Original article can be viewed at Ion Magazine - Images courtesy of Ion Magazine | Susie Lowe

Since graduating in interior design from Glasgow School of Art in 1991, Anna Murray has worked for leading London design practices Tilney Shane, Imagination and Morey Smith and been responsible for clients such as IBM, River Island, Warner Music and Heal’s. For the past 12 years, she has focused on bespoke residential interiors, with the majority of work recommendations and repeat business. She also teaches interior design at Glasgow School of Art and, along with business partner, Lee Sowerbutts, is a co-director at Rehab Interiors.

What’s your favourite room in your home?
My newly re-organised family room, complete with a stuffed buzzard and eye-poppingly turquoise goat hair carpet.

What has been the most worthwhile design investment you’ve made?
A Sebastian Wrong Font Clock by Established & Sons.

Whose style do you admire?
The venerated French genius, Andree Putman.

If money was no object, how would you furnish a home?
At Rehab Interiors our philosophy is that money is not the issue when it comes to style. Eclectic finds, cherished antiques, contemporary classics, quirky contemporary pieces combined with great colour and texture doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

If you could live somewhere else where would it be?
I’ve always fancied San Francisco, it reminds me of Glasgow.

What makes a house a home?
A little bit of imperfection and a lot of love.

Who would be your dream house guest?
My Great Aunt Diana Churchill. She was a renowned film and theatre actor in London from the ‘30s to the ‘60s. I was too young when she died to have heard some of her more risque tales first hand.

How would you describe your ‘signature’ look for your home?
I have been decorating almost exclusively using British Standard paint colours, the restrictive and sometimes dated palette is a delightful challenge. I also find it important for furniture and objects to have a story. Nearly everything we own has a narrative element such that, to us, our flat is like a constantly updating three-dimensional biography.

My DIY nightmare is…
Anything involving the removal of silicone sealant, a bete noire of mine.

Biggest design faux pas people make?
Trying to make everything match, a bit of a design curve-ball is so much more rewarding.

My top interiors tip would be…
Don’t fret about interior trends, if you follow your heart honestly it will work – it’s your own home after all.

For a good housewarming present I’d buy…
A vintage ceramic or glass treasure, it’s that narrative object obsession again.