Anna Moss, founder of Moss Living Interiors, shares her journey from creative child to successful interior designer, discussing her inspirations, challenges, and vision for the future.
Early Beginnings and Career Shift
A Creative Spirit from Childhood
Anna’s creative journey began early in life. She recalls, “At school, you would find me skipping my economics class for the art hut. I’ve always loved to paint, particularly abstract art. But really, anything creative from DIY to gardening, I’ve always enjoyed turning an idea into a reality.”
From Marketing to Interior Design
Despite her passion for creativity, Anna initially pursued a career in marketing and advertising. However, her true calling persisted. “Interior design had always been my true passion, but years ago, it didn’t seem like an accessible career path,” she explains. In 2019, Anna took the leap, earning her Diploma and founding Moss Living Interiors.
Launching Moss Living Interiors
A Serendipitous Beginning
Anna’s transition to interior design was accelerated by unexpected circumstances. She shares, “I worked in automotive advertising for years, and I’d just gone onto maternity leave when I received a call to say they’d gone into administration.” This setback became an opportunity, as Anna had already set up her business on the side and gained some clients.
Early Challenges and Growth
Reflecting on the early days, Anna admits, “I just didn’t stop. Every evening and weekend was spent developing the business, and it took a real toll on my family.” Despite the challenges, she persevered, and now, five years later, Moss Living Interiors has evolved to offer new services like e-design and VR walkthroughs.
Design Philosophy and Inspiration
The Moss Living Interiors Style
Anna describes her style as “where classic meets contemporary.” She elaborates, “We love blending classic and contemporary styles to create a timeless space by layering and mixing textures, colours, patterns and proportions.”
Sources of Inspiration
Travel and design events play a significant role in Anna’s creative process. She mentions, “I love to gain inspiration from travel, but also from some of the fantastic events held across the year, like the WOW House at Chelsea Harbour or Design Week in Clerkenwell.”
Notable Projects and Future Plans
Restoring a Georgian Gem
One of Anna’s standout projects was a Grade II listed Georgian property. She enthusiastically describes, “The 7,000 square foot house was completely redesigned to create a wonderful family home while still maintaining the historical integrity of the property.”
Current and Upcoming Projects
Anna is currently working on several exciting projects, including a complete redesign of a property in Henley and various kitchen designs. She’s also venturing into outdoor living spaces, adding a new dimension to her portfolio.
Life in Henley-on-Thames
Anna cherishes her base near Henley-on-Thames, finding inspiration in nature and the surrounding areas. She shares, “Being based in Henley means we’re surrounded by some fantastic areas. A favourite of mine is a day out to the Cotswolds.”
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Anna focuses on quality over quantity. She states, “It’s not my intention to be the biggest designer around. I always want to be fully invested in the projects I’m working on and savour that experience rather than thinking about the next one.”
For more information about Anna Moss and her work, visit annamoss.co.uk.
