Anja Michals is the founder and creative force behind Anja Michals Design, a full-service interior design studio based in the Bay Area. With a background in fashion and a decade of experience in New York, Anja brings an editorial eye and intuitive sensibility to residential spaces that balance function, beauty, and personal story. Her work is rooted in collaboration, resulting in homes that feel as intentional as they are lived-in.
Tell us a little about yourself—how did you get started in design?
My background was Fashion for a decade in New York City. When I moved back to the West coast I started a family and started thinking about my next move. I was always interested in interiors, just as I am fashion- I feel like they go hand in hand. My best friend in NY started her own design business (Bespoke interior design) and really inspired me that I could do it too. When I moved to Marin from SF, my other very good friend was remodeling her house. She hired me, and the rest is history. That was in 2013. I am self taught and did not go to school for this but experience has taught me a great deal and I am still learning. I cannot imagine doing anything else now!
Do you have a signature design element or style that defines your work?
I never really like to put myself in a box. My projects are all based on different factors which is why they can be so different from the next. I would say, I am big on comfort and beauty, and a lived in feeling. I am inspired by my backround which is growing up in California, with a Swedish mom ( visiting Sweden often) This is a hard question to answer!
Was there a specific project that shaped your approach to design?
Yes. I would say I am maturing more as a designer and realizing what is important to me. My recent project in Piedmont, I really leaned into pattern and color the way I wanted with the best client along the way. It was really fun, and the end result was better than I could have imagined. It inspired me to be more creative!
What’s the best piece of design advice you’ve ever received, and how has it influenced your work?
My best friend who is so inspiring just told me to be me, and stay in my lane. I always am reminded of this when I am too harsh on myself or comparing myself to others. There is a lot of great talent out there, but only one you.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about working with an interior designer?
I wish they would understand how collaborative the process is and how many layers on the back end designers juggle to create a seamless experience. Communication is everything!
What’s your favorite design trend this year, and how are you bringing it into your projects?
I love a bit of eclectic on my projects, and so I have to say I am loving color and pattern and so happy to see more of that happening.
Where do you find the most inspiration—travel, nature, fashion, or something else?
Travel and Fashion! I try every year to take trips to my favorite places like NYC, or Europe. Last year I went to Paris for the big flea market and was in heaven.
If you were designing your dream bathroom from scratch, what’s the first thing you’d choose?
The stone. To me the stone is the grounding force, and I also am obsessed with stone with variation, so I would start there and base the rest of the bathroom materials on that.
If you could use just one wallpaper in a bathroom, which would it be and why?
This is a hard question! I love this line and feeling this wallpaper right now. I think it has the right amount of color I can play off of, and I could see a pretty wood vanity being very pretty against it.
What’s your favorite Vanity & Co. style and how would you customize it for your client? Would you paint the vanity in a bold color, use a fun fabric? We’d love to know.
I am currently looking at The Evie Vanity right now for a client!
I love that it feels like a piece of furniture with the legs, and I think the hardware is super sweet and interesting. I am very much a wood girl, so would go with a wood vanity to add warmth and character to the space.
