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by Ana McCreath
An interview by the Alresford Forum for an article in their April 2015 edition, with kind permission of Mark Tubb of the Alresford Forum.
THE FORUM TALKS TO INTERIOR DESIGNER ANA MCCREATH
It was a fabulous way to spend a morning, sipping coffee from elegant china cups surrounded by very beautiful furniture, stunning accessories and sumptuous fabrics in the design studio of Ana’s showroom ‘Design Realities’.
It was her husband’s work that brought her to Hampshire. “We lived and worked in Asia and London - I was previously doing architecture, which is my passion but it had got so intense that I was just working all hours, so I decided I needed a change. Interior Design was the obvious choice as it is in line with my main interest. I studied Interior Design in London when we moved to Hampshire and I applied my passion for both architecture and interior design to the re-design of our former house in Winchester. I’m very fortunate my husband is interested in design too. One day he said to me that he had found an Interior Design business for sale in Alresford and he thought we should take it on - and so we did! That was some seven and a half years ago now.”
I wonder where Ana continues to find her inspiration?
Ana smiles, ”I love to visit old towns like Arundel, and museums, I love museums. In London I have a weakness for the V&A, The Design Museum and the National Gallery – it is just so inspiring and the best way to get an eye for design and style. I can be creatively influenced by anything, music, a film, architecture or an unusual object. I guess that is why when we are on holiday I never stop!” Ana adores opera and classical music particularly Bach and unapologetically adds “I love Rodin, his work brings tears to my eyes!”
Looking around her design showroom it is obvious how very creative Ana is. How would she describe her personal style?
“Because I cannot live with just one style, I’m bolder with my personal preferences, I like mixing a variety of styles, though in essence I need to have a characteristic of the Classical either in proportions or design.
My style at home reflects this. Objects from our travels, the places we’ve lived in, mementos from friends and family, our favourite things. Our home is a mirror of who and what we are and if I can be surrounded by things I love everyday, then I can not only enjoy being me, I can also be the best version of me for others.” Ana enthuses, “While I am not a fan of ‘seasonal’, trends are important to me, I follow them whether it be fashion, science, art or design– I love the ‘New Scientist’ magazine it’s full of incredible ideas!
I also believe it is important to allow things to change and evolve. It is the natural cycle of life. This is what makes interior design so interesting - it is all about change - albeit in our immediate environment, it is the uplifting kind of change. I do see myself as a creative person, a catalyst, I am not good with things that are static, I have to be doing something creative all the time or I would burst! Cooking, painting, or re-jigging a room!”
Bearing all that in mind what has been Ana’s most exciting Interior Design project to date?
She is thoughtful. “No matter what the project is, a complete house, a specially commissioned chandelier, or the tiniest window they are all exciting because once a good design is worked out I know in my bones it will look beautiful and that will make my clients happy. Ultimately that is my goal. It’s a great privilege to be invited into peoples private spaces and to be a confidante to their needs and aspirations, I’m so aware of that.
With many beautiful pieces around her, what three things couldn’t she live without?
“My parents, my man, and my dogs! But I do have a very special painting by a little known French artist. It’s a reclining lady who is staring into a mirror, it’s very enigmatic. There’s just something about her, I wonder what she’s thinking.”
What is her mantra for life?
“I am a very positive person, I believe that one cannot truly be happy with envy in one’s heart! I like seeing people happy. Fortunately my work allows me this opportunity. It is very humbling.
Having moved to and renovated a larger showroom in Alresford, what next for Ana?
“I have a thousand things running through my head! I wish for Design Realities to keep evolving for the better, to be place of inspiration should visitors be thinking of ringing changes in their homes. People come in and then say ‘that’s given me an idea’. I love that. I want people to to feel the positive effect of being surrounded by beauty and order. That’s why I take so much time sourcing special and unusual items. To be surrounded by beauty is very uplifting.”
I have to say it certainly was. Ana is about to launch her new and impressive web site (which is a thing of beauty in itself) through which she is set to make many more people fall in love with interior design.
