Name: Anna Hayman 
Company Name: Anna Hayman Designs
Position in Company: Owner
Website: www.annahaymandesigns.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)
My background is unusual as I am essentially self taught, and have worked in many different professional areas. Before embarking on becoming a print designer I had a small shoe brand, and before that I was a piano teacher. I have also lots of experience in retail, merchandising, display, photography, wholesale, haberdashery and clothing. So this process (I only launched in February 2016) has involved a real gathering up of those skills.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My signature style is developing as a languid, slightly dark but intricate look, with luxe detailing and historical interest/reference points. I am feverishly interested in trends, however when creating a print, it really comes from within, and what is currently interesting to me. What fascinates me is why certain things are extremely popular, and capture people’s attention so vividly, so this is what I’m looking to do when designing. Pattern is my absolute obsession.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I am heavily influenced by my hippy upbringing, but also by my family’s heritage in craftsmanship, I am from a long line of fine woodworkers which is why I think lino cutting/printing is my perfect method. Biba, William Morris and Celia Birtwell are my biggest design crushes, but I am also working busily on renovating my own 1920’s house, and the inspiration from that are apparent in my work also. I am an avid consumer of Pinterest and Instagram and am constantly feeding in visual information to use.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Well, in terms of general aesthetics, what I’m seeing more and more of is fusions of styles, I think it is more interesting is when people have taken two or more styles and cleverly woven them together. There is a lot more to come from the luxe trend I think, even though we are moving from botanicals into earth tones next year. Metallics are good to hang around for a while but what I’m personally interested in for my own projects is a weathered look, be it Sahara wind swept, Provencale style rustica or sun-bleached Moroccan. Depth is very important in my prints so I’m constantly thinking how to add it.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
I’ll be thinking about tribalism, refining colour palettes, added elements such as pompoms, relaxing/freeing up my style, and making cohesive collections.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
Don’t force an idea, let it evolve.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The awards are important to me as I’m new to this field. To have been included in the process has been brilliant and I’m thrilled to be involved.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently collaborating with a brilliant illustrator on some striking figurative art prints, which will feature my patterns in different sizes, possibly with some limited edition pieces.Then I will launch the fabric/wallpaper/lampshade collection along with those. I am also working with an interior designer on a clients’ home making some bespoke patterns for curtains and blinds, as well as lampshades.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
More bespoke work (I find it really interesting), more collaborations, launch 2 new collections, and commission some upholstered pieces made in my prints.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
Your most treasured possession?
My piano – such a great stress reliever – Beethoven is the best therapy.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Paris – every time I go there I come back changed.
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Millers hotel in Westbourne Grove, you always meet interesting people.
Your favourite book / film / song?
Orlando (the book by Virginia Woolf and the 90’s film), song at the moment Bleeding Blue by Woods.
Your favourite food and drink?
Anything involving seafood and Champagne.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
In my new hammock chair in the garden with the children.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Miserable!
Anything else interesting?
I make all of my lampshades by hand which can take up to 9 hours.
