Name: Ana Engelhorn
Company: Ana Engelhorn Interior Design Ltd
Position within company: Owner
Website: www.anaengelhorn.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I was born in Switzerland, to Spanish and German parents, and travelling extensively has always been a way of life for me. I have always been surrounded by beautiful and interesting places which have influenced my style and ideas from an early age. My parents themselves introduced me into the Hospitality world by buying interesting or historic buildings and converting them into Hotels. My background is in Business Administration and I went to run a Restaurant in St. Moritz and later an Event before deciding to study interior Design and commit myself to my passion.
How would you describe your personal design style?
My personal design style is best described as ‘Perfectly imperfect interior design’ and is about bringing out the innate authenticity of a room and its objects. Echoing the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, we celebrate the imperfections found in natural building materials such as a rough hardwood floor and emphasise rich textural sensations like the feel of silk, cotton and oxidized metal.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from many different sources but the main root of it all are my parents. I draw a lot of inspiration from what they do and adapt it to my own sense of what works well together. There are the typical other places of inspiration such as magazines and Instagram but mostly it is people. Whenever I have a meeting with a supplier or a likeminded individual I am inspired by what they are doing and how it could it into my scheme of things.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I believe, and hope! That people are less and less afraid of making bolder choices, of forgetting what it is they ‘should’ like and what is ‘trendy’ now. I think that more and more people are aware that choosing a wall colour doesnt have to be a life long decision and that employing an interior designer is not such a crazy idea at all.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2019 and beyond.
Colour
Comfort
Tiles
Choosing what is right for you and not what is trendy
Uniqueness
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Choose something which is right for you and what your intuition tells you would work. It is ok to be inspired by magazines but always remember that things look differently in pictures
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
Events which bring likeminded people together to share their passion are important in all professions. Awards are especially a way of rewarding those who are top in their field and who deserve to have some extra light shine on them.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a residential property in London and a Commercial property in Switzerland.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My aim is to expand my business and to make my mark in London.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
I honestly can’t say I have one as I don’t believe in getting attached to possessions. Everything comes and goes in life and what’s important is the people around you.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Switzerland, I love the snow in winter and the calm in Summer, it is a place that has everything.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
I love the Soho House Hotels, it is a chain without having the feeling of being in a chain hotel. Every hotel is distinctive and has amazing Interior Design. I live the Arts Club on Dover Street for a Restaurant and I unfortunately currently don’t go out enough to have a favourite bar.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Sapiens, A Brief history of Humankind. Shawshank redemption and Hypnotized by Oliver Koletzki & Fran
Your favourite food and drink?
Scones!!! Piña Colada.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Take out my boat on the costa brava, throw the anchor, turn on the music and have a drink
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
If I weren’t a designer I would dedicate myself to my children, I believe that the only way to be good at something is if you do something which you are truly passionate about, and right now (this might change in the future) I am truly passionate about interior design. I also feel guilty for not being 100% available for my children so whatever I do has to be worth it.