Anna is a talented interior designer from London, and we had the pleasure of speaking to her about her fascinating career journey!
Anna lives in a period property, with an abundance of original features dating all the way back to 1790 when the house was built. To complement the quirky interior, she incorporated a range of From The Anvil ironmongery into her home.
Here’s what Anna had to say…
Q: How would you describe your design style?
A: I would describe my style as intuitive and creative. I like to really absorb the space and architecture that I’m designing for, and to think hard about the purpose of the space, before feeling into what might be appropriate, and in contrast, what might create a nice juxtaposition to initiate elements of surprise. It’s eclectic, curatorial and, I would like to think, natural.
Q: What/who are your design inspirations?
A: Straight out of art school I worked for a jeweller called Jacqueline Rabun, who taught me a lot about design, reference, and organic form. I love Phoebe Philo for her intense take on the classic - understated but preternaturally luxurious. In terms of spatial design, I love Lindsay Milne (who designed Jacqueline Rabun’s space), and I would say Axel Vervoordt and David Hicks (for very different reasons).
I spend a lot of time trawling through old design, art and interior books, and visiting historic buildings wherever I go. I’ve got a thing for visiting hardware shops in whatever country I might be in and seeing what kind of hinges/cafe curtain poles/latches are the norm. I get so much inspiration from these places. I’ve recently spent a horrible amount of time searching for Menorcan style shutter dogs in the UK.
Q: At what stage do you suggest your clients consider ironmongery?
A: I see it as an entirely holistic process, so I would be thinking about the ironmongery from the very start while honing my mood boards and references.
Q: How did you come across From The Anvil?
A: My father-in-law James Scott actually gave me his tattered old catalogue about five years ago when I was starting out. He is, luckily, a die-hard From The Anvil aficionado.
Q: Why did you choose From The Anvil products?
A: The quality is next to none, and the designs, and especially the finishes are beautiful. It’s a one stop shop.
Q: As an interior designer, what is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: The very beginning of the job, when the possibilities are endless, and you get to really imagine and curate something completely unique… and then the very end when your vision all comes together. There is no better feeling.
Q: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of being an interior designer?
A: I think life is about compromise, and the same goes for working in design with clients and builders. It can be hard to relinquish control sometimes and see your vision becoming a bit diluted, but I adore collaboration and working to a good brief, so if I choose my clients (and builders) carefully it works well. I’d say having clients whose taste you admire, so the collaboration gives way to incredible things design-wise (for example with Raine Allen Miller on Barge Elwi) or having clients that want me to really do everything - those situations work well. Grey areas can always crop up, so good communication is key - setting out your stall, intentions, and working process from the beginning.
Q: What has been your favourite project so far and why?
A: I would have to say the restoration of our very small and wonky 18th Century Georgian cottage-y townhouse in Greenwich. It was a pure labour of love. Some 60s/70s/80s & 90s aberrations had to be undone, but the more we peeled back, the more of the original panelling and detailing of the house was revealed, and it was so exciting. We worked with OEB Architects to try to make sense of what had been a terrible 90s extension and create something far more sympathetic and in keeping to the house. Creating the interior was a dream brief. As a perfectionist I was able to really deep dive in to the parts of myself that I would normally try to keep reins on in every day work (or I would never sleep), so it was exciting to get into every single detail. Even though I think I drove my builders barmy.
To see more images of Anna’s gorgeous home, follow her Instagram @studiorhodesinteriors
All images credit @studiorhodesinteriors
For more quirky spaces that make use of From The Anvil ironmongery, read our ‘In Conversation with @bargeelwi’ blog!
