Interiors

At Home With Donna Ida

16th March 2017

I’m so excited to share with you my new series ‘At Home With‘ where I’ll be interviewing people that I truly admire and who constantly inspire me on a regular basis. It’s also the perfect excuse to have a good old nose around inside their homes and get to know them that little bit better.

First up is jean queen Donna Ida. With over a decade after launching her business, she has two London boutiques, an online store and her own denim range, IDA. I’ve been popping into the store on Draycot Avenue for years and I can honestly say that Donna is the most friendliest and passionate woman I have ever met. I love her total hands on attitude and the love we both share for denim is quite contagious. Donna lives in Berkshire with her husband Robert Walton MBE (Bobby Dazzler is his nickname) and with her adorable chihuahuas Julio, Fernando and Eduardo. Be prepared for some serious interiors envy, you have been warned!

Donna Ida Thornton wears Bonnie Casmere Knit & Pimp My Margot Culottes available via Donna Ida.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Donna Ida Thornton founder of The Ultimate Denim Destination DONNA IDA. We have two boutiques in Chelsea and Belgravia where we stock an edit of best designer jeans and contemporary separated to go with. In 2012, I launched IDA a high waisted denim line in response to requests from customers for true-waisted jeans. Last year I completed the DONNA IDA range with cashmere jumpers and silk blouses.


Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from design books, street style, Instagram, interior magazines and Pinterest.

Name 3 things you cannot live without.
My husband, my iPhone and a pair of blue skinny jeans.


What is your favourite room in your home and why?
That’s hard to chose! The walk in wardrobe is such a dream come true and is organised so I can find everything really quickly. I also have a open plan kitchen which leads out onto the garden which makes entertaining really easy.


Name someone who has inspired you and how?
Princess Diana. She always demonstrated grace under pressure, was resilient and had such a refined style.

Currently you are listening to?
I love Dolly Parton, she’s such an icon and her music always makes me happy.  She’s sunny, positive; she’s totally herself and makes no excuses.  I think she deserves every bit of success and recognition she’s achieved.


What other profession would you have secretly liked to have done?
In another lifetime, I would have been a stylist. I love that feeling when you put an amazing outfit together, and I’ve enjoyed transferring my skills from fashion to interior design. There’s no greater satisfaction than putting the finishing touches to a room or look you’re really proud of.


What’s your favourite meal?
I have a soft spot for the meat balls at Daphnes which is just next door to DONNA IDA on Draycott Avenue.

If there were a fire what 3 things would you save from your home?
As it is three things, I have to say my chihuahuas, Julio, Fernando and Eduardo.


If there were one person you could meet who would it be?
It has to be Kate Moss. I have a couple of iconic prints of her on the walls and just feel she has defined a generation. Plus she has fantastic denim style.


What is your favourite colour?
I’m drawn to blue denim and fresh white shades. I like to introduce a pop of colour into my wardrobe and home – a shot of lime or hot pink to freshen things up.


What is your star sign?
I’m Gemini so I’m an all or nothing kind of girl.


Describe your perfect weekend?
On Saturday I often work in London which I enjoy as I love being out and about. Sunday is my day to be at home and it is where I’m happiest. We moved in about a year ago and I love spending time with my husband Bobby Dazzler. He’s a chef so likes to cook something special at the weekend.


What is your favourite city and why?
I really love London, I’m originally from Sydney but I feel like I’m home here. At first it took me a while to get used to it though, to start with I just wanted to sit on the sofa and watch Eastenders eating chocolate, but after about six months I was sat on the tube and I realise I loved it. I know Belgravia and Chelsea the best with all their artisan boutiques and specialist restaurants.


Shop the collection via Donna IdaPhotography by Kate Gorbunova.

8 Comments

  1. Kate

    17th March 2017 at 11:17 am

    Oh wow, what a gorgeous home! I can totally see you living there too Ari, you’ve very similar styles 🙂 xx

  2. Candy Pop

    17th March 2017 at 12:17 pm

    Oh my goodness, what a sunning home. So much gorgeous space and quirky and colourful details. Lovely!

  3. Old fashioned Susie

    17th March 2017 at 5:08 pm

    Stunning home and I love the jeans in the portrait shot. Will look them up asap

  4. Antonia Ludden #tidylife

    17th March 2017 at 10:55 pm

    Fabulous, fabulous home! Thanks for enabling us to have a peek 🙂 xx

  5. Fresh Design Blog

    21st March 2017 at 9:41 am

    Great idea for a new series. The images of her home are stunning!

  6. Stephanie

    21st March 2017 at 9:31 pm

    What a stunning home. I love the kitchen and dining room best!

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