Creating Calm: An Interview with Interior Designer Anne Caarels

Published: October 30, 2024

By: The Vanderloc Design Team

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Anne Caarels has a knack for creating spaces that are both visually stunning and incredibly inviting. With a focus on timeless elegance and client collaboration, she brings a unique perspective to the world of interior design. We recently sat down with her to learn more about her design philosophy and what drives her passion.

The Early Days of Design

Anne's love for design blossomed at a young age. "I've always loved designing and styling interior spaces," she shares. "At a very young age, my parents would return to their home in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia to find their furniture rearranged and all their decorative items stored away." This early fascination led her to pursue a Fine Arts degree, and eventually, to the prestigious New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) after relocating to New York City.

A Signature Style

When asked to describe her aesthetic, Anne explains, "I have a highly edited, clean and transitional aesthetic that is tailored to each client’s individual needs and personal style." Think calm and timeless environments, with an emphasis on simplicity, well-crafted furnishings, and a touch of understated elegance.

Trendspotting

While Anne prioritizes timeless design, she also keeps an eye on current trends. "I’m enjoying plaster wall treatments like Tadelakt," she says. "They work beautifully with some of my other favorite finishes: parchment, marble, bronze, and oak like the Vanderloc White Oak vanities." These textures and materials, combined with her signature style, create spaces that are both sophisticated and serene.

Designer Anne Caarels
Creating Calm Anne Caarals

Stepping Outside the Box

For Anne, the most rewarding projects are those that push creative boundaries. "I tend to start with a very neutral base," she explains. But a recent project with a client who loved bold colors led to unexpectedly wonderful results, demonstrating her ability to adapt and embrace new ideas.

The Client Connection

Collaboration is key in Anne's design process. "Involving the client from the beginning of the project is important," she emphasizes. By asking clients to share inspiration images and discussing their expectations for budget and timeline, Anne ensures their vision is realized in every detail. "This helps give some direction for the style of the design and how they would like the space to feel and function," she states.

Leaving a Lasting Impression

Ultimately, Anne hopes to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also reflective of the people who live in them. "I want people to feel that the space is timeless and classic, with clean lines, attention to detail, and quality workmanship. Also, that it reflects well on the clients who live there," she says.

Want to see more of Anne's incredible work? Head over to her website and Instagram for a dose of design inspiration! You'll find stunning projects and tons of amazing content.

Anne Caarels Interiors
440 West End Avenue
New York, NY 10024
917-689-8295
http://www.annecaarelsinteriors.com
IG: @annecaarelsinteriors