the voice of Anna of Studio Lambiotte
Step into the world of Anna Lambiotte, the creative force behind Studio Lambiotte, a distinguished design studio based in both Colorado and California. Anna’s journey into interior design is deeply rooted in her family’s legacy of real estate development and artistic expression. Growing up, she was immersed in the world of design, critiquing and celebrating various architectural feats alongside her family. When it came time to build her first home in 2002, she embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and a vision. The success of that project ignited a passion that has driven her to design stunning spaces ever since. Join us as we delve into Anna’s story, exploring her inspirations, challenges and the artistry that defines her unique approach to interior design.
- How did you find your calling in interior design? What drew you to it?
- My father is a real estate developer, so I grew up in a family that was always celebrating good design (and often critiquing bad design lol). When it came time for my husband and I to build our first home in 2002, I didn’t hesitate to do it all on my own. I loved the process of visualizing my space and seeing it come to life. Once it was completed, I immediately wanted to do it all over again. Someone walked into that home and asked me to design their 9,500 square foot new build and I’ve been doing it ever since.
- How does artistry integrate into what you do on a daily basis?
- My mother is an artist, and I inherited that gene of needing to create. Interior designers are like artists who have been commissioned to create a specific piece of art – our clients choose us based on our aesthetic style and past creations, but we are ultimately creating per our client’s specific parameters.
- What project are you most proud of and why?
- I am most proud of the home we recently designed on Cranmer Park where the old glass house used to be. This was a three-year project and a massive undertaking. Our client had a very clear vision of what they wanted and really trusted us to bring that to life. It was an awesome collaborative effort and I could not be more pleased with how it turned out.
- How would you describe your signature interior design style?
- Luxurious and unpretentious. Refined and easy going. Serene and neutral, with just enough drama. A recent project in Deer Valley captures these values beautifully.
- Can you share a memorable experience with a challenging project and how you overcame it?
- I worked on a very modern home a few years ago where the architect had already specified all the finishes. The architect was a force and had created a real masterpiece. But my clients wanted to make sure the home was suitable for young kids, and comfortable while on vacation. We pushed hard to compliment some of the more austere finishes with more welcoming and sometimes practical materials. For example, wrapped metal stair treads shifted to wood, and we incorporated a stunning crystallo island into the all black kitchen.
- When designing a space, what is the most important factor to consider and why?
- Step number one is to understand the needs and goals of your client – how do they live, what are they drawn to, what is their budget, etc. From there, we always take our cue from the architecture and location of the project. Don’t fight the architecture, embrace it. And try to reflect the surrounding environment, it will lead to a more timeless design.
- How do you incorporate personal touches in your designs to reflect your clients’ personalities?
- We love getting to know our clients and their personal story. How we weave in special moments will vary from project to project. For the home we just completed on the park, our clients moved to Denver from New York and wanted to give special nods to Manhattan in fun locations throughout the house. For their pool bathroom we used a mix of Nero Marquina and Carrera marble in a checkerboard pattern with white subway tile, glossy black accents, and quintessential polished nickel Waterworks fixtures.
- What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in interior design?
- The biggest misconception about interior design is that it’s all rainbows and unicorns with pretty fabrics swirling around. Yes, there are lots of fun aspects to design but, at the end of the day, you are only as good as your project management skills. There is so much that can go wrong on even the smallest of jobs, and you have to be willing to go the distance to see things through to completion. So be real about that before you embark on this journey. In addition to being creative, I have my MBA and I love running a business. That has served me well.
- How do you approach designing for small spaces versus larger ones?
- Scale, proportion and balance are critical no matter the project, big or small. I think that is the hardest thing for people to realize when considering an entire room and creating a cohesive space. They might have the length of the sofa right, but is that bulky arm too much for the smaller room? Is the stone coffee table too heavy? Is the tall lamp feeling too oversized? And of course, the smaller the room the higher the stakes in making sure it’s all super functional. Small spaces can have as much of an impact as the bigger ones when you have the guts to go for your vision.
- How do you work with clients to ensure that your designs fit their lifestyle?
- Interior design is a collaborative effort. Rarely do we have clients that have no opinion or requirements for their space. You have to listen and often interpret what your clients want, as they often can’t really articulate it. Our job is to read between the lines and know what is going to make them tick.
- To what or to whom do you attribute your success?
- I have an incredibly supportive family. My kids are very patient with how often I work, and my husband is an awesome support.
- Where do you find inspiration in your daily life? Do you have any recommended books, podcasts or publications?
- Of course I have designers who I love on Instagram, but I get a lot of inspiration from traveling. I recently spent three weeks in Africa and I’m now manifesting a project with a strong bohemian vibe. Any takers?!
Discover how Lambiotte Studios transforms spaces into personal oases for luxury properties.
July 12, 2024
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