Name:
Anna Dodonova
Position within company:
Owner
Website:
http://www.annacasa.net
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I was born in Kiev and grew up in Berlin but have been based in here in London for many years. I enrolled in private lessons in Berlin with a celebrated art professor who had previously taught at the University of St. Petersburg and under his tuition developed artistic skill in a variety of different mediums. I chose to go on to study graphic design and typography, winning one of only 30 places at University. After I graduated I took up a job at an advertising agency in East Berlin as a graphic designer. This wasn’t creative enough for me though and that is when I realised my passion was for the interior design industry. I retrained as an interior designer in the UK working on all sorts of inspiring projects across Germany and England and eventually opened up my own store in the Chelsea Harbour Design Studio, followed by my first showroom in Mayfair.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
I would describe my style timeless and very personal, glamorous and art deco. I like to design timeless schemes that people don’t tire of quickly. I also like to mix different styles that work together. I love working with cream and ivory shades, these are my favourite. You can then mix any colour in and the effect is always very bright in your house. Especially in London, when most of the time it is grey.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I love art and the creation idea behind it; the passion and work people have invested in making something creative. I am a very big fashionista, so fashion and the big fashion designers like Karl Lagerfeld inspire me a lot. And of course people are always inspiring, I love to meet interesting people or even read their biographies. I always keep my eyes open to everything and I love to travel.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel that design is moving in a very industrial direction. We have much more possibilities to create and work with different finishes and materials. Everything has also become 3 dimensional and more functional.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
I like to work with neutral schemes, the most important thing is not to overdo the design scheme – try to keep it simple. You will always be able to
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
To me, any recognition of talent and passion surrounding design and architecture is very important. Admiring an individual’s skills and personal work is such a huge
What projects are you currently working on?
At the moment I am working on a big project in Kenya, very colourful and modern! There are also few apartments in London, very high-end, luxurious and sophisticated
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
For the next twelve months, besides working on different interior projects, I am planning to design more furniture, fabrics and wallpaper. There are so many brands out there that I would like to work with and 2013 may just be the year to branch out that tiny bit more!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My Pomeranian, Pushkin! And my Company Anna Casa!
Your favourite holiday destination?
Maldives
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Plaza Athene, Paris
Your favourite book / film / song?
Book: The memoires of Geisha and Alchemist
Film: Notebook
Your favourite food and drink?
Italian truffle pasta and a good red wine!
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Having lunch with friends, having lots of fun with plenty of laughter. Or with a great book on a hot beach!
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A spiritual healer!