Anu Jain
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? I would absolutely, happily, with pleasure, move to London any day of the week. My husband and I have been hunting for a home there forever, as we spend our summers there quite often! It is such an amazing culturally rich city, and I get a kick out of the British sense of humor. The architecture is stunning and its super kid friendly!
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Sophisticated
2. Romantic
3. Elegant with Edge
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My childhood bedroom, to be honest, was designed in a pretty chaotic way! My mom, who is my best friend and whom I love dearly, chose primary colors and totally mismatched patterns for the room. My cabinets ended up painted red, yellow, and cobalt blue. It was kind of like something out of “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”—I basically learned what not to do in design! Still love you, Mom!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? Our Pierre Augustine Rose curved sofa is one of my favorite investment pieces in our home – and probably my first really big splurge. I followed it up the next week with a stunning Philippe Malouin chandelier, but I suppose that was the second investment piece! But the first led to the second, as we had to find light fixtures that held their own next to that piece of art of a sofa!
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Remi Tessier—I am obsessed with his work and his life story. If I can find a hotel he has designed in a certain city, I make sure to stay there. Just absolutely love his work.
No room is complete without statement solid light fixtures
People think of me as work obsessed but I am reallyjust super passionate about design
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Fussy filler flowers!
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything that is too saucy or with a curry, always got to respect the hostess’ furniture!
A bar cabinet: Everything except red wine and scotch!
A song for:
Dinner at home: Soundtrack of Something’s Gotta Give by Nancy Meyers
Working at your desk: Vivaldi!
Going for a run: Lose Yourself or the Rocky theme – I am old school!
Biggest Vice? Dark Chocolate ice cream- yum!
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Khaite or Alaia clothes on Net-a-porter!!!
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? I would say no. I dress mostly in neutrals and solids but I am a lot more adventurous with my designs! I love color and pattern. I think my jewelry taste does reflect my design sensibilities though!
Who is your star crush? David Beckham, since the day I knew what a crush is!
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Use of plants everywhere – I don’t love using plants in my design and décor, but I can appreciate it when others do. I don’t like how they look so busy sometimes.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? I find my Rose Uniacke coffee table books to be the ones I keep going back to. So that one!
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I would like my work to be known for its uniqueness and for its ability to make one pause and think and reflect. I want my work to spark a conversation and for there to be a moment of wow!
Your Favorite:
Movie: Father of the Bride, the one with Steve Martin!
Book: Harry Potter! Or Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Scent: Brunello Cuccinelli pour femme
The fabric you always come back to: Pierre Frey Teddy Mohair!
Dream project: A Napa Estate overlooking a vineyard, ideally a forever home for a sweet family!
Meal: I’m a sucker for a great salad with a side of hand cut crisp fries!
Drink: Manhattan or a neat Japanese whiskey!
Hotel: Le Sirenuse, Positano or Peninsula London (a recent fave!)
Travel Destination: London!
Artist: Paul Cezanne but lately also in love with this Scottish artist Gwen Hardie
A cause near and dear to me: All causes benefitting underprivileged children and mothers are dear to me. I also deeply believe in sustainability which is why I recycle a lot of furniture and love upholstering vintage items. A climate charity I often donate to is Sea Shepherd’s Society.
Thing to collect obsessively: I love fine dinnerware and glassware, especially Lobmeyr!
Era in the history of design: Art Deco!
Museum: British Museum
Paint Color that always looks great: Farrow and Ball Slipper Satin or Whirlybird
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Eva Chen!
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs all the way!
