Original article can be viewed at Ion Magazine - Images courtesy of Ion Magazine.

Anna Murrays Glasgow

Anna Murray is originally from London but calls Glasgow her ‘forever’ home. After graduating from Glasgow School of Art, she worked at leading London design practices Tilney Shane, Imagination and Morey Smith for clients including IBM, Warner Music and Heal’s. Since her return to Glasgow in 2000, she’s worked predominantly on residential projects and with her new business, Habitus, she’s helping clients to love their homes a little more.

How would you describe your signature style?
The collaborative nature of my approach means that every project is different. This keeps things fresh for me and means that clients know they are getting something unique to them – they are not getting my ‘look’.

What’s the city’s most inspiring building?
This changes all the time but I recently had a look around the old Stow College building. It’s been acquired by GSA to enhance the campus and provide a suitable home for the School of Fine Art. It’s a wonderful example of a functional 1930s building that manages to be effortlessly beautiful.

An interior you’d love to tackle?
Any of the rather generic Glasgow hotels. It is san exciting, original and innovative city but this is not generally reflected in the design of our hotels.

The city’s best kept secret?
The Hidden Lane is full of budding creative businesses and the tearoom is amazing.

What would make the city a stronger attraction?
I wish there were more furniture shops. I miss Habitat and it would be wonderful if Muji were to make a return. Thank goodness for Tojo, a design lover’s haven.

Where do you go to escape the city’s hustle and bustle?
In two minutes I can be walking along the River Kelvin looking out for kingfishers.

The best places in Glasgow

For coffee
Papercup, Great Western Road

Lunch with friends
Stravaigin

A working lunch
Alchemilla in Finnieston

Posh nosh
The Ubiquitous Chip

A Friday night out
The Drake

For Sunday brunch
Avenue G, Byres Road

Pamper session
Western Baths

 
 

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

my favourite things

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.