Category: Features

In the Hot Seat with Abi

Abi Hugo

Neutrals Stylist 
Title

Tell us your Frenchic story...

I first discovered Frenchic on Instagram, advertised as a “one-and-done” paint. From the moment I tried it, I haven’t used anything else - the colours are beautiful, and the paint just lasts without chipping in a way that other brands don’t - even with two kids and my clumsy moments.

 

Now, I can turn a piece of furniture around in a day, that’s satisfying to me. So many of my Frenchic upcycles and shares go viral because my followers just love them, my passion for the paint is so genuine.

How would you describe your signature style? How has it evolved?

Without downplaying it, my style is fairly safe, mainly neutrals and subtle tones. I like my space to feel calm. My first home was a cottage, so I went more rustic with the decor; then we lived in a Victorian townhouse, so I decorated it to suit the period, and now we live in a modern house. 

 

While my style has evolved, it's always stayed consistent. I’ve grown more adventurous with saturation and colour - often testing bolder tones on furniture before bringing them into larger spaces.  

Don’t overthink it - just paint. 

What does an average day look like to you?

I start by getting my two kids ready and off to school. Once I’m back home, I do a quick half an hour tidy-up and get on to emails. Then, I’ll start filming some craft or upcycling. Once my creative brain is on, I cannot go back to my admin brain.

 

My garage is full of pieces I’ve picked up on Facebook Marketplace waiting for inspiration to strike. Afternoons are all about school pick-ups, running around, and family time — until the evening when I focus on social media. Around 7pm, I post, engage with my audience, and share updates on my stories.

What about weekends?

My husband Ian and I have a long-standing tradition of our Friday night picnic. We’ve done it for over 12 years, and it’s basically all the cheese, all the meats and wine. We make it a no-phone zone to catch up - either by the fire in winter or out on the deck in summer. It’s our way of marking the start of the weekend. 

Saturdays and Sundays are family-focused, whether it’s a trip to the park, a walk, or a movie night with nachos or pizza. Ian is South African, so he loves to cook a Braai. 

What is your favourite room in the house?

Our lounge is our family hub — it’s comfortable, calming, and one of the first spaces I worked on when we moved in. Decorated in my signature warm neutrals, the space is cohesive and flows outside to a deck. We’re on a hill that overlooks farmers’ fields,  which have the most spectacular sunsets.

What’s the most memorable project you’ve done? 

The first proper upcycle I filmed was a little pine side table with three drawers and it’s been through an upcycle for every house we’ve lived in. In the cottage, I painted it cream, gave it a shabby chic finish with scuffed edges, and added browning wax. I stripped it down in the townhouse and painted it a deep charcoal colour. Its latest transformation was stripping it back with a heat gun (which was so satisfying) and repainting it in Blackjack. I even added a herringbone pattern to the drawer fronts using paint stickers. It went viral with seven million views. 

Pinterest is a great platform 
for inspiration. 

What is the one tip or piece of advice that you'd give to first time painters or upcyclers?

Don’t overthink it - just paint. It’s easy to get in your head and worry about things like brush marks, uneven coats, or making mistakes, but there’s always a solution. If you notice lines or imperfections, a light sanding with a softer grit can fix it. Every issue is fixable; and the quicker you dive in and try, the faster you’ll learn. 

When it comes to new projects, where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration often comes from nature and the world around me. My style leans toward the natural and organic, so I’ll find myself walking along, noticing a unique twig or pattern in nature, and thinking, “How could I bring that into my work?”

What your top tips for adding like individuality to your home? 

Pinterest is a great platform for inspiration. The more images you save, the more the algorithm tailors suggestions to your preferences, helping you discover patterns and identifying common themes. What tones, textures, and materials keep showing up? Look at what colour palettes resonate with you. 

Who would be on your guest list for a dream dinner party? 

OK, Sarah Michelle Geller because she really cemented female empowerment for me, and the fact that women can do anything. Michelle Obama, because she’s incredible. And Nelson Mandela. You can never go wrong with caring.

What are your top three can't live without Frenchic shades?

Blackjack, as it’s a beautiful accent colour. 

Salt of the Earth, for its warm undertones.

Funky Dora as a statement colour.

What’s your favourite film, your favourite meal, and your favourite book? 

My favourite meal is a simple but comforting toasted chicken mayonnaise with cucumber sandwich. There’s just something so satisfying about the crunch and the freshness.

 

The film I always come back to is Shawshank Redemption; it’s a classic. But I also have a soft spot for cheesy shark movies —the more outrageous, the better!

 

The book that got me back into reading is The Island by Victoria Hislop. A few years ago, I visited the island Spinalonga, where it’s set, and it was such a moving experience.

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