1 year of anna francesca interiors
I can’t believe it’s been a year since I officially set up my Interior Design studio and took the leap into self employment…
I graduated from the Interior Design Institute in 2020, worked on a full home renovation project immediately after that alongside working full-time in Brand & Communications. It wasn’t until the beginning of 2025, that I could start working on building my portfolio in preparation to go self-employed in September. Now I am reflecting on what an incredible (and challenging, undoubtedly!) year I have had, I wouldn’t change it for anything!
WHAT SORT OF PROJECTS HAVE YOU WORKED ON?
I have been very fortunate to have worked with clients across Devon, Berkshire, Bristol and London, designing a range of residential homes and commercial spaces. I have designed kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, children’s spaces, bathrooms, offices and home study’s, and for go-to-market properties.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT TO DATE?
That’s genuinely hard to answer. My favourite kind of project is working right from concept, through to the end with the client. I re-designed two bathrooms for a client who had a gorgeous home overlooking the sea and I was involved in every step, from the initial concept, through to space planning, 3D visualisation, researching and procuring products, working with trades, managing budget, organising deliveries, installation, and final styling. It’s really rewarding and important to me to be able to be this involved and to share my advice and support at every stage. The final result was exactly what we both imagined, and more than the client thought was possible.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A SELF-EMPLOYED INTERIOR DESIGNER?
Many things, honestly! The diverse range of projects, the clients and different people I get to connect with each time, seeing the before & after and how happy the client is, and them saying “I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this myself!’, the different skills each project has taught me - studying is one thing, on-the-job is a whole other thing and INVALUABLE. The flexibility of working on my own terms. Finally, the endless ideas and opportunities coming my way every day.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE FEEL WHEN THEY WORK WITH YOU?
I want people to feel genuinely understood and listened to when they work with me. I want to take the time to understand what they need, empathise with their vision and then use my knowledge and experience to add real value. Ultimately, I want clients to feel that they’ve received more than they initially expected, not just a service, but thoughtful expertise, guidance and ideas that have elevated the end result.
WHAT’S NEXT?
As a business owner, it’s natural to continually test, learn, adapt and evolve. I’m excited about the opportunity to take on larger-scale projects and build a strong, diverse roster of clients across the UK. I’m naturally very ambitious and goal-oriented, so I’ve created a Business Roadmap to keep me focused, accountable and aligned with the steps needed to ensure my business continues to succeed and grow.
Alongside this, I’m also slowly and carefully developing my plans for Francesca Home, my homewear brand, with the aim of building something thoughtful, distinctive and long-lasting.
Follow me on Instagram for more regular updates: @annafrancescainteriors_