This week, we're in San Francisco visiting the home of up-and-coming interior design creative, Annie Lee! Serenity exudes from every corner of this space, while Annie shares her tips & tricks with us.
Tell us about you! How did you get into interior design?
I have been drawn to interior design ever since I was little. One of my favorite activities as a kid was taking a blank piece of A4 paper and drawing my dream home. I would draw an elaborate house that had multiple floors and took up the entire piece of paper. I would play this “game” a million times.
Last year, my partner and I had a roommate that moved out. This was the first time I fully leaned into interior design. I had the freedom to decorate a home the way I wanted to, something I always dreamed of.
What made you want to share your love of interior design on social media?
Funny enough, @annieleebnb actually first started as an Airbnb review blog. I’d share the interiors of Airbnbs that I stayed at. It was my pandemic passion project. But with the pandemic and new work from home policies, I was also traveling less and spending a lot of time at home. I found myself tinkering with every corner of my apartment and taking photos of it. I also loved following home & interior accounts on Instagram. So a few months ago, I slowly evolved @annieleebnb into an interior account for my own home. Once I started, I sort of couldn’t stop :)
Tell us about your creative process. Where do you find inspiration?
My creative process starts with inspiration for sure. I may feel inspired by a room, a wall, or a need. Then I turn to different platforms to research ways to design that space or meet that need. My favorite platforms for inspiration are Pinterest and IG. Sometimes, instead of finding the item for a space, I find the item first (usually through a thrift find or vintage score) and then make it work in my home.
I also find inspiration from just living life. I love flipping through my home interior books for inspiration. Nature, food, art, and everything in between - I find inspiration anywhere and everywhere!
What’s one piece of advice you always go back to when it comes to your career?
Your network is invaluable. You never know who might help you in your career one day. Pay it forward by sharing your network.
What makes a space feel like home?
For me, a space feels like home when there is peace and personality. My home needs to be a space that I feel safe and relaxed in. For me, that means a clean and organized home, comfortable furniture, plants, and an abundance of natural light. I also love that my home contains vintage/thrifted pieces that I sourced and items that mean something to me and my partner. This makes my home feel unique and personal to me. Everything in my home is there for a reason!
As a creative, what’s your best tip for achieving a sense of balance in your home?
Keep the things that “spark joy” (shout out Marie Kondo) and get rid of the items that no longer serve you. “Serving you” could mean it is practical or you just love it. Either way, do not let items that you no longer care for take up space in your home. Don’t get too attached to them either. You evolve as a person - your interests will evolve, so your home will too!
What are some of your home essentials?
Plants - yes, I am a proud plant mom. Lamps - lots of them. I try not to turn on the overhead light if I can help it. Candles - I want my home to always smell good! I always have a stash of candles. And comfortable throws - my Clr Shop throw is draped over me every time I am on the couch or in my reading chair.
What are you looking forward to in the next year?
I am looking forward to connecting with more creatives in the next year. The interior community is incredible - warm, encouraging, supportive. I am also looking forward to stretching my creativity. If you’re a fellow home interiors enthusiast, let’s be friends!