Annie Downing
photo by lindsay brown
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Italy, they know how to live and enjoy life.
What are three words to describe your style? Eclectic, Joyful, Layered
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My childhood bedroom was color drenched, as they say now—mauve carpet and walls, with a wallpaper border. It was definitely a lot, but in hindsight, it was pure character!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A pine coffee table from a store in Georgetown/Washington DC called Random Harvest. It felt like a very sophisticated purchase at the time!
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? It would be Renzo Mongiardino. His ability to blend opulence with comfort and create spaces that feel both timeless and deeply personal is something I truly admire. His work feels like an experience, not just a room.
No room is complete without Books —always. Preferably well-loved, with dog-eared pages and a few stacked on a side table next to a great lamp.
People think of me as a modernist, but I am really a lover of traditional too
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Baby’s breath. It has its place, but not here. Also, anything too perfectly symmetrical—flowers should feel a little wild, like they just happened.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Raw green bell peppers. Red are fine.
A bar cabinet: Rosé. Over it! Give me a great amaro or a decanter of something unexpected instead.
A song for
Dinner at home: Leon Bridges or the Black Pumas.
Working at your desk: Currently Chappell Roan.
Going for a run: Not a runner anymore but I was I would say 90’s rap.
Biggest Vice? Nutella by the spoonful.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Oyster plates and ceramics! P.S. Never taken Ambien!
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Yes, I love to invest where it makes sense and then mix in an approachable, casual element.
Who is your star crush? Pedro Pascal.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? I’m not one for overly matching everything—like color-coordinating every element to perfection—but when I see someone pull it off with ease, it works!
What design book do you find yourself going back to again and again? Beata Heuman’s book.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? For posterity, I’d love my work to be known for its ability to captivate—interesting, eye-catching, and always with a few unexpected elements that make it feel fresh and full of personality.
photo by lindsay brown
A Few Favorites:
Movie: I’d say “The Royal Tenenbaums”—it’s quirky, visually stunning, and has that perfect blend of wit, nostalgia, and beautifully layered storytelling. Plus, the interiors! How could I not love them? I also do love Steel Magnolias.
Book: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
Scent: Yves Saint Laurent Jardins de Majorelle only available to purchase at the museum shop in Marrakech.
The fabric you always come back to: Anything from Fermoie!
Dream project: One with a trusting client who has a sense of humor and a collaborative team.
Meal: Sushi
Drink: Dirty Martini
Hotel: 47 Jobner Bagh, The way it layers in rich textiles, local artistry, and a true sense of place makes it feel more like staying in a (very stylish) friend’s home rather than a hotel.
Travel Destination: OH gosh, this one is difficult, Paris for the obvious answer and Jaipur.
Artist: I love art that’s quirky and has a strong sense of color. While I can’t choose just one favorite, I’m particularly drawn to the work of Patrick Puckett, a local Austin artist whose bold use of color and unique style really resonate with me
A cause near and dear to me: Supporting artisans and traditional craftsmanship, especially the kind of handwork that keeps history and culture alive—whether it’s block printing in India, Zellige tile-making in Morocco, or intricate textile weaving in Mexico.
Thing to collect obsessively: Vintage books on interiors that still feel relevant today and tableware.
Era in the history of design: Hhhmm probably, The 1970s were a bold, experimental time in design, with deep earth tones like burnt orange and avocado green mixed with vibrant blues and pinks. It was all about self-expression and creating unique, personal spaces.
Museum: I do love the Picasso Museum in Paris.
Paint Color that always looks great: A rich, dusty lilac that shifts beautifully in different light.
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Someone who shares a deep love for interiors, textiles, and travel—like @fredericmagazine or a designer with an intuitive sense of color and history. Also, anyone with a fantastic sense of humor about design! @dissapointingffirmations for laughs.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? 2 dogs!
