Behind the Design: Anastasia Faiella
“When the business feels like it’s running you, then it’s not really your business anymore,” cautions Anastasia Faiella, the creative force behind San Francisco Bay Area-based Faiella Design. Before she even opens her lap top in the morning, Faiella says she makes sure to stretch and do at least 30 minutes of yoga, followed by a cup of tea. A morning routine like that is pretty impressive for someone who runs her own interior design firm and manages full-scale remodel projects (like this Russian Hill restoration). Named Best of Houzz four consecutive years, Faiella Design has been featured in California Home Design, Better Homes and Gardens and the San Francisco Chronicle and continues to receive praise for her work transforming spaces around the Bay area.
I design because…I love textiles, color, unique finishes, furniture anything tactile, finding the best combination of these elements and then seeing them come to life in the design and client’s home is really exciting. I love transforming spaces.
My business mantra is…just do it
In the morning I…stretch and do at least 30 minutes of yoga, followed by a cup of earl grey tea with milk. Then, ready to open lap top and start emails.
The best advice I’ve ever received is…follow your instincts.
The most memorable space I’ve ever been in was…the Pablo Picasso Museum in Antibes France. It was a white washed building with two or three floors, right on the sea. There was large windows everywhere and the light there was so beautiful, like it sparkled or something, hard to describe. It smelled salty like the sea and it felt time worn, you could feel the history of the building.
The first thing I ever bought for my own home was…a custom armchair in blonde wood with an upholstered seat (by local Bay Area furniture designer Ted Boerner).
My favorite city for design is…Florence Italy but I would say London is right up there. All of them but the Uffizi Gallery and the Botticelli’s are my favorite, with the Tate Modern following closely
My favorite Pinterest board is…Black & White
When I design I feel…satisfied
My personal style is…simple, Classic. Off duty is all comfort, yoga pants and sweatshirt
My tips for staying organized at home are…have a set place for all the details in life like mail, keys, battery chargers for electronics etc….. I am a big fan of large flat rectangular baskets/trays that you can place on a counter top, console or buffet. (West Elm, Crate & Barrel is my go to for these types of home accessories)
I relieve stress by…doing yoga, going to a movie or taking a walk. A good massage is also very helpful! I also spend time in my art studio painting, keeps me balanced.
I always have…Mac Lipstick ( color mocha or twig), iPhone, glasses, and my go to pink leather notebook…in my bag
To me, running a successful business is…being organized and having clear goals.
My favorite project to date was…the Russian Hill Remodel. The client hired me to design the whole home from top to bottom including a full remodel for the kitchen, bathrooms and roof top deck. So exciting to have the opportunity to develop & design concept for the whole home. The client wanted a light and airy look and was really up for exploring customized finishes and furnishings for the home. I love working with customized product because it allows me to collaborate with other artisans and crafts people and offer really unique design solutions.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned working in the interior design business is…when the business feels like it’s running you then it’s not really your business anymore.