Anna Dodonova

Volume 6 / Sep-Dec 2011

 

Described by the media as “the leading candidate for the most glamorous woman in interior design”, Anna’s own sophisticated and elegant style sets the tone for Anna Casa Interiors. No element is overlooked; she thinks of every last visual detail and adds stylish and luxurious touches to her interior design schemes that someone with a less aesthetic vision might miss. The fine detail on the pieces available in her showroom - whether it is mouth-blown Murano glass, handcrafted silver, coloured crystal or hand stitching in the finest leather - captures Anna’s approach to life and design creating a total look that exudes luxury and elegance.

 

Anna was born in Kiev, grew up in Berlin and has for some years been based in London, a city that she loves passionately. In her childhood and teens, when Anna’s artistic gift became evident, she was enrolled in private lessons in Berlin with a celebrated art professor who had previously taught at the University of St. Petersburg. Under his tuition, Anna acquired a broad and developed artistic skill in different mediums and she chose to go on to study graphic design and typography winning one of 30 places at University against fierce competition. This was a turning point for Anna and she flourished in her years of study, taking a job in an advertising agency in East Berlin as a graphic designer on graduation. However, this position soon lost its lustre as she found the work monotonous and not as creative as promised. She soon realised that her interest in design was mainly focused in the interior design industry and Anna retrained as an interior designer in the UK, working on projects across Germany and England. Today her flair and artistic talent shines out through her Anna Casa showroom in London and every stunning interior design scheme she creates.

Anna Dodonova travels extensively – not only to see clients, but visiting exhibitions and design fairs around the world as inspiration for her work and to keep her finger on the pulse of emerging trends and ideas in interiors, fashion, food, travel and hotels. It was at one of her visits to the European design fairs that Anna found out about Italian designer furniture brand Reflex / Angelo and met with the owners in Milan in 2006. In very short shrift the concept Anna had in mind for Anna Casa was agreed upon and plans were set in motion. A showroom in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour was secured and with the support of Reflex / Angelo it opened in February 2007 to much fanfare.

The idea behind Anna Casa was to create a showroom with a difference where customers are inspired by a wide range of exclusive and bespoke modern furniture made from luxurious materials such as Murano glass, hardwood and metal. Anna has taken this initial idea to a fantastic level furnishing her showroom to her own exacting specification with bold coloured glass walls and floors, curtains of sparkling Swarovski crystal beads and dramatic statement pieces of furniture, creating a peerless and pioneering showroom in the design hub of London. It is not surprising therefore that Anna also provides an interior designer service for select customers around the world on prestigious high-end residential, hotel and commercial projects. Anna speaks Russian, German and English – and has a Little Black Book of translators at her fingertips to ensure perfect communication with clients of many other nationalities.

Her background and training in both interior and graphic design allows her to explore many different styles and mediums of furniture and design. Added to this, her keen eye for detail, creative vision and personal approach means each project is a reflection of the personality and lifestyle of the customer and made to their own specifications.

In Anna’s own words, her biggest success to date has been “seeing the company growing from strength to strength, and continuing to be successful in a job I love to do”. Anna’s long-term plan is to continue to expand the showroom in London by building relationships with exclusive brands with the end goal of Anna Casa becoming the high-end interiors boutique in London. She also plans to grow the interior design service for both residential and commercial properties which has been a great success; her interior design team is currently expanding to cater for the demand from around the world. As well as developing the business within London, Anna Casa continues to be an international brand, serving clients from all over the globe; the showroom has been inundated recently with orders from international hotels.

Anna lives and works by many mottos:

“Always have a goal”

“Think positive”

“Thoughts and dreams are material, be careful what you wish for”

“Live your dreams, don’t dream your life”

Anna Casa Interiors

www.annacasa.net


Anna Dodonova in the Anna Casa showroom in London’s Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour