around my pad. Simple stuff makes me happy!

YOU RUN MASTER CLASSES WORLDWIDE WITH A GREAT RECEPTION IN OUR LITTLE ABODE AUSTRALIA - WHY DO YOU THINK THE CLASSES HAVE BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL HERE?

I've been totally overwhelmed with the response in Australia, it's incredible. You guys love interiors so I think we are like-minded in that respect, but we also share this open-mindedness, if that makes any sense. Rather than shutting ideas down immediately, you guys are prepared to take risks, experiment and try. I love that about Australia, that everybody is so open.

ONE LAST QUESTION - WHAT'S A RECENT DESIGN TRICK YOU LEARNT THAT YOU'RE DYING TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE?

SCALE! It's the most under-considered component in the decorating puzzle. The minute you put something too big on something too small, magic happens. It ups the ante, making your space feel cooler and edgier than it really is. I do it with lights (putting large lights on small tables), with plants, art - everything really.

Make sure you check out Abigail Ahern's webpage and blog for more INSANO tips and styling beauty. You should also buy her books (we have and we love them sooooo much!).

"RATHER THAN SHUTTING IDEAS DOWN IMMEDIATELY, YOU GUYS ARE PREPARED TO TAKE RISKS, EXPERIMENT AND TRY. I LOVE THAT ABOUT AUSTRALIA, THAT EVERYBODY IS SO OPEN."

032//SITTING DOWN WITH ABIGAIL AHERN

All images used in this article are courtesy of Abigail Ahern.