Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Hackathorn.
Anna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my career working in the store design department at Calvin Klein in NYC. After doing that for several fashion designers for a few years I moved back to LA and worked with residential designer Michael S. Smith before starting my own business in 2003. I have focused primarily on residential design since then.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was definitely a transition moving back to my hometown of Palos Verdes from the west side, where for years I’d had clients in Malibu, Hancock Park, and everywhere in between. There is a very different sensibility in the South Bay about hiring interior designers, so I expanded the range of services that I provide and that has worked out really well.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Arts & Homes – what should we know?
I love to work with a wide range of clients and project scopes. I take on full design and renovation projects with big budgets, but also do a lot of hourly consultations, which is fun for me and such a great option for so many people. It’s very rewarding to see how much someone can get out of a one-hour-whole-house-walk-through with a fresh perspective. I wish more people knew that this is a possible solution! Many people are paralyzed about how to start decorating their home and don’t have a lot of money to spend on the furnishings themselves, let alone an expensive designer. After our meeting, they have a very clear game plan of how to proceed, and can just check in with me if needed if they get stuck. I often do this for clients out of town via email and phone as well.
Happily, this career allows me to work in a wide range of styles. I love very modern, very traditional, and everything in between. I am not necessarily known for one type of look and I like to take my design direction from a client’s personal taste and the intrinsic architecture of each particular space. I strive to create rooms that strike a fine balance of polished yet approachable, that appear to have been collected over time, and that reflect attention to the smallest details without feeling overly decorated. Whether clients are high-end professionals or young families, most of them want a house that feels very comfortable and looks very elegant and pulled together.
OH, and I have a special fondness for art. Placing art well is one of the most important parts of designing a room for me, and I love finding the perfect pieces for my clients, regardless of their taste or budget. One of my favorite things is scoring a hidden gem of a vintage painting at a flea market.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It’s important to me to make my clients feel comfortable and to address their concerns and wish-lists while making the challenging process of renovating and decorating far less stressful. A friendly attitude and ability to relate to people can provide an enjoyable experience in an otherwise intimidating field. I can assist clients in navigating every step of the often overwhelming process, from selecting the best colors, materials, and furnishings, to budgeting and scheduling, to communicating with contractors and architects.
Contact Info:
- Website: ArtsAndHomes.com
- Phone: 310.283.2558
- Email: [email protected]
Pricing:
- Initial consultation: $95 to $245 and full project execution is quoted based on the specific scope of work.
Image Credit:
Lauren Pressey (gallery wall with no furniture)
Wendy Ramos (dining room, bathroom, overall bedroom shot)
Jen Siska (kitchen, gallery wall with table below)
Photos of red headboard with green geometric drawing by Anna Hackathorn
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