Based in Henley-on-Thames and working across the Home Counties and London, Anna Moss is the founder of Moss Living Interiors, known for creating elegant, timeless spaces with personality. Her love of interiors began in childhood, trailing through antique shops and soaking up inspiration from her family studio. After a decade in marketing, she took the leap and launched her own practice in 2019 and hasn’t looked back. Today, Anna’s designs blend classic foundations with contemporary touches, always tailored to the lives and stories of her clients.

Welcome to the Style Journal Anna. When and where did your journey in interior design begin?

My path into interiors began when I was introduced to Liz Stewart-Liberty, whose family once owned Liberty, the iconic mock-Tudor London store. She generously gave me a book, Classic Meets Contemporary, by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, which featured twelve designers reimagining rooms at a mansion house in Regent’s Park for the British Interior Design Exhibition. I just loved the mix of classical architecture and contemporary design; it captivated me.

Interior design had always been my true passion, but at the time it didn’t feel like an accessible career path. After more than a decade in marketing and advertising, I reached a now-or-never moment. In 2019, I earned my diploma and founded Moss Living Interiors, based in Henley on Thames, finally pursuing the career I had always dreamed of.

Are there any standout experiences in life that have helped to shape your sense of style?

I spent many weekends of my childhood trailing through antique shops with my parents. With a father who is wonderfully creative with his own studio, I like to think I was lucky enough to inherit a natural eye for art.

Your designs have a timeless quality, which is something we also value. How do you approach creating spaces that feel current, yet won’t date?

I don’t follow trends. All my projects are incredibly personal and bespoke to each of my clients, yet grounded in the same principles of lasting character, function and meaning. I like to draw on classical principles and then layer in texture, colour, and carefully chosen pieces that feel meaningful to the client. Every piece is chosen with intention, holding its place, its purpose, and often, its story is relevant only to my clients. That way, the design feels current without being tied to a moment in time; it has longevity and a timeless quality.

Do you sketch by hand, work digitally, or mix both when visualising a finished room?

I tend to use a mix of both. I usually begin with a rough hand sketch to explore ideas, then refine the layout from there. That’s always the foundation. Once the layout feels right, we move on to developing the overall design, which is then modelled in 3D. This stage really brings the vision to life and helps clients clearly envisage the space; it creates a shared understanding for everyone involved.

Designing a children's room is a great opportunity to let your imagination run wild whilst creating a space with a sense of comfort and warmth.⁠ We loved the nursery transformation where you featured our Lucie pendant—what inspired you to choose that particular piece?

I absolutely love designing children’s bedrooms because you can really push the boundaries and create something truly magical. In that particular project, my clients weren’t sure if it was for a boy or a girl, so the design needed to work for either. Placing the Lucie pendant centrally in the Georgian bedroom brought the room together, seamlessly connecting the wallpapered ceiling with the walls. While children grow up faster than we imagine, I believe it’s important that their rooms have longevity. The Lucie pendant is such a timeless piece; it will continue to feel classic and relevant for years to come.

Are there certain features in a new project that instantly inspire you and let you know it’s going to be a creatively fulfilling experience?

I always think if you’ve hit the ground running with a client, that’s when you know it’s going to be creatively fulfilling. When there’s a real sense of trust and excitement from the start, ideas flow so much more naturally. I also find certain features within a property, like original architectural details, can spark endless inspiration. It’s those elements, combined with a strong client relationship, that make a project really special.

We admire your unapologetic use of colour, whether it be statement patterned curtains or a fully papered feature wall, where do you start when deciding on a colour palette for a space?

My ideas usually always start from one tiny single detail, whether that’s a piece of fabric or a pattern that’s caught my eye, and then it grows and develops from there. I’m always thinking about how it will make my client feel. An example is this soft pink Veere Greeney wallpaper – I came across it during a day at Chelsea Harbour and instantly knew my clients would love it. That one piece became the foundation for the entire scheme, which grew into the most beautiful master bedroom, a calming sanctuary where they could truly unwind.

Many people shy away from using bold colours in their homes. What advice would you give to those looking to bring more personality and depth to their space without feeling overwhelmed?

I think the key is to start small and build confidence gradually. Bold colour doesn’t always have to mean painting an entire room in a striking shade, it can be introduced through fabrics, cushions, art, or even a patterned lampshade. These touches add personality and depth without feeling overwhelming. I also encourage people to think about how colour makes them feel. If a particular tone brings warmth, joy or calm, it’s much easier to live with long-term. And remember, colour is there to be enjoyed, your home should reflect you, not a rulebook.

If a full renovation isn’t an option, what are some simple changes people can make that still have a big effect on the overall feel of a room?

Small changes can make a huge difference. Sometimes simply updating the cushions, a throw, or a lampshade can instantly transform a room and give it a fresh energy. Swapping out lampshades, for example, is such an easy way to introduce colour, texture, or pattern without committing to anything permanent. Layering in textiles, whether that’s a rich velvet cushion, a patterned rug, or a striking throw, can change the mood of a space almost immediately. Even rethinking artwork or rearranging accessories can breathe new life into a room. It’s really about being intentional with those finishing touches; they add personality and warmth, often more than people realise.

Finally, a few quick-fire questions.
What are your top tips for making a house feel like a home?
For me, a house only truly becomes a home when it reflects you, your story and your sense of style. It’s not about copying trends or creating something that feels staged; it’s about surrounding yourself with pieces that hold meaning. That could be a piece of art collected on your travels, a family heirloom, or even a chair you’ve had reupholstered in a fabric you love.

What’s your favourite room to design?
It has to be children’s bedrooms; they really are my favourite! You can be playful and imaginative while still creating a space that grows with them.

What’s a staple homeware piece that every house needs?
I’d say every home needs a really great lamp. Lighting has such a transformative effect, it can instantly change the mood of a room and make a space feel warm and inviting particularly as the seasons change. Lamps bring personality, texture, and depth to spaces that might otherwise feel flat. Good lighting is never just practical, it’s what makes a house feel truly lived-in and atmospheric.

Your favourite Jim Lawrence product?
It has to be the Club Wall Light. I love its understated elegance and versatility - it works so well in multiple settings and adds a subtle sophistication that elevates any space without overpowering it. I often use it to create soft, ambient lighting in hallways or living rooms, as it brings such a warm, inviting glow.