14th March 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBIDAnna Moss, Founder of Moss Living Interiors, has given her insights into the industry.
Why did you want to work in the interior design profession?
Growing up, I was always creative but also love understanding more about how businesses work. Interior design had always been my true passion, but years ago, it didn’t seem like an accessible career path. After spending over a decade in marketing and advertising, I decided to pursue my dream. In 2019, I earned my Diploma and founded Moss Living Interiors.
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?
I love having the vision in my own head and then taking my clients on an exciting journey to bring their space to life through 3D renders, colour palette consultations, furniture design, joinery drawings and so on, so they can envisage the end result, despite usually working with an empty shell in the months prior. Seeing my clients faces on the day they move in, or are handed back the keys or space is always an unforgettable moment.
What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?
I think it has to be when my work was featured in The Telegraph, it was a magical surprise.
What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?
I really love working on period properties, particularly when they’ve lost their spark – I think because they have so much character and history and the building before you’ve even started. I recently worked on a Grade II listed Georgian property with the original parts dating from 1720. The property was redesigned to create a wonderful family home while still maintaining the historical integrity of the property. The drawing room alone is over 50 square meters, and despite its size, it’s been transformed into an interior of beauty. The walls have been panelled in a soft, warm pink and there are formal shapes among the furniture, and others that are squashier and more relaxed. Strong pattern makes its way in through the curtains and soft furnishings; it’s a timeless blend of historical architectures with contemporary finishes.
What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?
I think it has to be working with many different suppliers and retailers; if there’s a supply chain issue or a contractor lets you down, it can have a huge knock-on effect on the project as a whole, and I often take that really personally.
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
Just how varied the role is. You spin many plates. Interior design really does cover a broad spectrum of skills from the technical side of interior drawings and then the creative part, all the way through to project management and administration both on-site and in the office. You have to be able move quickly from one skill set to the other.
If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?
Speak to as many people as you can to build your own connections and get as much experience as you can.
How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?
We’re definitely moving towards a more sustainable future with a growing emphasis on conscious consumerism. We’re prioritising sustainable materials, craftmanship and timeless styles. I always say, “you buy cheap, you buy twice”. AI is also bringing significant changes with enhanced visualisation, smart home integration and streamlining processes but it’s not replacing the human touch and the bespoke style of an interior designer.
What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?
This achievement represents my commitment to excellence, professionalism, and delivering the highest quality of service to our clients which I’m really excited about.
About Moss Living Interiors
Moss Living Interiors is a design studio based in Oxfordshire founded by Anna Moss. We are known for mixing colours, textures, patterns and proportions to create calming and elegant spaces across both high-end residential and commercial projects. With a love for blending classic and contemporary styles to create a timeless aesthetic, our spaces are designed to stand the test of time; each carefully-selected piece has a history, a place and a lasting purpose. We offer virtual e-design services and full service design solutions. From layout design, concept development, to design implementation, furniture selection and installation, we meticulously curate every detail to ensure a seamless and harmonious design experience.
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